Hiking and trekking in the Pollino: what to do

Got a sudden urge for adventure and exploration? Then the Pollino National Park is your destination. Because here, to the magnificent spectacle of nature, you can combine activities to share with family or friends, in the name of well-being and fun.

It is the ideal destination for those who love walking in the open air, breathing clean air, observing the undergrowth and learning about the characteristics of rivers, plants and animals. Excursions in the Pollino offer great benefits for body and mind and ever-changing emotions depending on the experience you wish to have, whether it is a relaxing walk along trails and valleys or an exciting adventure in which you challenge the river currents.

What to do in the Pollino? Let's go and find out together.

Fun and adrenaline. These are the two main ingredients of river tubing, an activity that is practised in the Mercure Lao river, in the Pollino National Park, aboard a single-seater donut called a ‘’tube‘’.

Accompanied by an experienced and qualified guide, you go down the watercourse in groups, riding the currents on floating donuts. You will be provided with everything you need for safe fun: wetsuit, helmet, life vest and water jacket. Bring spare clothes and shoes, a towel and a swimming costume in case the temperature permits swimming.

River tubing is a unique adventure suitable for all ages. There are routes with different levels of difficulty, but fun is always guaranteed. The classic route is an easy descent suitable for everyone, through the crystal-clear and rapid waters of the river, for about four kilometres. There are no particular gradient points and you descend slowly and safely. The baby route is designed for families with children, from the age of six. This is a precious opportunity for children to discover nature, because at some points they can stop to observe the wonders and secrets of the river up close, listening to the guides' clear and comprehensive explanations. The third route defined as ‘’special‘’ is for the more intrepid, for those who want to put themselves to the test and challenge their limits.

A unique adventure among the rapids of the Mercure Lao river, crossing points where the vegetation is particularly dense, along a route of around six kilometres, for an unforgettable experience. Activities in the river begin in spring, while walks and treks in the park can always be organised.

Walking through water, venturing into caves, feeling surrounded by the wildest nature and then spotting a waterfall more than ten metres high. This is the unique experience of river trekking, which you will be able to enjoy in the Pollino National Park by going to Basilicata, but only a short distance from the Calabrian side of the park.

Accompanied by expert guides, you will discover the A Jumarella torrent, a tributary of the Mercure Lao river. During the water trail, you will cross the torrent, which ploughs through an incredibly evocative canyon, among caves, waterfalls, enchanting views, and stops to admire the life of the forest and the beauty of this Park environment. The arrival point is in front of a high waterfall where - when the temperature permits - it is possible to take a regenerating and refreshing dip.

The route, which lasts about three hours, is not particularly difficult and is suitable for everyone (no ropes or carabiners are needed), but a minimum of agility and physical fitness is required to be able to cope with it. The necessary equipment is provided, which includes a neoprene wetsuit, hiking shoes, helmet and footwear. Be sure to bring a spare T-shirt, swimming costume and beach towel (if you intend to swim) and spare shoes.

You will be able to discover these activities from spring, when, after the harsh winter, the weather returns to mild and nature awakens, revealing its wonderful new colours.

Do you love walking in the open air? Immerse yourself in nature and breathe in the clean mountain air? Would you like to learn about the characteristics of rivers, plants or animals? You are in the right place, because water trekking in the Pollino National Park is just for people like you.

It is an open-air activity suitable for all ages, in which you ascend rivers or streams upstream, alternating moments in which you walk in the water with others in which you walk along forest paths. With water trekking, you explore river environments with the help of an expert guide, equipped with a waterproof suit and rubber boots. You only need to worry about bringing socks and spare clothing, the associations organising your excursion will take care of the rest. 

You don't need to be an experienced hiker, because water trekking is suitable for all ages, you just need to choose from the routes that best suit your level of fitness. It is an experience to be had with friends or with children. In any case, the wonderful setting of the Pollino National Park will make this day unforgettable, thanks also to efficient organisation of the excursion. The expert guide who accompanies you will take care of everything, from equipment to information on the orography of the area.

Why is water trekking an activity for everyone? Because you can choose from three routes of different levels. The easy one is recommended for families with children, even very small ones accompanied by their parents in baby carriers, and lasts about an hour and a half. The intermediate route is slightly more challenging because of the water flow and lasts about two hours; it is suitable for everyone, including children from 7/8 years of age. The ‘Canyon’ route is the most adrenalin-packed, and is naturally intended for the most experienced hikers.