We walk through one of the most characteristic villages in the Pollino National Park. The inhabitants, of Arbëreshë origin, have kept their language, culture, religion and culinary traditions alive.

We begin our walk starting from Piazza Municipio where we admire the Greek Byzantine church of Santa Maria Assunta. Continuing through narrow alleys we glimpse some of the typical Kodrahouses.

We reach a panoramic terrace that faces the majestic Timpa del Demanio and from which we catch a glimpse of the blue sea of the Ionian coast. We proceed on foot to Devil’s Bridge from which there is a wonderful view of the famous Raganello Gorges, surrounded by lush Mediterranean nature and imposing geological conformations.

A possible variant for the ascent from the Devil’s Bridge can be via a path consisting partly of steps and dirt road through which an additional striking naturalistic viewpoint is reached, with this variant the walk presents a higher level of commitment due to the constant ascent and it is necessary to consider an additional hour of walking.

The path, among the most evocative and rich in history, starts from the Parco della Cessuta near the famous “Abisso del Bifurto” a 683 m deep sinkhole a few kilometers from the village of Cerchiara di Calabria. We proceed through typical Mediterranean vegetation until we intersect the ancient path that pilgrims used to walk on in old times to reach the Sanctuary. In these places, in spring, it is possible to observe the flowering of very rare plants such as Paeonia Peregrina and Dictamnus Alba. The path gives us breathtaking views of the Ionian coast and the plain of Sibari. At the end of the path, a truly exciting scenery is shown to our eyes: The Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Armi, among the most important medieval monastic complexes in Calabria, which towers imposingly on the rock on the slopes of Mount Sellaro ( 1439 m. a.s.l.) . We visit this striking building that houses the image of the Madonna found inside the cave and admire works of art and frescoes from different historical periods.

Cerchiara di Calabria ( Pollino National Park, Calabria)

4 km ( one way)

100 mt

1,45 hrs about

T ( Easy )

This pleasent walk takes place through one of the widest beech forest in the Pollino National Park. To reach the starting point of the path we drive for abouth 12km departing from Civita. The trail starts from Colle Marcione (1227 m. a.s.l. ) with a slight uphill gradient. After about half an hour we reach Piano Ratto ( 1400 m. a.s.l.). We continue through the path surrounded by a majestic beech forest until we reach the Price’s fountain. This route will also give us the opportunity to to enjoy a unique view of the imposing Timpa di San Lorenzo.

Civita ( Pollino National Park, Calabria)

8 km ( Round Trip)

190 mt

3 hrs about

T ( Easy )

Walk in nature suitable for everyone. It starts from Piano Ruggio (1550 m. a.s.l) located in the heart of the Pollino National Park between Calabria and Basilicata. We will walk thorugh beautiful  landscapes characterized by green pastures and wooded mountains. The route proceeds through a path completely immersed in a wonderful centenary beech forest. We will  admire, according to the seasons, daffodils, gentians, thistles and often even traces of animals. We will listen, while walking, to the sounds of the inhabitants of the Park such as kestrels, buzzards, woodpeckers, crows. At the end of the path we reach the panoramic terrace of the Belvedere del Malvento from which it is possible to admire, not far away, some specimens of Pino Loricato, symbol of the Park itself.

Viggianello (  Pollino National Park. Basilicata )

2 km round trip

40 mt

2,5 hrs about

T ( Easy )

(Currently not viable because under maintenance)

This evocative walk starts from the historic center of Civita, a pretty and ancient Arbëreshe village. The village is steeped in history, traditions and Mediterranean nature. Our journey begins right among the suggestive alleys in search of the characteristic Kodra houses and chimneys. We proceed towards the hostel until we reach a wonderful panoramic terrace overlooking the majestic Timpa del Demanio and the Raganello Gorges. A unique naturalistic show that thrills anyone! We will have the opportunity to closely observe the rocky wall of the tymp with its wonderful pink and white stratifications. After a short stop to enjoy this beauty, we begin the descent along the 615 steps that lead us to the Devil’s Bridge.

Civita (Pollino National Park, Calabria)