Pollino National Park

[Italy4me]

The Pollino National Park (directly behind Scalea) is the biggest natural park in Italy, spreading over more than 200.000 hectars.
Founded in 1991 mainly to preserve the last specimens of "Loricato" Pine (Bosnian Pine- Pinus leucodermis) in the world.Serra Dolcedorme is at 2000 m and on Monte Pollino, Serra delle Ciavole, Serra di Crispo, the "Loricato" Pine still climbs the rocky high mountain tops. From the highest peaks the view extends to two seas (Ionian to the East and Tyrrhenian to the West) and as far as Sicily,

Full of protected wildlife including the Yellow-Bellied Toad, many different species of Snakes, the Wolf, the Black Squirrel, the Golden eagle, Vulture, the Peregrin falcon, Buzzard, Otter, Hare, Black Woodpecker, Bespectacled Small Salamander, Newt, Wild Boar and Roe Deer (some of the last remaining population of Roe Deer in Italy).

Outstanding flora include the Silver Fir, Lobels Maple, Grecian Laurel, Turkey Oak, English Holly, Water Rhubarb, Beech, Prickly Pear, Martagon Lily, Holly Oak, Water Mint, Honesty, Dog Rose and Elder-Flowered Orchid.

A true gem right on our doorstep!