It is the mountain that gives its name to the entire Massif, in the heart of the National Park of the same name, a spectacular pyramid that towers in the heart of the Calabro-Lucano mountain system and reaches an altitude of 2248 meters. We are on the border between Calabria and Basilicata, in the largest protected area in Italy, and the climb to the summit of Mount Pollino is one of the must-do hikes in this area.
A mountain whose name appears to have mythological origins: in fact, the toponym would derive from Apollo (Mons Apollineus), god of the sun and beauty.

Technical description:
From Colle dell’Impiso (1578 m.) drive to Piani di Vacquarro and take a dirt road. It meets “Spezzavummula” source, just before arriving at Piano Gaudolino from which you take the path that crosses majestic expanses of ancient beech trees and comes out into an uncovered escarpment among the loricate pines.
You then follow the trail to the top of Mt. Pollino. From the summit, walk along the Pollinello ridge, populated lower down by monumental loricate pines: the trail passes by the“Patriarch,” one of the best-known ultrasecular pines.
You then descend until you cross the Pollinello trail, continuing to the right, heading north towards Colle Gaudolino.

Route type: loop
Length:11 km
Height difference in ascent: 1026 m
Downhill elevation gain: 995 m
Highest point: 2248 m
Lowest point: 1500 m

Technical tips:
Wear tall hiking shoes (sneakers not recommended), windbreaker and trekking poles to help with the ascent. There is no shortage of water supply sources: the Spezzavummula spring and the Gaudolino spring-drinking fountain.

Municipality of departure: Viggianello
Starting location: Impiso Hill
Municipality of arrival: Viggianello
Arrival Location: Impiso Hill

Recommended period: May to October

Where to park:
Impiso Hill (location located between Piano Ruggio and Piano Visitone).