Pollino National Park Itinerary
Experience the beauty of nature on the Pollino National Park Scenic Drive. This 193 km road trip through Italy begins and ends in Scalea, and passes through the towns of Belvedere Marittimo and Castrovillari. The best time to take the drive is in the spring and summer months, when the lush gardens and rolling hills of the Pollino National Park are in full bloom. Along the way, you will find breathtaking landscapes, including valleys, mountains, and forests. While the roads are generally in good condition, some of them may be narrow and winding, so take care when driving. Please note that some sections may be closed due to bad weather, so always check the local conditions before setting out.
This scenic drive is suitable for every driver, and provides an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for years to come. With a reasonable budget, you can make the most of the Pollino National Park Scenic Drive, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
2
number of days
193 km
route length
moderate
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Scalea
Distance 193 km
Driving time 5.6 h
Pace: slow
44.3 kWh
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Scalea is a charming seaside town in the Calabria region of Italy, located on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is the starting point of the Pollino National Park Scenic Drive, a spectacular journey through the majestic mountains of the Apennines.
Scalea has an ancient history and the town is full of historic sights to explore. From the 16th century castle of Torre Talao which overlooks the town, to the beautiful churches of San Francesco di Paola and Santa Maria della Grotta, there is no shortage of places to discover. The town also boasts a number of beautiful beaches, where visitors can enjoy the sun and the stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
For those traveling by air, the nearest international airport is Lamezia Terme (SUF), located just over 70km away. Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start the Pollino National Park Scenic Drive.
Scalea is a great place to begin a road trip through the stunning landscape of the Pollino National Park. With its rich history, beautiful beaches and convenient location, there is something for everyone in Scalea.
1
Scalea
- Belvedere Marittimo
Distance 23 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: slow
5.4 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a memorable road trip starting in Scalea and ending in Belvedere Marittimo, two charming towns in Calabria, Italy. This 23 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, and you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Scalea is a great starting point for your trip. Here you can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, kayaking, and sailing. Don't forget to take a walk around the old town, which is full of history and culture.
From Scalea, you'll drive along a scenic road to Belvedere Marittimo. Here you can explore the old town, which is full of ancient buildings and monuments. You can also visit the Castle of Belvedere, which offers spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
On your way back, make sure to stop at the small fishing village of Cannitello. Here you can try some of the delicious local seafood dishes, such as mussels and clams.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Make sure to take plenty of photos and enjoy the journey!
Belvedere Marittimo - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Belvedere Marittimo - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Belvedere Marittimo
- Castrovillari
Distance 101 km
Driving time 2.8 h
Pace: slow
23.3 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable journey from Belvedere Marittimo to Castrovillari. This 101 km road trip will take you less than 3 hours. On this journey, you will traverse through the fascinating town of Lungro. Here, you can explore the historical sites, like the Church of San Nicola, the castle of Lungro, and the sanctuary of San Francesco. As you drive, you will be surrounded by breathtaking views of the rolling hills and lush greenery. Be sure to keep an eye out for the scenic roads, steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections. Moreover, some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so be sure to check before you go. This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so if you are looking for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can find them in the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and let’s go!
Castrovillari - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
Castrovillari - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Castrovillari
- Scalea
Distance 68 km
Driving time 2.2 h
Pace: slow
15.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip starting in Castrovillari, Italy and heading to Scalea, covering a distance of 68 km in less than 3 hours. On the way, you will be passing through the beautiful Morano Calabro, where you can explore its ancient streets, admire its architecture, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Be sure to pay attention to the scenic road and take in the stunning views of the rolling hills and the vast countryside. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and that there will be steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow sections. Enjoy the journey and take some time to appreciate the picturesque scenery and the unique towns you will be passing through. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
Scalea - Italy - Europe - Scenic Drive - Pikist
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Scalea
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Scalea is the perfect ending point for your road trip through the stunning Pollino National Park Scenic Drive. Located in the Province of Cosenza in Calabria, Italy, Scalea is a picturesque seaside town overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. It has a long history, once known as Skylletion, and was a center of trade and culture in the Middle Ages.
Today, Scalea is an ideal spot to relax and take in the local culture. It has plenty of attractions to explore, including the Norman Castle, the beautiful Church of San Francesco di Paola, and the lively Piazza della Repubblica. There are also some great restaurants, cafes, and bars to enjoy, as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.
For those who want to get closer to nature, there are several beaches in the area, including the stunning Spiaggia di Caminia and the nearby Isola di Dino. For the more adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and water sports.
If you are flying to Scalea, the closest international airport is Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF), located about an hour away by car.
Scalea is the perfect way to end your Pollino National Park Scenic Drive trip. With its stunning scenery and great cultural attractions, it is the perfect spot to relax and take in the local culture.
Pollino National Park at a glance
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Start:
Scalea
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End:
Scalea
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Distance:
193 km
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Stay:
2 days
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
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