Pollino National Park – Basilicata: majestic nature, high-altitude silence and authentic villages. The Pollino National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a global Geopark, is the largest in Italy. Its Lucanian side develops between the provinces of Potenza and Matera, including municipalities such as Viggianello, San Severino Lucano, Terranova di Pollino, Rotonda and Castelluccio. A place where the landscape is still wild, the mountains touch the sky and the Arbëreshe culture coexists with unspoiled nature. ⛰️ Mountains, forests and the loricate pine: Among the symbolic peaks of the park we find Serra Dolcedorme and Serra del Prete, imposing and panoramic. The Pollino is famous for the loricate pine, a rare and millenary conifer, which grows alone on the rocks, a symbol of resistance and harsh beauty. 👉 Tip: Embark on a hike to Monte Pollino with an expert guide to meet the loricate pines and admire landscapes that seem timeless. 🌿 Biodiversity and unique environments: The park is home to a varied fauna: Apennine wolves, deer, golden eagles, wild cats, and a flora ranging from oaks to beeches, up to mountain endemisms. Its plateaus, canyons and waterways offer perfect refuges for nature excursions. 👉 Tip: Explore the Frido Valley or the Rubbio Valley for off-the-beaten-path routes, ideal for birdwatching and meditation in nature. 🏘️ Mountain villages and Arbëreshe culture: The villages of the Lucanian Pollino preserve stone architecture, ancient traditions and strong flavors. In some centers, such as San Paolo Albanese, the ancient Arbëreshe language is still spoken and Byzantine rites are celebrated. 👉 Tip: Attend a patron saint's festival or visit the small ethnographic museums to learn about Albanian-Lucanian culture. 🚶 Trekking, canyons and outdoor sports: The Pollino is a natural gym for hiking, mountaineering, caving, rafting on the Lao River, snowshoeing and climbing. The trails are well marked, some also suitable for families or less experienced walkers. 👉 Tip: Live the experience of the 'Trekking del Pino Loricato', a ring itinerary of great panoramic charm. 🍽️ Lucanian mountain cuisine: Among the typical dishes: polenta with sausage sauce, cruschi peppers, goat's cheeses, baked bread, porcini mushrooms and chestnut desserts. Local products are genuine and linked to seasonality. 👉 Tip: Enjoy a typical dinner in a tavern in Viggianello or Terranova di Pollino, where tradition is served with pride. 🛌 Where to stay in the park: Alpine refuges, B&Bs in villages, farmhouses and scattered hotels offer a rustic and warm welcome. Many also offer guided activities in nature and experiential paths. 👉 Tip: Choose a structure surrounded by greenery with a view of the peaks of the park to wake up to silence and crisp air. The Pollino National Park is a place to listen to rather than visit. It is wind in the pines, ancient stone, slowness and freedom. A Basilicata that breathes mountains.