When one connects with the mountains, one aligns with the most authentic part of oneself. The deep relationship between humans and mountains among Calabria’s peaks can only be intense. This is thanks to an unspoiled natural environment that invites exploration. A Calabria that is waiting to be discovered and contemplated.

Walking among the towering rock walls of the Pollino National Park. Within the largest protected natural area in Italy, you can admire majestic trees that grow, in solitary, in the most rugged places. Reigning supreme among them is the Bosnian pine (pino loricato), an ancient sentinel of the peaks. With its bark resembling ancient armour and branches twisted by the force of the elements, this survivor from the Tertiary period defies time and harsh weather, offering a spectacle of resilience and primordial beauty. In this region, you might spot rare species like the shy roe deer, moving gracefully and cautiously through the vegetation. Raising your gaze to the sky, you may be lucky enough to see the kestrel gliding in search of prey. It is a bird of prey with an unmistakable silhouette, the undisputed master of the Pollino skies, Adding to this symphony of life is the impetuous song of mountain streams, whose crystal-clear waters have carved deep gorges and foaming waterfalls, forming the pulsating arteries of this enchanted mountain landscape.

Hiking the trails of the Sila National Park, surrounded by centuries-old trees. Here, nature reveals its full magnificence. Within this natural reserve, you can admire the “Patriarchs” of Fallistro, better known as the “Giants of Sila”, a living testimony of the richness of the forests in this region. These towering pines reach up to 45 meters in height, with trunks over two meters wide and ages of up to 350 years. In the geological garden, stones and minerals tell a story of nature spanning countless centuries. The expansive wildlife area offers the chance to observe native animal species moving gracefully through the vegetation, from dedicated observation points that allow close viewing without disturbance. Protected areas like this, demonstrate that a balance between humans and nature is possible, making this park a fascinating place to reconnect with the environment.

Exploring the Aspromonte National Park in the hunt for its “hidden” wonders. Fascinating and wild, this “museum of natural beauty” reveals offers towering peaks alternated with “lunar” valleys, streaked by winding crystalline rivers. Along characteristic trails, you will encounter landscapes that seem straight out of fantasy novels. Every turn holds fairy-tale surprises, such as the Mundu and Galasia waterfalls, living masterpieces surrounded by primordial nature.