Pollino National Park: Trekking in the Argentino Nature Reserve｜Italy

The Valley of the Argentino River, with its managed nature reserve, has been recognized as a Site of Community Importance and integrated into the Pollino National Park. The Park has been included in the UNESCO Geosites as the Pollino Global Geopark.
The valley, crossed by the river of the same name, has impressive gorges and overhangs that protect it from human impact. The valley is rich in plant and animal species, which live here almost undisturbed. The constant erosion by wind and rain along its slopes has created authentic morphosculptures.
Caves, karst phenomena, landslides and collapses follow one another throughout the valley, creating an exceptional environment that is also one of the most important wilderness areas in Southern Italy.
Thanks to its inaccessibility, the valley was once home to hermit monks who created their monasteries here, hosting saints such as St. Nilus of Rossano, St. Basil, and St. Fantino. The valley is also home to unique botanical species such as the Loricato Pine, a true jewel of biodiversity and a symbol of the Park. In addition to the various plant biodiversity, the Apennine wolf, roe deer, southern squirrel with its typical black coat, golden eagle, otter, badger, black woodpecker, peregrine falcon, eagle owl, and common raven are active in this area. The Valley was also an important communication route that connected the Ionian coast to the Tyrrhenian coast, mainly between the city of Sibari and Laos for the exchange of goods and agricultural products. The Valley offers its visitors a system of trails that allow them to go on numerous challenging hikes or relaxing walks in nature, but also a botanical garden where they can admire all the tree species growing in the Pollino National Park.