This Remote National Park In Southern Italy Is A Peaceful Haven With Trails & Waterfalls

As the country is one of the most popular destinations in the world, it can be difficult, if not very difficult, to escape the Italian crowds. But if you head to the tip of the Italian boot, you’ll find the much less crowded destination of Aspromonte National Park (Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte), whose trails and waterfalls are so far off the beaten track that you’ll feel like you have this tranquil spot all to yourself.

Aspromonte is a mountain range in Calabria, in southern Italy. Although the word “aspromonte” translates to “bitter mountain,” there is nothing unpleasant about these mountains or the national park that bears their name. In the park, there are 143 named mountains, dense forests, pretty waterfalls, small villages and winding rivers. The park was established in 1989 and now covers almost 250 square miles of Calabria, a region that should definitely be on your foodie list for its distinctive cuisine.

A car is absolutely necessary to explore this remote national park. You can rent one at Reggio Calabria “Tito Minniti” Airport (REG), which receives non-stop flights from other cities in Italy as well as some cities in Europe. From the airport, it is less than an hour’s drive to Gambarie, the main entrance to the park, which is at the western end of the park. The town has a ski resort, Gambarie d’Aspromonte, which is the largest in Calabria.

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Go hiking in Aspromonte National Park

Between its isolated location and stunning scenery, it’s no surprise that Aspromonte National Park is home to some of the best hikes in southern Italy. These range from easy walks to full day climbs. The Grand Italian Trail (Sentiero Italia) is the longest mountain trail in the world, featuring 354 different stages and crossing all regions of Italy for almost 5,000 miles. Its U02 section starts from Gambarie and goes to the commune of Polsi. The trail ascends Montalto, the highest mountain in Aspromonte at over 6,400 feet above sea level. We then continue to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi, an ancient place of pilgrimage. This 13-mile stretch of the Sentiero Italia is strenuous and takes about 9 hours. The rewards are views of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas as well as Mount Etna, an active stratovolcano on the east coast of Sicily.

Another well-known trail in Aspromonte National Park leads to Pietra Cappa, one of the tallest rock monoliths in Europe, which rises 459 feet from the bottom of the Valley of the Great Stones. The trail passes ancient ruins, chestnut and oak trees and other interesting rock formations. This hike takes about 4 hours and is not as difficult as the U02. The views of the valley are meant to be breathtaking. La Verde Valley (Gole la Verde) is another recommended trail in the park, and it also promises beautiful views of the valley. This 4-hour hike winds past a church, the ruins of an ancient village, and other rock formations before revealing the valley gorges.

Waterfalls in the national park

There are also impressive waterfalls in the Aspromonte National Park, some with pools that even allow you to cool off. One of them is the four-tiered Menta-Amendolea Waterfall (also known as the Maesano Waterfall). The 3.2-mile walk to the falls begins near a large parking lot at Menta Reservoir (Lago Menta), the largest lake in the park. The trail then follows the Amendolea River (Fiumara di Amendolea) to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the falls and three pools that the falls have carved out over time. The clear water here is a perfect place for swimming.

The Menta reservoir is also located not far from the Forgiarelle waterfall (Cascate Forgiarelle). This waterfall tumbles over the metamorphic rocks of Ferraina Creek, then flows into a large pool at the bottom. The 230-foot-high waterfall is a beautiful spot frequented by cyclists. Back in Gambarie, it is possible to see another waterfall by taking a guided tour through an area known as Fairy Wood, a peaceful area with lush forests and wildlife. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the pretty Vallescura Waterfall (Cascatella Vallescura), a small waterfall located in a tranquil, wooded setting.

After exploring the Aspromonte National Park, you should definitely discover more of Calabria. Capo Vaticano, an underrated Italian destination for its stunning crowd-free beaches, is 55 miles north of Gambarie, while Tropea, a dreamy Mediterranean getaway with stunning beaches, is less than 16 miles beyond. The crowds have not yet discovered any of these places.

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