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

Since the country is one of the most popular destinations in the world, it can be hard — very hard — to escape the crowds in Italy. But if you head way down to the toe 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, it will feel like you have this tranquil spot all to yourself.

The Aspromonte is a mountain massif in Calabria in Southern Italy. Though the word “aspromonte” translates to “bitter mountain,” there is nothing unpleasant about these mountains or the national park that’s named after them. Within 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 bucket list for its distinctive cuisine.

A car is definitely needed to explore this remote national park. You can rent one at Reggio Calabria “Tito Minniti” Airport (REG), which receives nonstop flights from other cities in Italy as well as some in Europe. From the airport, the drive is less than an hour to Gambarie, the main entrance to the park, which is on the park’s western edge. The town actually 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 secluded location and gorgeous landscapes, it’s not surprising that Aspromonte National Park is home to some of Southern Italy’s best hikes. These range from easy walks to full-day ascents. The Grand Italian Trail (Sentiero Italia) is the longest mountain trail in the world, having 354 different stages and crossing every region in Italy over its almost 5,000 miles. Its U02 section starts in Gambarie and goes until the town of Polsi. The trail ascends Montalto, the highest mountain in the Aspromonte at more than 6,400 feet above sea level. It then continues to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi, an ancient pilgrimage site. This 13-mile stretch of the Sentiero Italia is strenuous and takes about 9 hours to complete. 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 floor of the Valley of the Great Stones. The trail passes ancient ruins, chestnut and oak trees, and other interesting rock formations. This hike takes around 4 hours to complete and is not as hard as the U02. The views of the valley are supposed to be breathtaking.  The Valley of La Verde (Gole la Verde) is another recommended trail in the park, and it also promises lovely valley views. This 4-hour hike meanders past a church, the ruins of an ancient village, and more rock formations before revealing the valley’s gorges.

Waterfalls in the national park

There are also some impressive waterfalls in Aspromonte National Park — some with pools that even allow you to take a refreshing dip. One of these is the four-tiered Menta-Amendolea Waterfall (also known as the Maesano Waterfall). The 3.2-mile walk to the falls starts near a big parking area at the Menta Reservoir (Lago Menta), the largest lake in the park. The path then follows the Amendolea River (Fiumara di Amendolea) to a panoramic viewpoint of the falls and three pools that the falls have carved over time. The clear water here is a perfect spot for a swim.

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

After exploring Aspromonte National Park, you should definitely check out more of Calabria. Capo Vaticano, an underrated Italian destination for stunning crowd-free beaches, is 55 miles north of Gambarie, while Tropea, a dreamy Mediterranean getaway with gorgeous beaches, is less than 10 miles beyond that. The crowds haven’t discovered either of these places yet, either.

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