Perched like an eagle in the peaks of Pollino National Park is a tiny village that is one of southern Italy’s best destinations for winter sports.
Southern Italy is a somewhat unexpected cross-country skiing destination, with Terranova di Pollino a highlight. Located more than 3,000 feet (almost 1 kilometre) above sea level, this tiny 1,200-person village benefits from its peaks, providing a blessed relief from summer heat and a popular destination for skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. Go in summer or winter to explore any kind of sport amid beautiful scenery. Enjoy great food too.
Choose your preferred way to get up Mount Calvario, which stands protectively behind the town. Ride a mountain bike or hike. In winter, take advantage of the well-maintained cross-country ski run, which passes Lake Duglia. Hire a guide to climb some of the bigger mountains in the area, including Serra Dolcedorme and Serra delle Ciavole.
In town, tour the village’s small but beautiful religious sites. Admire the 17th-century painting at the heart of San Francesco de Paola. Walk to the half-hidden Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Pietà, from which a yearly pilgrimage begins. Let the sight of the hillsides and gorges call you back to their wooded slopes for more outdoor exploration.
Terranova di Pollino’s serene atmosphere is maintained by its remote location. Drive from Naples in 3 hours or from Bari in a little over 2.5 hours. Buses to the town are available from Senise, a 1-hour ride away, which is then connected to Naples and other locations by bus. The closest train station is in Sibari, a 1.5-hour drive away, though there is no bus service from that area. The Bari airport is closest and has flights throughout Europe and other regions.
A car is extremely helpful for going up into the mountains, but the town’s well-developed tourism industry means you’ll find numerous guides, particularly during the popular winter sports season. Stay in the evenings, when folk dance performances fill Terranova di Pollino with music and laughter.
