16 – From the blue of the Ionian Sea to the green of the Pollino National Park forests
Difficulty: medium / high
Bike type: touring / road race / e-bike
Departure: Policoro – railway station
Arrival: Terranova del Pollino
Total miles: 73 approximately
Road surface: asphalt (some gravel)
Height difference ascent: 1473 m
Height difference descent: 587 m
Time of year: from April to November
ROUTE
This route, designed for moderately experienced cyclists, can be divided into two stages.
ROUTE 16
It starts from Policoro, the ancient Heraclea. The sea and the archaeology, the unspoiled nature of the Bosco Pantano reserve, the fragrance of the famous strawberries and other local produce all accompany the cyclist on this journey through Magna Graecia.
After passing the hamlet of Pane e Vino, skirting the Sinni river, continue in the direction of Rotondella. The village, which can be visited by turning left at the crossroads, owes its name to its round shape and is counted among the “Authentic Villages of Italy” due to its advantageous location.
If we continue straight ahead at the crossroads, we reach Valsinni, the romantic village overlooked by the feudal castle where the young, ill-fated poet Isabella Morra was born and lived.
At this point the cyclist enters the Pollino National Park. The landscape begins to change from low Mediterranean vegetation to mid-mountain vegetation: we are in San Giorgio Lucano.
Leaving the town of San Giorgio, at the crossroads for the SS92, proceeding to the right you reach San Costantino Albanese, an important centre of Arbëreshë culture.
After 10 kilometres uphill, you reach the route’s destination, Terranova del Pollino (930 metres above sea level), an ideal location for the most extreme outdoor activities, such as canyoning, rafting and kayaking.