Between earth and sky, water and rock, there are many ways to explore the surroundings of Castelsaraceno with boots on your feet.
Anyone who crosses these lands feels the desire to move the body and stimulate the mind, even when the temperatures drop. More than a passion it is a need, more than a sport it is a one-to-one contact with nature. Walking in the enchanting natural landscape surrounding Castelsaraceno, between the Lucanian Apennines and Pollino National Parks, is the easiest way to explore nature. Of course, sitting in silence and watching the clouds is also good, but there are plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of this area through movement.
Trekking routes, “gentle” climbs on the most beautiful peaks in Basilicata
Not only extreme sports: even a simple walk is a form of movement that is beneficial for the body and spirit. Trekking is an ideal sport for both Sunday hikers and those who enjoy a challenge, but also for those who simply want to immerse themselves in the unspoilt nature of the Lucanian mountains and breathe the pure air of high altitudes: the minimal presence of pollen, the almost total absence of mites and the scarcity of mould spores in the air make this sport even healthier for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. All you need is good shoes, a rucksack with water, a snack and a mackintosh, and that’s it: even if it’s only for a day, walking in the mountains helps you to switch off and feel better in many ways.
Nordic Walking, the new frontier of sports walking in the mountains
For those who are looking for more immediate effects on the body, however, Nordic Walking – or Nordic walking – may be the ideal choice. This is a walk in which the arms push in opposite directions and alternately with the feet, with the help of special poles. It may sound simple, but during this type of training the movements involve up to 90 per cent of the body’s muscles. It is no coincidence that its inventor, Marko Kantaneva, called it the most enjoyable and efficient workout in the world, increasing physical endurance, toning muscles and improving the health of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. It is certainly a sport for everyone and can be practised at any time, even in winter.
Castelsaraceno, walking experiences to enjoy the best of nature
With its many well-equipped trails, Castelsaraceno and its surrounding area are a true paradise for lovers of mountain excursions, whatever the season. In addition to the world’s longest Tibetan bridge, the vast territories of the two national parks of Pollino and Appennino Lucano Val d’Agri Lagonegrese offer a variety of hiking and sports experiences.
For those who want to dive into the wildest nature, the experience of trekking in the Pollino National Park is really unmissable. Accompanied by the official guides of the Park on the various paths, with different degrees of difficulty, the hikers climb even over 2000 meters above sea level to discover the wonderful spectacle of these mountains, from the ancient beech forests to the geosites, up to the centenarianloricate pines, the symbolic trees of Pollino.
Nordic walking is also a great way to enjoy the natural beauty the area has to offer while exercising and feeling fit. Visitcastelsaraceno.info organises a real course in this healthy sport, with three weekly outings that include the Nordic Walking lesson at basic, medium or advanced level, depending on the group of participants.
Excursions and outdoor activities at the 12th edition of the Castelsaraceno Mountain Festival
The Mountain Festival, organised annually in Castelsaraceno on the last weekend of October, is an excellent opportunity to experience outdoor sports and activities in the surroundings of the town between the two parks. Now in its twelfth year, the initiative features a full programme of guided excursions to discover the splendid landscape of Monte Alpi and Monte Raparo, along the ancient “stone itineraries”, up to the spectacular Belvedere, overlooking the Cogliandrino Valley and the ancient loricate pines.
