The main axis of the southern Apennines chain runs along the N.W. - S.E. axis of Italy. The morphological structure of the southern Apennines is deeply marked by the river network flowing towards the Tyrrhenian and Ionian sides...
By convention, the southern Apennines are taken to include all the mountain ranges that run from the Monti del Matese down to the southernmost chains, such as those of Calabria and Basilicata. The highest peaks of the southern Apennines are those of the Calabrian-Lucanian Apennines, with the summit of the Serra Dolcedorme reaching an altitude of 2266 m.
The main axis of the southern Apennines chain runs along the N.W. - S.E. axis of Italy. The morphological structure of the southern Apennines is deeply marked by the river network flowing towards the Tyrrhenian and Ionian sides. The lower reaches of the rivers have built up coastal plains by deposition (now reclaimed). The longitudinal structures are interrupted by the volcanic structures of Campania. On the Sorrento peninsula limestone cliffs (sometimes dolomitic limestone) alternate with broad volcanic terraces.
We find carbonate mountains and erodible sandstone terrain stretching across Molise, the Cilento, the Sannio and Irpinia. Erosion becomes more and more pronounced in the belt of Tertiary clays along the edge of the Apennine chain.
The last great limestone range after the wooded mass of Monte Sirino is that of Monte Pollino. These are mountain masses that rise above 2000 m and bear the marks of the Quaternary glaciation.
Calabria is strongly mountainous and its ranges lie towards the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating narrow coastlines closed in by clay and sand hills.
Here the metamorphic formations and the granites undergo heavy weathering, landslides and erosion, with deep valleys down which short fiumare (seasonal torrents) rush, carving their way to the sea.
Where to hike in the southern Apennines
For the hiker this part of the chain offers very different environments: the limestone massifs of the Matese at the northern end, wooded mountains such as Monte Sirino, the great masses of the Pollino and of the Calabrian-Lucanian Apennines, where the highest peaks are found, down to the granite and metamorphic ranges of Calabria, cut by deep valleys and fiumare.
The greater altitudes and the traces of glaciation make the Pollino the most interesting destination for anyone looking for high-mountain hikes. On clay and sandstone terrain, landslides and erosion can make some stretches of path unstable: check the condition of the routes before you set off. To get started, see the fact sheet on the Pollino National Park and a classic hike on the Matese.