5.0
(7)
41
riders
14
rides
Mountain biking around Senise offers access to the diverse terrain of the Pollino National Park, Italy's largest protected area. The region is characterized by the peaks of the Southern Apennines, dolomitic rocks, limestone formations, deep gorges, and high-altitude pastures. Winding rivers and green woods also define the landscape, providing varied routes for mountain bikers. Near Senise, the artificial Lago di Monte Cotugno adds a significant natural feature with cycling opportunities.
Last updated: May 7, 2026
5.0
(1)
2
riders
43.7km
03:45
1,020m
1,020m
Embark on a difficult mountain bike adventure around Lago di Monte Cotugno, a challenging 27.1-mile (43.7 km) loop in Basilicata's Pollino National Park. This route demands very good fitness, featuring…
5.0
(1)
3
riders
28.8km
02:50
850m
850m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
3
riders
43.8km
04:22
1,240m
1,240m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
44.4km
03:38
1,050m
1,050m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Senise
For the splendid panorama that it offers us in every meter.
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All you need is a bike, the desire to pedal and time to contemplate
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The route offers spectacular views, it is a perfect MTB route and in dry conditions it is also excellent for GRAVEL.
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The Monte Cotugno dam was built between 1970 and 1982, is located in the territory of the municipality of Senise and is the largest clay dam in Europe.
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Quiet road that runs along the lake of Monte Cotugno, at times it is panoramic at times instead the vegetation prevents you from seeing the lake. A nice journey nonetheless.
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A small village in the Arbëreshë lands of Lucania. An Albanian enclave following emigration from Epirus in the 16th century, along with San Paolo Albanese and other areas of Puglia and Calabria, it is a land of Albanian customs, traditions, and language. The religion follows the Byzantine Orthodox rite.
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Beautiful view over the Sinni valley. Pietrasasso can be reached from Terranova del Pollino or from the Acquafredda Refuge in the municipality of San Costantino Albanese.
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Fountain in the Pollino park. Nerve center for various excursions to the Piani di Pollino, Iannace, Giumenta, but also towards Lake Duglia, Tre Confini, Catusa.
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There are over 10 mountain bike trails around Senise, offering a diverse range of experiences. These include 7 moderate and 7 difficult routes, catering to various skill levels.
The terrain around Senise is highly varied, largely due to its proximity to the Pollino National Park. You can expect rugged landscapes with dolomitic rocks, limestone formations, deep gorges, and high-altitude pastures. Trails also wind through green woods and along rivers. Some routes, like the Mountainbike loop from Colobraro, feature varied mountain terrain with significant elevation changes, while others, such as the Lago di Monte Cotugno - giro ad anello, offer routes around the artificial lake.
Yes, while many trails offer challenging ascents, there are also moderate options available. For example, the Acquatremola Fountain loop from San Costantino Albanese is a moderate route, and the area around Lago di Monte Cotugno provides more accessible cycling experiences. The advent of e-bikes has also made many routes more approachable for a wider audience.
Absolutely. Senise is a gateway to the Pollino National Park, which offers rugged and varied terrain ideal for experienced mountain bikers. Trails like the Mountainbike loop from Colobraro and the View of Carbone loop from Calvera are classified as difficult, featuring over 3,500 feet of elevation gain and technical sections of singletrack.
The trails offer stunning natural beauty and interesting landmarks. You can explore the vast landscapes of Pollino National Park, with its peaks, gorges, and high-altitude pastures. Near Senise, the artificial Lago di Monte Cotugno is a significant feature, and you can find viewpoints like the View of Monte Cotugno Dam and Belvedere di Colobraro. The region also features winding rivers and green woods.
Yes, many of the popular mountain bike routes around Senise are loops. Examples include the Lago di Monte Cotugno - giro ad anello, the Mountainbike loop from Colobraro, and the View of Carbone loop from Calvera, all designed for a complete circular experience.
The region's climate makes spring and autumn ideal for mountain biking, when temperatures are milder. While the Southern Apennines can be snow-capped for a significant portion of the year, lower-altitude trails are often accessible outside of winter. Summer can be warm, but higher elevation routes in Pollino National Park offer cooler conditions.
Parking is generally available at common access points for trails, especially near popular areas like Lago di Monte Cotugno and the entry points to Pollino National Park. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages or local tourism information.
While Senise itself has some public transport connections, reaching specific trailheads within the Pollino National Park or remote areas might require a car. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to towns closer to your desired starting point, but direct access to all trails via public transport may be limited.
Pollino National Park is Italy's largest protected area. While general access for mountain biking is usually permitted on designated trails, it's always recommended to check the official website of the Pollino National Park for any specific regulations, permit requirements, or restricted areas, especially for larger groups or organized events.
Yes, there are options suitable for families, particularly around the Lago di Monte Cotugno, which offers more moderate and less technical routes. These trails provide a great way to enjoy the natural surroundings without extreme difficulty. Always check the specific trail's difficulty rating and elevation profile to ensure it matches your family's skill level.
Generally, dogs are allowed on many outdoor trails in Italy, especially in natural parks, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. However, specific regulations can vary within Pollino National Park. It's best to consult the park's official guidelines or local signage for any restrictions on bringing dogs on certain trails.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 5 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning natural beauty of the Pollino National Park, and the variety of routes that cater to different skill levels, from challenging mountain ascents to scenic rides around Lago di Monte Cotugno.


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