Matese National Park

Matese National Park protects the Matese massif in southern Italy, spanning areas of Campania and neighbouring Molise. The park covers mountain landscapes that include peaks rising to about 2,050 metres and karst features.

Trails cross high ridges and forested valleys and visitors use the area for hiking, mountain walking and nature observation. Notable natural features include high peaks, limestone formations and lakes such as Lago del Matese.

The park conserves the natural and rural landscape of the Matese massif and supports traditional pastoral land use alongside protected natural habitats. Over time the area has been managed to balance recreation with habitat protection.

Geographically the Matese massif lies inland from the Tyrrhenian coast in southern Italy, with the main high ground straddling the border of Campania and Molise. The nearest larger cities are Campanian provincial towns; access is by regional roads into mountain valleys.

• Elevation and climate: Alpine terrain reaches roughly 2,000 metres, so expect cooler temperatures and snow outside summer months at higher elevations.

What to See #

• Monte Miletto: Summit area of Monte Miletto, the highest peak in the Matese massif at about 2,050 metres, offering alpine terrain and ridge hikes.
• Lago del Matese: Lago del Matese, a mountain lake formed in a karst basin that is a local focal point for walking and picnic access.