Canyoning · Scalea
How to choose
The 40 € price gap between these two tours reflects a real difference in intensity and commitment. At 20 €, the Gorge Walking in Pollino National Park with Rafting Lao runs 1.5h and is open to everybody, making it the entry point for first-timers who want to wade through canyon pools without technical gear. The 60 € Canyoning at Castiglione Gorge is a 4h full session rated "Occasionally sporty", meaning rappels, jumps and sustained effort in the Castiglione Gorge corridor. If you've never set foot in a canyon, start with the gorge walk. If you can handle 4 hours of sustained physical activity and want the full canyoning experience in Pollino National Park, go straight for the Castiglione option.
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Our picks
Gorge Walking in Pollino National Park
At 20 € for 1.5h with an "Everybody welcome" physical level, this gorge walk is the lowest-barrier way to experience Pollino's canyon terrain.
Canyoning at Castiglione Gorge in Pollino National Park
4 hours of rappels, jumps and canyon pools at Castiglione Gorge for 60 € delivers the full canyoning experience in one of southern Italy's most dramatic national parks.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment in the Castiglione Gorge canyoning?
The Castiglione Gorge tour is rated "Occasionally sporty" and runs 4 hours, which means you'll face a mix of rappels, natural slides and jumps into pools. The most physically demanding sections are the rope descents down the canyon walls, where you control your own speed against the current.
Do I need canyoning experience to book either tour?
The gorge walking tour is open to everybody with no prior experience required. The Castiglione Gorge canyoning is rated "Occasionally sporty", so basic fitness helps, but no technical skills are needed beforehand.
How cold is the water in the canyon?
The season runs from May to September. Water temperatures in the gorges of Pollino National Park vary by month and elevation. May and June tend to be the coldest. Rafting Lao provides wetsuits, but confirm gear included when booking.
Which tour gives more value for the adrenaline per euro?
The Castiglione Gorge tour at 60 € delivers 4 hours of active canyoning with rappels and jumps. At 15 € per hour of activity, it's the stronger value if you want sustained sensation. The gorge walk at 20 € is the right call only if it's your first time in a canyon.
Are the tours guided in English?
Both tours are guided in Italian and English by Rafting Lao, so non-Italian speakers can follow all safety briefings and instructions without issues.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9.6°C | 94.8 mm | Possible |
| February | 10.3°C | 63.8 mm | Good |
| March | 11.4°C | 144.8 mm | Possible |
| April | 14.7°C | 111.2 mm | Possible |
| May | 18.8°C | 69.9 mm | Good |
| June | 22.9°C | 51.7 mm | Peak |
| July | 25.9°C | 44.2 mm | Peak |
| August | 26.5°C | 24.8 mm | Peak |
| September | 23.5°C | 56.8 mm | Peak |
| October | 18.4°C | 65.8 mm | Good |
| November | 14.4°C | 168 mm | Possible |
| December | 8.9°C | 77.7 mm | Possible |
Practical info
Equipment
Both tours are run by Rafting Lao, who provide technical canyoning gear including wetsuits and helmets. Bring a swimsuit, secure water shoes or sport sandals with ankle straps, and a dry bag for your phone. For the 4h Castiglione Gorge session, pack a light snack and water.
Getting there
Both tours meet at Via Monaci Basiliani snc, 87020 Papasidero, roughly 30 km inland from Scalea via the SS504, accessible by car in under 40 minutes.
See also
Other activities in Scalea
Updated March 2026