Lavender in Calabria

When you think of lavender, you probably think about Provence. But did you know that lavender grows in Calabria?

Near the border of Calabria and Basilicata, in the shadow of the Pollino National Park, you'll find il Parco della Lavanda.

Lavender in Calabria with a Wild Past

This isn’t just any lavender. The star of the park is a rare, native species called Lavanda Loricata, named after the iconic pino loricato (Bosnian pine) that grows in the surrounding mountains. Once nearly extinct due to reforestation projects in the 1950s, this special lavender has been lovingly revived by a local couple, the Roccos, since 2007 through research and lab cultivation.

Today, their work has blossomed--literally--into a three-hectare botanical wonderland.

What to Expect When You Visit

From late June through mid-August (with peak bloom in early July), the park transforms into a sea of violet. You can wander among the rows of lavender, take in the mountain views, and enjoy the buzz of bees and the calming scent that fills the air.

Guided tours (included in the modest €2 entry fee) walk you through over 60 varieties of lavender. You’ll learn how each differs in color, fragrance, and use, while enjoying plenty of photo opportunities thanks to whimsical props like lavender-painted bikes, benches, and arches.

A Sensory Experience (and a Gift Shop You’ll Love)

After your walk, stop by the park’s shop where everything is made on site: essential oils, hydrosols, soaps, candles, bath salts, sachets… all infused with the essence of Loricata lavender. It’s a true farm-to-bottle operation, and the products make perfect gifts or souvenirs (assuming you can part with them).

You can also buy lavender plants and unusual herbs (though not if you're flying back to another country, since customs doesn't allow plants).

A Stop on a Scenic Road Trip

The Lavender Park is located just a few minutes off the A2 motorway, on the border between Calabria and Basilicata, making it an easy detour for travelers headed to or from the coast.

Nearby, you can explore the charming hill town of Morano Calabro, one of Italy’s officially recognized “Most Beautiful Villages,” complete with a Norman castle, colorful domes, and twisting medieval streets.

You might also pair your visit with hiking in the Pollino Mountains, rafting on the Lao River, or discovering the Arbëreshë culture in nearby Civita.

We went for a hike in the Pollino Mountains. Even at the end of June, it was chilly!

Where to Stay

I (Su) just got back from visiting the lavender farm, and I highly recommend you stay at La Locanda del Parco Agriturismo, located just 10 minutes away.

The main property is beautiful and lush with local plants. It boasts a large pool that the whole family will love, as well as a restaurant with fantastic food and decent prices.

My husband and I booked a room at the Chalet, which consists of two wooden cabins located a short walk through an olive grove away from the main building. It was peaceful and shady. Exactly what we needed.

For groups, there's a giant hot tub and ample outdoor dining space.

Plan Your Visit to See the Lavender in Calabria

In a region known for its rugged coastline and ancient villages, Il Parco della Lavanda offers something unexpected: a serene, color-drenched, sensory escape that feeds the soul. Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or simply in search of beauty, this lavender oasis is worth adding to your Calabria itinerary.

And if you’re dreaming of a slower, more fragrant life in Italy…this is one place to stop, breathe, and start imagining the possibilities.