Rafting on the Lao
The Lao runs between rock walls in the Valle del Lao reserve, in the Pollino Park: rafting, canoeing and canyoning among rapids and emerald-green pools.
The story
At Papasidero, in the Grotta del Romito, is one of the oldest works of prehistoric art in Italy: a large bull engraved on the rock about 12,000 years ago.
Why go
Because it is the most famous rafting in southern Italy, in a valley that is still wild.
Which wind
Good with Intermediate
Avoid with Flood after heavy rain
Practical information
- Activities
- Rafting and canoeing, Kayaking
- Level
- Beginners, with a guide
- Seabed
- River in a gorge, with medium rapids and clear water
- Best time
- April–October
- Seasons
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Getting there
- Rafting centres at Laino Borgo and Papasidero.
Get directions ↗Marine reserve rules
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Weather and sea forecast
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
Getting there
- By train. The nearest station is Praja-Ajeta-Tortora station, 15.7 km away. Alternatively: Marina di Maratea station, 19.1 km away. From the station you need a bus, a taxi or a car.
- By air. The nearest airport is Salerno Airport (QSR), about 117 km away; with more flights, Bari Airport (BRI) is about 150 km away.
- Parking. The nearest public car park is 1.2 km away.
Stations, ports, airports and car parks from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); distances as the crow flies. Timetables and connections change: check them before you travel.
Climate and sea month by month
The most pleasant months for weather are from April to May and from September to November, with average highs between 18 and 29 °C. From July to August it is hot: average highs exceed 30 °C. The wettest month is November (about 120 mm), the driest July.
| Month | Temperature | High / low | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | from 5 to 11 °C | 11° 5° | 93 |
| Feb | from 5 to 13 °C | 13° 5° | 103 |
| Mar | from 6 to 15 °C | 15° 6° | 76 |
| Apr | from 9 to 19 °C | 19° 9° | 44 |
| May | from 13 to 23 °C | 23° 13° | 50 |
| Jun | from 18 to 30 °C | 30° 18° | 30 |
| Jul | from 22 to 34 °C | 34° 22° | 24 |
| Aug | from 22 to 33 °C | 33° 22° | 45 |
| Sep | from 18 to 28 °C | 28° 18° | 57 |
| Oct | from 14 to 23 °C | 23° 14° | 92 |
| Nov | from 10 to 18 °C | 18° 10° | 120 |
| Dec | from 6 to 13 °C | 13° 6° | 66 |
Averages for 2015–2024, estimated for an altitude of 300 m. Air: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), corrected for the altitude of the place; rain: average monthly total. These are indicative values: the weather on any given day can be very different, so always check the forecast before you go.
In the guide
Other spots nearby
- Isola di Dino and the caves of Praia a MareKayaking, Snorkelling, SUP · 17 km
- Canyoning in the Raganello gorgeCanyoning · 33 km
- ★ Kitesurfing at GizzeriaWindsurfing and kitesurfing · 113 km
- Snorkelling at Le Castella and Capo RizzutoSnorkelling, Scuba diving · 147 km
Sea conditions can change within hours: before going in, check the marine forecast and the local harbour office (Capitaneria di porto) rules. Emergencies at sea: 1530.