Eco Ostello in Grisolia, a simple base in the Pollino Park
Eco Ostello is a hostel in the village of Grisolia, in Calabria, designed as a base for exploring the Pollino National Park. It has a shared kitchen, a communal dining room and a panoramic terrace. I see it as a good fit for hikers and flexible travellers, including those with a dog, but not for anyone wanting hotel-style services.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Eco Ostello - Grisolia (Parco del Pollino).
Where the Eco Ostello in Grisolia is
The Eco Ostello is in Grisolia, a quiet village in Calabria that the description presents as a base for exploring the Pollino National Park. Guests place it in the heart of the village, in a spot where you can choose each day between a trip to the mountains and a day by the sea.
The distances given in the description are 34 km to the Secca di Castrocucco and 30 km to Praja Ajeta Tortora station. Lamezia Terme airport is 118 km away, and there is a paid shuttle, and the property also offers car hire. One guest mentions the sea is five minutes away, and another names Cirella and Diamante as nearby destinations.
What the hostel and its rooms are like
It is an old house which, according to one guest, was once a monastery, a town hall and a school, and which guests now describe as clean, bright and recently renovated. The rooms are simple but comfortable, quiet, with very nice views.
The units have a coffee machine, a private bathroom, a hairdryer and linen included. There is also a fully equipped shared kitchen, a large communal dining room and a panoramic terrace. One guest found shower gel, detergents and appliances, which confirms a practical, well-organised property.
What to do in Grisolia and the Pollino
Grisolia is a place to take slowly, and the hostel exists for exactly that. It offers guided tours to get to know the trails and valleys of the area, which is also known for skiing.
- Hiking. One guest talks of dozens of peaks around the village and off-the-beaten-track routes.
- The sea. Those who stayed reach it within minutes, so you can combine mountains and coast.
- The village. Several reviews praise the panoramic views and the characterful houses, ideal for a coffee on the balcony.
What guests say
On Google the Eco Ostello has 4.9 out of 5 from 17 reviews, and there are also comments on Tripadvisor. The sample is small, but the comments are very consistent.
The most common point is the host's welcome, described as available, kind and ready to give advice on places to visit. Then the cleanliness, the calm and the good value for money. One couple appreciated the warm welcome given to their little dog, and another guest describes it as suited to young and flexible travellers.
I did not find any real criticism. The word that comes up most for the rooms is simple, and it should be read not as a fault but as a warning.
What to know before booking
You sleep well here, but it helps to know what to expect. The table lists the points to weigh up.
| What works | What to know |
|---|---|
| Good price, high cleanliness | Simple rooms, without luxuries |
| Shared kitchen and communal dining room | Shared spaces, so less privacy |
| Quiet village with panoramic views | Getting to the sea and the trails means travelling |
| Shuttle and car hire | The shuttle to Lamezia is paid |
Who it suits
I would choose it for hikers, couples and small groups who want a practical base in the Pollino, with their own kitchen and a host who knows the area. It is fine with a dog too, at least according to those who have stayed with one.
It is not the place for anyone looking for a restaurant, a spa or hotel services. But those who love villages and days outdoors will find a good balance between simplicity and convenience.
If you want to widen your trip along the Calabrian coast, I would point you to the B&B AmoRosita in Diamante and Vincent B&B in Scalea. I do not have their details, so I cannot tell you what they are like. For Grisolia, the Eco Ostello is an honest choice and well rated.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
