The National Parks of Abruzzo: a journey into wild nature and sustainability

Abruzzo stands out for its extraordinary natural heritage, enclosed in three national parks that cover most of the territory and transform the region into a veritable treasure trove of biodiversity, unique landscapes and opportunities for discovery in every season. Perfect, protected destinations, spectacular and special places for those who love wild nature and environmental sustainability.

Let’s start ‘from afar’ with the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, founded in 1922 and one of the oldest in Italy. It covers approximately 50,000 hectares of remote valleys and ancient forests, where the ‘ancient beech forests’, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, coexist with pristine rivers and spectacular wildlife: the Marsican brown bear, the Apennine wolf, the golden eagle, the Abruzzo chamois and the otter are just some of the species that can be observed along more than 150 trails, totalling approximately 750 kilometres dedicated to trekking, birdwatching, mountain biking, horse riding and skiing. All this is immersed in scenery of rare beauty.

Famous for being home to the highest peak in the Apennines and therefore in peninsular Italy, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, established in 1991, covers over 1,400 square kilometres between the provinces of L’Aquila, Teramo and Pescara, even touching on Lazio and Marche. Here, the Gran Sasso massif dominates with its Corno Grande (2,912 metres above sea level) and other peaks such as Corno Piccolo and Monte Camicia, in a territory of striking contrasts that alternates between silent plateaus such as Campo Imperatore and vineyards and olive groves in the valley floors. This park is also home to iconic species such as wolves, chamois and Marsican brown bears, thanks to careful management that protects a precious natural heritage.

Finally, further south is the Maiella National Park, also established in 1991 and covering an area of approximately 628 square kilometres. It stretches across the provinces of Chieti, Pescara and L’Aquila and offers a unique landscape, characterised by a strong karstic feature made up of plateaus and caves, among which the evocative “Italian Trans-Siberian Railway”, considered the most scenic railway line in Italy. Maiella is also a place of spirituality, with numerous hermitages nestled in the mountains, a destination for pilgrimages and meditative silence.

Each season offers different experiences in these mountains: from centuries-old forests to snow-covered landscapes, from flower-filled plateaus to autumn trails, visitors to Abruzzo will find something to suit every pace, from challenging treks to gentle walks, from medieval villages to wilder areas where you can observe nature in complete freedom. Among the most recommended destinations are Lake Barrea, Civitella Alfedena, Val di Rose, not to mention Camosciara and the Sant’Antonio forest, all unmissable stops for hiking enthusiasts. For those venturing into these areas, the advice is to move slowly: every path, every village such as Pescasseroli, Opi, Campo Imperatore or Santo Stefano di Sessanio and nearby Rocca Calascio reveal authentic stories, views and flavours in an experience that combines nature and culture.