Discovering the green region of Europe
Abruzzo is the ideal destination for those who love the outdoors and want to enjoy a nature vacation: it boasts the title of “Europe’s green region” thanks to the vast presence of parks and protected areas, which account for more than 30 percent of its total area. The richness and extreme variety of natural landscapes make Abruzzo a cradle of ecological and environmental values. It offers a wide range of opportunities for adventure and hiking enthusiasts. There are many activities that can be done there, both in summer and winter: hiking, walking, horseback riding, bicycle touring, canoe trips, birdwatching, but also cross-country skiing and downhill skiing.
Do you want to know more? Then read on to discover the parks located in Abruzzo.
NATIONAL PARK OF ABRUZZO, LAZIO AND MOLISE
Among national parks, that of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise is certainly the most famous and one of the oldest in Italy. It was established in 1923 and was later continuously expanded to its current size of more than 50,000 hectares. In it are concentrated almost all the features that distinguish the Central Apennines. Its rich biodiversity of plant and wildlife species makes it one of the most interesting parks in Europe. It offers an incredible range of opportunities: it has an extensive network of hiking trails and it is possible to go horseback or mule riding, cycling and canoeing, not to mention that in winter it is even possible to go cross-country skiing. Among the most beautiful places to visit are: the lakes of Barrea and Scanno, the Camosciara nature reserve, Civitella Alfedena and Pescasseroli.
Distance from our vacation homes 100 km
GRAN SASSO AND MONTI DELLA LAGA NATIONAL PARK
Established in 1991, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is one of the largest in Italy and also marginally affects Lazio and Marche. It includes two separate, geologically distinct mountain ranges: the imposing Gran Sasso massif, arid and mostly rocky; and the Laga massif, densely forested and rich in surface water. Their location and different orogeny have resulted in an extraordinary wealth of animal and plant species. In addition to the wildlife and naturalistic aspects, charming villages such as Pietracamela, Campli and Civitella del Tronto should be mentioned. The park is home to the highest peak in the Apennines (Corno Grande) and the southernmost glacier in Europe (Calderone Glacier). There are several trails for walking, biking and horseback riding, and it offers scenery suitable for carrying out countless activities.
Distance from our vacation homes 60 km
MAIELLA NATIONAL PARK
The Maiella National Park, also established in 1991, covers an area of about 74,000 hectares and lies between the provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila and Pescara. Described by Pliny the Elder as the “father of mountains,” the Maiella has always had a special place in the imagination and legends of the Abruzzi people. The uninterrupted human presence, evidenced by the presence of deposits dating back to the Paleolithic period, is the distinguishing feature of the park, which is a guardian of nature and man. Presumably 150 animal species live on the Maiella, while the vegetation includes more than 2,100 entities, many of them endemic. The park has an extensive network of trails and paths spanning 1,200 kilometers. Centers of considerable historical interest such as Pacentro, Caramanico Terme, Guardiagrele and Pescocostanzo can also be visited.
Distance from our vacation homes 80 km
SIRENTE VELINO REGIONAL NATURAL PARK
Established in 1889, the Sirente Velino Regional Nature Park covers an area of about 60,000 hectares in the province of L’Aquila. It is named after the Sirente massif and the majestic peaks of Mount Velino (the third highest peak in the Apennines). In addition to beautiful flora and fauna species, it has an immense and priceless historical, artistic and architectural heritage. You can visit castles, monastic monasteries, abbeys and fortified villages that allow you to immerse yourself in medieval Abruzzo. It has an extensive network of nature, religious and cultural routes. Horseback riding, bicycle touring, Nordic walking, hiking, snowshoeing, and ski touring are just some of the activities that can be enjoyed in the park.
Distance from our vacation homes 80 km
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