Majella National Park in Abruzzo

The Abruzzo region, located about halfway down Italy's Adriatic coast, is characterized by the Apennines mountains, which dominate most of its territory and make it, with more than 30 icy peaks exceeding 2,000m, the most southerly alpine region in Europe. These mountains are no doubt one of Italy’s most suggestive location and several national parks were founded here; the Majella National Park is one of those and one of the wildest and most untouched of the whole old boot. The Park is the home of over 78% of the species of mammals living in Abruzzo, and over 45% of the Italian species; truly a hot spot regarding biodiversity in Italy. This park is also part of the PAN Parks, the "European wilderness protection organisation", which works with the Worldwide Fund for Nature, NGOs and national parks to safeguard wilderness areas and promote sustainable tourism.

The Park offers many activities for who likes to stay outside and explore it; if you are into biking is possible to enjoy the nature of the Park on two wheels following some paths (at medium altitude). These paths are very well signalled, and it is possible to rent a bike, even electric ones, directly in the Park’s offices. Horse-riding is another way to visit the park; these itineraries usually cross forests and woods but going off road will allow to discover some really special spots in the park, such as churches and hermitages. Regular trekking paths are also available; you can schedule a half-day trip or a full day one and walk throughout stone houses while meeting some of the local fauna. If you want to go for something more challenging, there is the chance to organise multiple-days trekking.

Immersed in the silence of cliffs and woods of Maiella nameless hermits have often looked for the desert, symbol of natural life. There they have lived in solitude, sacrifice and worship. There they have left their hermitages to posterity. Timeless places of bare stone and ethereal spirituality. The Majella National Park has incredible traits and nature mixed with visible human manipulations that, surprisingly, didn’t ruin its atmosphere and didn’t force the fauna to leave or the flora to disappear, but, rather, were able to give this location an even more fascinating look.

Giardino Botanico Daniela Brescia

Giardino Botanico Daniela Brescia, 65020 Sant'Eufemia A Maiella PE, Italia

Sant’Onofrio al Morrone Retreat

Contrada Morrone, 67039 Sulmona AQ, Italia