ABRUZZO

The Green Region of Europe

Also referred to as the 'Green Region of Europe' for its natural beauty and vast offer of parks, hermitages and medieval villages, Abruzzo is today a growing reality.

The tourist offer of the coastline, with its clean and well-equipped beaches, is accompanied by a strong attraction to the Abruzzo hinterland to enjoy its three national parks and one regional park.

The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, inaugurated in Pescasseroli (AQ) on 9 September 1922, is the oldest. Inside, amidst vast beech forests, mountains and rocky prairies, it is possible to see numerous wild animals such as the Marsican Bear, the Abruzzi Chamois, the Apennine Wolf and the Golden Eagle, as well as protected animal and plant species.

The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is the ideal place for nature and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

There is no shortage of sports and recreational activities within the park, from trekking and rock climbing to cross-country skiing in winter and much more.

The Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga National Park is the most exact with its 150,000 hectares of nature and culture. Here you can come across numerous ancient villages, archaeological sites, castles, sanctuaries, abbeys, rock churches, hermitages and caves.

The landscapes, rich in forests, springs, waterfalls, grasslands, plateaus and rock faces, are truly breathtaking.

The Maiella National Park is still home to prehistoric settlements, hermitages, shepherds' inscriptions, brigands' forts, tholos huts and caves. The Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park is home to some of the most significant flora and fauna in central Italy amidst numerous historical vestiges, temples, castles, towers and medieval villages.

The Gran Sasso represents not only a great natural heritage, but also the highest massif in the entire Apennine chain. The highest peak is the Corno Grande, touching almost 3,000 metres in altitude.

The territory of the Gran Sasso allows one to be in contact with protected fauna and flora, snow-capped peaks, caves, large forests and clear streams. There is no lack of Abruzzo's ancient cultural and folkloristic traditions.

During both the summer and winter seasons, the Gran Sasso is a destination for all those tourists who wish to have a different and more authentic experience.

Sport and recreation

Mountaineering, mountain biking, skiing, hiking, Nordic walking, snowshoeing.

Per gli amanti degli animali: birdwatching per cercare di avvistare la maestosa aquila reale oppure l'orso marsicano, il lupo appenninico, la volpe, il camoscio e numerosi altri animali.

The Gran Sasso Park is also culture with its museums, dedicated to flora and fauna, caves and wood, and archaeological sites.

In addition, in order to maintain a welcoming and festive atmosphere, folk festivals and village festivals are often organised to experience past traditions.