Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

Born in 1922–1923, it is one of the oldest national parks in Italy and the symbol of nature conservation in the Apennines. Its heart is the upper Sangro valley, around villages such as Pescasseroli, Civitella Alfedena, Opi and Villetta Barrea.

  • Wildlife: the Marsican brown bear, the Apennine chamois, the wolf and the red deer. In September and October the roar of the deer during the rut echoes through the valleys at dusk.
  • Forests: some of its ancient beech forests are part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe".
  • Classic places: the Camosciara, Val Fondillo, Lake Barrea and the Val di Rose, where in summer access is limited to protect the chamois.

Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park

Here stands the highest peak of the Apennines, the Corno Grande (2,912 m), and the Calderone, the southernmost glacier in Europe, today reduced to small glacierets. Below the peaks opens Campo Imperatore, a vast high plateau often called the "Little Tibet" of Italy.

  • Villages and castles: Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte and the fortress of Rocca Calascio, one of the highest castles in Italy.
  • The Laga mountains: unlike the limestone Gran Sasso, they are made of sandstone and clay, rich in water and waterfalls.

Majella National Park

The "mother mountain" of the Abruzzese people is a huge limestone massif that culminates in Monte Amaro (2,793 m). It is also a UNESCO Global Geopark, thanks to its rocks, fossils and karst landscapes.

  • Hermitages: the Majella is dotted with hermitages carved into the rock, such as San Bartolomeo in Legio and Santo Spirito a Majella, linked to Pope Celestine V.
  • Gorges and valleys: the Orfento valley and the many gorges that cut the massif offer trails for every level.

Sirente-Velino Regional Park

Established in 1989, it protects the Sirente and Velino mountains, the high plateau of the Rocche and the deep Celano Gorges. Not far away are the Stiffe Caves, with an underground river and waterfalls you can visit on a guided tour.

Reserves and WWF Oases

Beyond the parks, Abruzzo has dozens of smaller protected areas: the Sagittario Gorges near Anversa degli Abruzzi, the Lake of Penne, the clear waters of the Tirino river, perfect for canoeing, and the protected stretches of the coast. Many of them are managed with the WWF.

When to go

  • Spring: blooming meadows, full waterfalls and snow still on the peaks.
  • Summer: the best season for high-altitude trails; start early to avoid afternoon storms.
  • Autumn: the colors of the beech forests and the deer rut, among the most beautiful shows in the Apennines.
  • Winter: snowshoeing and ski touring, only with the right equipment and experience.

Practical tips

  • Weather in the mountains changes quickly: always carry a jacket, water and something to eat.
  • Check if a trail has limited access or seasonal closures before you leave.
  • Stay on marked trails and keep your dog on a leash: the parks protect sensitive wildlife.
  • Read our guide on how to behave if you meet wildlife.

Plan it with WildLife

WildLife brings together parks, reserves, WWF Oases, trails, villages and experiences of Abruzzo on one map. For each place you find photos, directions, what to see and the wildlife you might meet; trails show length, elevation gain, duration and altitude. When you arrive, a GPS check-in records your visit and unlocks badges, and the trip planner helps you prepare the next outing.

Frequently asked questions

Three: the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and the Majella National Park. There is also the Sirente-Velino Regional Park and dozens of reserves.

The Corno Grande of the Gran Sasso, 2,912 m, which is also the highest peak of the Apennines.

Mainly in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and nearby areas. Sightings are rare and must always happen at a distance, without disturbing the animals.