Abruzzo - Nature and Parks

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If there is one thing in which the Abruzzo is rich it’s the regions wonderfully varied countryside. Set between the towering peaks of the Gran Sasso, Majella and Velino and a golden coastline, Abruzzo contains diverse and charming nature whatever the season. Various national parks, the close network of the regional and state nature reserves and the oases run by environmental groups ensure that the natural world of Abruzzo is well-protected and can be enjoyed by sport and nature lovers alike, either individually or in groups.

Mountains

Mt Majella At 2912m, Corno Grande, in the Gran Sasso range, is the highest of the Abruzzo mountains, which tend to be limestone. Flanking this peak is the most southerly European glacier and the only Apennine one, Calderone. Other sizeable massifs, namely Mt Majella (2795m), Mt Velino (2486m) and Mt Sirente (2358m) and the mountains of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, whose highest peak is Mt Marsicano (2253m). On the border with Lazio lies the Mt

Mt della Laga Simbruini-Ernici where Mt Viglio (2156m) is the pinnacle. There are rocky walls in the Mt Gran Sasso, Mt Majella, Mt Velino and Mt Sirente. Plateaux, potholes and canyons are also characteristic of this region. The waterfalls of Zompo lo Schioppo, Sfischia and Verde, the lakes of Campotosto, Barrea and Scanno and the caves of Cavallone, Beatrice Cenci and Stiffe are all very enticing. The only exception to the limestone mountain range is the marl and

San Venanzio gorge sandstone Monti della Laga range (the highest peak is Mt Gorzano, 2458m) which are surrounded by the limestone massifs of Mt Montagna dei Fiori and Mt Montagna di Campli. Mt Monti Pizi and Mt Monti dei Frentani stand tall on the border with Molise. The hills of Abruzzo are also largely cultivated and interspersed by the rivers of: Tronto, Tordino, Vomano, Tavo-Saline, Aterno-Pescara, Sangro and Trigno. Springs, woods and streams offer intact natural interludes as well as the erosion furrows of Atri and Alento. The lakes of Serranella and Penne, home to many rare bird species, are two more notable pieces of nature. Along the coast, the wide beaches of the Teramo area, including the protected Martinsicuro area, and of Pescara are followed by the splendid jagged coastline encompassing the Punta del Cavalluccio and Punta d’Erce promontories. The pinewoods of Santa Filomena, in Pescara, and of Pineto and the holm-oak thickets of Torino di Sangro offer natural green oases.

The Flora

The silver fir is still found on the Mt Laga, in Rosello and in Val Fondillo. In the Santo Spirito deep valley (Majella) and on Mt Godi (Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo) there is an endemic subspecies of the black pine, while the Austrian pine is found everywhere since it was introduced to aid re-forestation. Below a thousand mtrs, the Abruzzo mountains are covered in woods of turkey oak, hop-hornbeam, hazel, field maple, Montpelier pine and cherry trees.

The silver fir on the Mt Laga Abruzzo mountains covered in woods

In the sunny areas, there is typically Mediterranean vegetation such as the ilex, durmast oak and strawberry trees. Chestnuts grow in Val Roveto and on the Mt Laga. The ridges of the Camosciara and Majella have thickets of dwarf mountain pine alongside bearberries, dwarf junipers and bilberries. Scattered here and there, birch trees are a reminder that temperatures were once colder than now.

Orchids and marsican irises Between summer and spring, gentians, wild lilies, aquilegias, lady’s slipper orchids and marsican irises. Heading upwards, species to be found are Apennine edelweiss (especially on the Mt Majella and Mt Gran Sasso), Sempervivum, Artemisia genepi, Adonis distorta, sesleria, knapweed, soldanella, Apennine anemone, Alpine poppy and dwarf willow.

The Fauna

The Marsicano bear The Marsicano bear is the symbol of the region. This mammal generally roams between the Sangro valley and Cinque Miglia valley but is also present in small groupd on the Mt Majella, Mt Sirente and possibly on the Mt Simbruini and the Mt Gran Sasso.

Bears prefer isolation and are rarely seen by visitors. This is similar to wolves, ancient dwellers in the Apennines still found in many of the Abruzzo mountains. Otters and lynxes are rare but have been spotted, respectively, in the Sangro valley and in the Mt Majella.

Abruzzo Apennines wolves Abruzzo Wild cats Abruzzo Chamois

The Appennine chamois is often seen in Val di Rose and on Mt Amoro in the Parco Nationale d’Abruzzo, Mt Majella and on Mt Camicia (Gran Sasso). Boars, first introduced into the woods for hunting purposes, are everywhere. In comparison to the Alps, deer and roebuck are not so common.

Among the smallest mammals are: wild cats, martens, foxes, hedgehogs, badgers, stone martens, dormice, weasels, snow voles and southern squirrels.

Wild boar in Abruzzo Otter in Abruzzo Abruzzo Hare

Common birds of prey are: golden eagles, buzzards, brown kites, kestrels, common harriers and peregrine and lanner falcons for the diurnal species; eagle-owls, tawney owls and owls for the nocturnal birds. The list of mountain birds goes on with: common ravens, yellow-billed choughs, black redstarts, Alpine accentors, rock partridges and red-billed choughs.

Lanner falcon The woods are home to green woodpeckers, greater spotted woodpeckers and Lilford’s woodpeckers. Marsh areas are a stop-over for grey herons, red herons, night herons, little egrets, dwarf herons, spoonbills, great crested grebes, cranes, moorhens, black-winged stilts, white storks, glossy ibises and coots, as well as anatidae such as ferruginous ducks, common pochards, mallards and Eurasian wingeons.

On the coast herring gulls, black-headed gulls and little gulls can be spotted; while offland there are hacklets, common terns and Cory’s shearwaters.

Orsini viper The reptiles of the region include the Orsini viper, the common viper, the grass-snake and the four-lined snake. There are also few special amphibians; the Italian newt, the emerald toad, the spectacled salamander and the spotted salamander. In the Adriatic sea, it is possible to see cetaceans such as bottlenose, striped and common dolphins.

Parks

Moves towards developing and implementing a nature reserve concept in the Abruzzo region began back in the 1920’s. 33% of the Abruzzo region’s entire area has been made into a national nature reserve, the highest percentage of any region in Europe. When you purchase a house or property in Abruzzo often it can be located in one of the regional or national park. Many of our Abruzzo properties are located in these protected areas.

Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise

Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise Set up in 1922, the park covers 44,000 hectares (106,348 acres) and is shared with Molise and Lazio. The Abruzzo section (3/4 of the total extension) is in the province of L’Aquila and includes: Alfedena, Barrea, Bisegna, Civitella Alfedena, Gioia dei Marsi, Lecce nei Marsi, Opi, Pescasseroli, Scanno, Villavallelonga and Villetta Barrea. The Park Authority is based in Pescasseroli, with a Park Museum and Zoo, where it is possible to choose from 150 wildlife excursions and 10 nature-paths in the park. Trails of bears in the woods, footprints of wolves in the snow, sudden apparitions of chamois amid the rocks, flowers that colour the grassy patches between spring and summer, rough karst landscapes and beechwoods. The Parco Nationale d’Abruzzo attracts about a million visitors a year. Besides wildlife and plants, the park owes its attractiveness to the rough mountain landscape, to striking medieval towns and to the marks of ancient settlements, such as the necropolises and the grass and stone cattle tracks. A network of visitors centres, nature-paths and protected wildlife areas are there for visitors to enjoy. In winter the paths turn into fantastic ski tracks.

Parco Nazionale della Majella

Majella Set up in 1995, the Parco Nationale della Majella covers 74095 hectares (183,088 acres) and includes the provinces of L’Aquila, Chieti and Pescara and the following towns: Abbateggio, Ateleta, Bolognano, Campo di Giove, Cansano, Caramanico Teerme, Civitella Messer Raimondo, Corfino, Fara San Martino, Gamberale, Guardiagrele, Lama dei Peligni, Lettomanoppello, Lettopalena, Montenerodomo, Pacentro, Palena, Palombaro, Pennapiedimonte, Pescocostanzo, Pizzoferrato, Popoli, Pretoro, Rapino, Rivisondoli, Rocca Pia, Roccacasale, Roccamorice, Roccaraso, Salle, San Valentino in Abruzzo Cireriore, Serramonaresca, Sulmona, Taranta Peligna and Tocco da Casauria. The Park Authority is based in Guardiagrele with offices in Camp di Giove, Pacentro and Pescocostanzo. The western slope of the rough and imposing Majella is steep and very compact, and it extends into the Femmina Morta plateau. The eastern slope is carved with the roughest rocky gorges in Abruzzo. The park also includes the limestone Morrone and the solitary Monti Pizi Massif. Mighty limestone massif, carved by the canyons of Orfento, selva Romana, Santo Spirito and Val Serviera, the Majella reaches its highest point at Mr Amaro (2793 m). Historical remnants include hermitages hidden in wild ravines, inscriptions left by shepherds, caves fortified posts used by bandits and soldiers and the unmistakable “tholos” (circular) huts built in the fields and pastures. The history of man is, thus, intricately linked to the charm of the park.

Parco Nazionale Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga

Rocky massif of the Gran Sasso Set up in 1995, the Parco Nationale Gran Sasso-Monti della Laga covers 148935 hectares (368,018 acres) and extends into Lazio and Marche. The portion in Abruzzo (9/10 of the total surface) includes the following provinces: L’Aquila, Pescara and Teramo; and the following areas: Arsita, Barete, Barisciano, Brittoli, Bussi sul Tirino, Cagnano Amiterno, Calascio, Campli, Campotosto, Capitignano, Carapelle Calvisio, Carpineto della Nora, Castel del Monte, Castelli, Castelvecchio Calvisio, Castiglione a Casauria, Civitella Casanova, Civitella del Tronto, Cortino, Corvara, Crognaleto, Fano Adriano, Farindola, Isola del Gran Sasso, L’Aquila, Montereale, Montorio al Vomano, Ofena, Pietracamela, Pizzoli, Rocca Santa Maria, Santa Stefano di Sessanio, Teramo, Torricella Sicura, Tossicia, Valle Castellana, Villa Celiera and Villa Santa Lucia. The Park Authority is based in Assergi. The stunning rocky massif of the Gran Sasso includes the karst walls of Corno Grande and Corno Piccolo and covers the Campo Imperatore plateau, with its northern face covered in beautiful beechwoods and contains the small Calderone glacier. It is very popular with hikers, climbers and skiers. The Monti della Laga are less known but are stunning in spring due to the abundance of thaw water. The two massifs offer a unique chance for a journey through the nature and traditions of Abruzzo.

Parco Regionale Sirente-Velino

Regional Park Sirente-Velino Set up in 1989, the Regional Park covers 50248 hectares (124,162 acres) in the province of L’Aquila, and includes the following areas: Acciano, Aielli, Castel di Ieri, Castelvecchio Subequo, Celano, Cerchio, Fagnano, Fontecchio, Gagliano Aterno, Goriano Sicoli, L’Aquila, Magliano dei Marsi, Massa d’Albe, Ocre, Ovindoli, Pescina, Rocca di Cambio, Rocca di Mezzo, Secinaro, Collarmele and Tione degli Abruzzi. The highest mountain is Mt Velino (2487 m). The Park Authority is based in Rocca di Mezzo. In the heart of the Abruzzo mountains, the Velino and Sirente Massifs are hardly more than an hour from Rome and are easily accessible from any part of the region. On clear winter days, the snowy top of Velino can easily be seen from the Gianicolo, in Rome. Despite being smaller than the Majella and Gran Sasso, Velino and Sirente still offer all the aspects of big mountains. Rocky walls protect the highest peaks: Serra di Celano, Muro Lungo and Costone. The screes are rich in rare botanical species. The Ovindoli and Campo Felice pistes are very popular amongst skiers. These mountains are a real “Apennine school”, typically enjoyed by nature lovers. The park’s highlight is the Cratere del Sirente, the only meteor crater in Italy. Recently discovered, it holds a lake embedded in the plateau, at the foot of the Sirente Massif, in the area of Secinaro, at a height of 1100m.

Regional Nature Reserves

Commenced in 1979, the regional protected areas policy brought about the creation, in addition to the National Parks and Regional Parks, of 37 nature reserves which include all the various environments found in Abruzzo. The municipalities and the mountain authorities, often in collaboration with environmental groups, are responsible for management.

Nature Reserve Calanchi Atri Pescara source nature reserve Salinello Water fall Orta Canyon between the-Morrone and Majella

Caves

The spectacular cavities in the karst Abruzzo mountains are breathtaking for nature lover and can be easily visited. Unequipped caves, only for speleologists, can be found on the Mt Majella, the Mt Carseolani, Mt Simbruini and between the Mt Velino and Mt Sirente Massifs.

Grotte del Cavallone

Grotte del Cavallone On the eastern slope of the Majella, these stunning caves, made famous by Gabriele d’Annunzio, are about 1300m in total length and are at 1425 m above sea level. At the mouth of the Taranta gorge, which rises to 2795m at Mt Amaro, the caves contains several interesting places. They can be reached by cable car from the SS 152 road.

Grotte di Stiffe

Stiffe caves in San Demetrio ne' Vestini Amid the woods of the Aterno valley, this wonderful underground system is a collection point for the underground water from the Sirente and the Rocche plateau. It extends for 650m and features numerous charming waterfalls and small lakes.

Grotte di Beatrice Cenci

Beatrice Cenci caves in Tagliacozzo Full of stalactites and stalagmites, this lovely cave in the Cappadocia area is also well known for stone age finds of handmade goods. Next to the cave is the Ovido di Verecchie, a stunning, hundred meter deep hole.

Sea

Vasto coast The 130 km-long Abruzzo coastline can be divided into two sections. While the coastline is flat and sandy in the north, it’s a little more rough in the south. The southern coastline is characterized by cliffs and rocks punctuated by small and large sandy beaches. Cliffs running along a sparkling coast lined with pinewoods, dotted with towns and backed by green hills – this is the Abruzzo seaside, a great tourist resource for the region. In high season (from the end of July until the beginning of September, peaking around the 15th August), these beaches are full because of their popularity among Italians. But in May, June and the beginning of July, September and October, these beaches are ideal for a quiet and relaxing beach holiday. The large number of landing places and tourist harbours makes windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, diving, water sports and sailing easily available. On the beach, outdoor gyms, swimming pools, water parks, games and tournaments offer a wide range of activities for an active holiday with the opportunity to meet people and have fun in the sun. Many events take place in and around the lovely villages and medieval towns – local markets, sea festivals and historical regattas, jazz festivals, folklore revivals, theatre productions, concerts and film festivals. These events along with the plentiful bars and places to meet on the coast, make this a vibrant spot for people of all ages. The only stretch of European coastline to have seven seaside resorts in the same province – Teramo – all boasting the blue flag, awarded to seaside locations with clean bathing water.

North Coastline

Martinsicuro

Martinsicuro The history of this town has always been intertwined with the river, which marks the boarder with Marche. Until 1438, the mouth of the river was home to the port of Castro Truentino, an ancient town built on a nearby hill called La Civita. The mighty tower of Martinsicuro still faces the Tronto.

Alba Adriatica

Alba Adriatica Amid the woods of the Aterno valley, this wonderful underground system is a collection point for the underground water from the Sirente and the Rocche plateau. It extends for 650m and features numerous charming waterfalls and small lakes.

Tortoreto Lido

Tortoreto Lido The beautiful Tortoreto Lido beach lies 3 km north of the mouth of the Salinello River and from the old centre of Tororeto, a village of medieval origin located on a hill, with some old churches. It offers good bathing amenities and accommodation.

Giulianova

Giulianova seeside The mosty densely-populated town on the Teramo coast overlooks the waters of the Adriatic between the mouths of the Salinello and Tordino rivers. Of interest are 15th century Duomo of S. Flaviano, the sanctuary of the Madonna dello Splendore and the small old church of S. Maria a Mare, slightly south of the town.

Roseto degli Abruzzi

Roseto degli Abruzzi Set between the mouths of the Tordino and Vomano rivers, the Roseto coastline is one of the most popular and well-loved seaside areas in Abruzzo, thanks to its approximately ten kilometres of sandy beaches. The SS 150 runs through the Vomano valley to the important medieval churches of S. Maria di Propezzano and S. Clenente al Vomano, before heading towards the slopes of the Gran Sasso.

Pineto

Pineto Pineto is renowned amongst regular visitors to Abruzzo because of the shady pinewood that separates the beach from the town. A scenic 9km journey inland and uphill leads to the old town of Alri, with its splendid Cathedral. To the south, on the coast between Pineto and Silvi Marina, stands the elegant Torre del Cerrano, a picturesque 15th century fortified lookout towner.

Silvi Marina and Marina di Citta Sant’Angelo

Silvi Marina Lying at the foot of the lovely Citta Sant’Angelo and Atri hills, Silvi Marina is one of the best equipped and busiest beach resorts in the region because of its wide sandy beaches and easy access from Pescara. Situated about 6 km inland on a lovely hill, is Silvi town with its beautiful 14th century main church. The sea is not the only attraction from “Silvi alta”, the part of the town which is located on a 250 m high hill, you can enjoy views over large parts of the central Adriatic and can even see the Yugoslav coast on a clear day.

Marina di Citta Sant’Angelo is the beach of Citta Sant’Angelo – a short stretch of coast between the mouths of the Saline and Piomba rivers. The main town is known for its picturesque old centre where the collegiate church of S. Michele catches the visitors eye.

Montesilvano

Montesilvano Linked to Pescara by a seafront road and is one of the most popular beach resorts in Abruzzo because it is so easy to reach and offers lively summer activities.

Pescara

Pescara An administrative and business centre. Pescara is the most densely populated city in Abruzzo; it is also an excellent seaside resort thanks to the wonderful sandy beach that runs for 10 km parallel to the city centre and the nearby pinewoods. The most important events are the International Jazz Festival and the Flaiano Prize.

South coastline

“Trabocchi”, UNESCO Cultural Heritage of the World Site, are old stilt constructions suspended above the sea for fishing and are a predominant feature on a large section of the southern Abruzzo coastline, in the province of Chieti. Fine sandy beaches are interspersed with wild cliffs and tiny bays with crystal-clear and fish-filled water, ideal for scuba diving and for those who prefer nature to social events and night life – which, however, are never too far away and can be found in bustling cities and towns.

Francavilla al Mare

Francavilla al Mare Linked to Pescara by a seafront road and is one of the most popular beach resorts in Abruzzo because it is so easy to reach and offers lively summer activities.

Ortona

Ortona Famous for its history and for the monuments that either survived the last world war or were rebuilt soon afterwards (the Cathedral of S. Tommaso and the Castello Aragonese). The commercial port, the most important in Abruzzo, can be seen from the Passeggiata Orientale, an impressive scenic road. There are wide curved sandy white beaches (Lido Riccio and Lido Saraceni), but also rougher rocky stretches and amazing inlets, ideal for canoeing.

Marina di San Vito and Fossacesia Marina

Fossacesia Marina di San Vito is located in the sandy coastline between Ortona and Punta Cavalluccio. From the coast, rich in bays and inlets, the “trabocchi” jut out onto the sea.

Fossacesia Marina is situated in the side Gulf of Venere, slightly north of the Sangro River mouth, appears as a perfect blend of blue Adriatic sea and green olive and vine clad hills. Dotted with the distinctive “tracocchi” is ideal for canoeing. Slightly inland pay a visit to Fossacesia, on a hill.

Lido di Casalbordino and Marina di Vasto

CasalbordinoThis is the starting point for the breathtaking rocky coast of Punta Aderci, ideal for batyhing and birdwatching. A path near the railway station leads from the coast to the remains of Santo Stefano in Rivomare, a Benedictine abbey.

Marina di Vasto is between the Punta Penna and the San Salvo Marina beach, is the largest and most diverse in the region, with sandy dunes and some of the best-preserved environments on the entire coast. At Punta Aderci, the coastline breaks into wonderful rocky inlets.

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