Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

Immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, a wildlife sanctuary that protects a priceless natural heritage.

Established in 1923, this biodiversity paradise stretches over 50,000 hectares in the heart of the Apennines, offering a refuge for rare animal and plant species and a spectacular landscape that changes every season.

The park is home to a unique fauna, including the Marsican brown bear, symbol of the protected area, the Apennine wolf, the Abruzzo chamois, the golden eagle, roe deer, red deer and the white-backed woodpecker.

With over 2,000 species of higher plants, the park is a heaven for botany lovers. In the lower, sunnier areas, the landscape is adorned with field maples, manna ash trees, hornbeams, downy oaks, holm oaks, wild plums, hawthorns, wild roses and brambles. These are accompanied by extraordinary blooms, such as the Venus slipper orchid, Marsican iris, red lily and various species of wild orchids.

At higher altitudes, the landscape is dominated by forests of turkey oaks and oaks, wild apple trees, rowan trees and other broadleaf trees at medium altitudes. Climbing towards the peaks, you will come across the ancient beech woods, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which cover about 60 per cent of the park's territory. These forests create an enchanting scenery, changing from the lush green of spring to the warm hues of autumn, culminating in the breathtaking beauty of the foliage season.

But the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is not only flora and fauna. It is also a paradise for lovers of outdoor sports. 150 well-equipped hiking trails, ideal for trekking, birdwatching and wildlife photography, pass through lush woods and flower-filled meadows, leading to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

The visitor centres in Pescasseroli, Civitella Alfedena, Villetta Barrea and Opi offer detailed information on the flora, fauna and geology of the park. In addition, there are wildlife areas where you can observe animals such as wolves and bears up close in large natural reserves.

If you love cycling, you can explore the park by bike, following scenic roads that wind through picturesque villages. And if you love horseback riding, the park offers ideal routes for riding through nature, immersing yourself in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

Ph credit: immagine di anteprima Valentino Mastrella (Tourist photographic archive of the Abruzzo Region)