Trekking in Abruzzo: Gran Sasso, Maiella and Abruzzo National Parks, and Sirente-Velino Regional Park

Despite being close to Rome, Abruzzo is one of the least known and least populated regions of Italy. Among its excursions are the Val di Rose, the Prati di Tivoand a promotion to Corno GrandeThe highest point of the Apennines in peninsular Italy.

Abruzzo is a wild and beautiful region of Italy, a spectacular and harmonious mix of snow-capped mountains, grassy plains and wooded canyons; of hillside olive groves, vineyards and long sandy beaches. Its stunning natural surroundings are protected in three national parks, one regional park and many smaller reserves; the Maiella and Gran Sasso national parks and the Sirente-Velino regional park. Thousands of years of history are reflected in a multitude of abandoned castles, hilltop villages and ancient farms; religious dedication echoes in splendid abbeys, silent churches and remote hermitages.

Practical guide

When to go?

Most routes are accessible from May to October. Summer can be hot, but late snowfalls can extend the season into November. Spring and autumn can be perfect for lower routes.

Cities & Services

Sulmona is centrally located and well situated for all parks. L'Aquila is to the north and Castel di Sangro to the south.

Not to be missed

• Corno Grande, the highest point of the Apennines in peninsular Italy.
• The national parks of Abruzzo, Maiella and Gran Sasso and the regional park of Sirente-Velino.

The routes

• Simbruini Regional Park /// Monte Viglio /

• The Sirente-Velino Regional Park /// Monte Sirente / The gorge of Celano by Fonte degli Innamorati / Monte Velino / Monte Ocre / Fontecchio and Pagliare di Tione / The plain of Navelli /

• Sulmona Valley and Monte Genzana //// Anversa degli Abruzzi and Castrovalva / Monte Mattone from Pettorano sul Gizio / Monte Genzana from Pettorano sul Gizio / The tour of the Gizio Valley /

• The National Park of Abruzzo /// Villetta Barrea and Civitella Alfedena / Val di Rose / Monte La Meta and the ridge of Mainarde / La Terratta / The town of Scanno and back to the lake / Serra del Campitello and Monte Godi / Monte Marsicano / Colli Alti and Bassi from Pescasseroli /

• Monti Della Laga /// Circuit Monte di Mezzo from Campotosto / Cima della Laghetta and Monte Gorzano /

• Corno Grande and Campo Imperatore //// Monte Prena and Monte Camicia / Santo Stefano and Rocca Calascio / The west summit of Corno Grande / The east summit of Corno Grande / Campo Pericoli and Pizzo Cefalone / Crest of Monte Bolza / Pietracamela and Prati di Tivo / Monte Corvo and the Val Chiarino /

• Maiella National Park /// Gorges of Fara San Martino and Val Serviera / The hermitage of San Bartolomeo di Legio / Monte Morrone from Passo San Leonardo / Morrone di Pacentro and Monte Mileto / Orfento valley / Caramanico and the Orfento gorge / Monte Amaro from Lama Biancha / Monte Amaro from La Maielletta / Monte Amaro from Fonte Romana / The Alento valley above Serramonacesca / Crest of Mount Porrara /