Snowshoeing in Abruzzo
Snowshoeing in Abruzzo in pristine environments, within national parks and reserves
Abruzzo Nature
Parks and Protected Areas of Abruzzo
The “Green Region of Europe”, ideal for nature and outdoor activities.
- Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park: bears, wolves, chamois and villages such as Pescasseroli and Barrea.
- Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park: Campo Imperatore, Corno Grande, high plateaus and stone villages.
- Majella National Park: hermitages, canyons and exceptionally rich wildlife.
- Sirente–Velino Regional Park: Stiffe Caves, high plateaus and villages such as Rocca di Mezzo.
Abruzzo Villages
Villages and Cities to Visit in Abruzzo
The most beautiful villages for cultural itineraries and weekend trips.
- L’Aquila: Collemaggio, the 99 Fountains, and a reborn historic centre.
- Sulmona: medieval aqueduct and traditional sugared almonds.
- Scanno: heart-shaped lake and photogenic alleys.
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio: iconic village of the Gran Sasso.
- Castelli: capital of ceramics.
- Civitella del Tronto: spectacular Bourbon fortress.
Abruzzo Coast
Abruzzo Adriatic Coast
Beaches, trabocchi and scenic cycling routes.
- Costa dei Trabocchi: cycle path, coves, restaurants on traditional trabocchi.
- Vasto: Punta Aderci and historic centre.
- Pineto: pine forest and calm sea.
- Pescara: seafront promenade, museums and nightlife.
Cuisine
Typical Flavours of Abruzzo
- Arrosticini
- Spaghetti alla chitarra
- Pecora alla callara (sheep stew)
- Fish brodetto
- Sulmona sugared almonds
- Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
- Pecorino & Trebbiano wines
Outdoor Abruzzo
Outdoor Activities in Abruzzo
Trekking, skiing, MTB and adventure all year round.
- Trekking (Gran Sasso, Majella, Sirente-Velino) - Visit the dedicated section
- Snowshoeing (Campo Imperatore, Rocca di Mezzo, Pescocostanzo) - Visit the dedicated section
- MTB & Gravel (Costa dei Trabocchi, inland plateaus)
- Skiing (Roccaraso, Ovindoli, Campo Felice, Campo Imperatore) - Visit the dedicated section
- Speleology (Stiffe Caves) - Visit the dedicated section
- Climbing (Gran Sasso crags)
Mountain Bike
Mountain Biking in Abruzzo
Abruzzo is an ideal destination for mountain biking: plateaus, single tracks, panoramic dirt roads and routes suitable for every level.
- Appennino Bike & Tour: a network of MTB and gravel routes connecting villages, plateaus and natural parks across Abruzzo. It offers mapped itineraries, biker services, points of interest and links between the main outdoor areas.
- Costa dei Trabocchi – Adriatic Cycle Route: a smooth and panoramic route along the sea, perfect for MTB, gravel and touring bikes.
- Rocche Plateau (Ovindoli – Rocca di Mezzo): dirt loops, gentle climbs and forest single tracks, ideal for intermediate MTB riders.
- Campo Imperatore – Gran Sasso: high‑altitude routes among pastures and ridges, with spectacular views over the Apennines. Perfect for expert bikers.
- Majella – Orfento Valley and Caramanico: technical and wild routes, with rocky sections and demanding descents.
- PNALM – Barrea, Civitella Alfedena, Villetta Barrea: loops immersed in the Park’s nature, among forests, lakes and steady climbs.
- Monti della Laga: long and flowing dirt roads, perfect for MTB and e‑MTB, with open panoramas and dense forests.
Tip: many routes are perfect for e‑MTB, especially those with significant elevation gain such as Campo Imperatore and Majella.
Warning: in summer some areas are very exposed to the sun. Bring plenty of water and plan rides during the cooler hours.
Lakes
Lakes of Abruzzo
Abruzzo is home to natural and artificial lakes set in mountain landscapes, perfect for trekking, photography and relaxation.
- Lake Scanno: the most famous lake in Abruzzo, known for its heart shape. Ideal for panoramic trekking, photography and lakeside walks. – Visit the dedicated section
- Lake Barrea (PNALM): an artificial lake surrounded by villages such as Barrea, Civitella Alfedena and Villetta Barrea. Perfect for hikes and wildlife watching.
- Lake Campotosto: one of the largest artificial lakes in Italy, at the foot of the Gran Sasso. Excellent for MTB, trekking and photography, especially at sunset. – Visit the dedicated section
- Lake Pietranzoni – Campo Imperatore: a small seasonal lake famous for the “mirror of the Gran Sasso”, one of the most iconic photographic spots in the Apennines.
- Lake Vivo (PNALM): a natural lake reached via a scenic hike from Barrea. Its shape and size change with the seasons.
- Lake Sinizzo (San Demetrio ne’ Vestini): a swimmable lake, perfect for families, relaxation and picnics. – Visit the dedicated section
- Lake Penne: a WWF oasis with nature trails, birdwatching and wildlife observation.
- Lake San Domenico: a WWF oasis with nature trails and crystal‑clear waters, where you can visit the Hermitage of San Domenico. – Visit the dedicated section
Tip: mountain lakes such as Pietranzoni and Vivo are perfect at sunrise and sunset for spectacular photography.
Note: some lakes are subject to seasonal water‑level variations. Always check conditions before planning hikes.
Useful Numbers
Useful Numbers in Abruzzo
Essential contacts for emergencies, tourist information and regional services.
- Emergencies (EU single number): 112
- Alpine and Speleological Rescue Abruzzo: 118
- Fire Brigade: 115
- Carabinieri: 112
- State Police: 113
- Finance Police: 117
- Forestry Corps / Environmental emergencies: 1515
- Sea Rescue – Coast Guard: 1530
- Abruzzo Region – Information: 800 860 146
- Abruzzo Civil Protection: 800 861 016
- Abruzzo Tourism (tourist info): +39 085 372 151
- ANAS – Road conditions: 800 841 148
- Highways A24/A25 – Strada dei Parchi: 803 111
Tip: save these numbers before heading out for hikes, trekking or outdoor activities.
Info
Practical Information
- How to get there: A24, A25, Pescara airport.
- Climate: mountain climate inland, Mediterranean along the coast.
- Best time to visit: spring–autumn; winter for skiing.
- Emergencies: 112.
Provinces
Comparison of the Provinces of Abruzzo
A concise overview of the four provinces of Abruzzo: territory, strengths and main features.
| City | Type | Strengths | Iconic Places |
|---|---|---|---|
| L’Aquila | Mountainous, national parks, historic villages | Gran Sasso, Majella, trekking, skiing, villages | Campo Imperatore, Rocca Calascio, Stiffe Caves |
| Teramo | Sea + mountains, cliffs, historic villages | Prati di Tivo, Laga Mountains, sandy beaches | Civitella del Tronto, Campli, Alba Adriatica |
| Pescara | Coast, modern city, gateway to the Majella | Sea, cycle paths, thermal baths, canyons | Pescara, Orfento Valley, Caramanico Terme |
| Chieti | Most diverse province: sea, hills, villages | Costa dei Trabocchi, nature reserves | Vasto, Punta Aderci, Ortona, Guardiagrele |
Geography
Geographical Information about Abruzzo
A unique region: imposing mountains, high plateaus, rolling hills and over 130 km of coastline.
- Location: Central Italy, facing the Adriatic Sea and crossed by the central Apennines.
- Area: about 10,800 km².
- Borders: Marche to the north, Lazio to the west, Molise to the south, Adriatic Sea to the east.
- Main mountains: Gran Sasso d’Italia (Corno Grande 2912 m), Majella (Monte Amaro 2793 m), Sirente–Velino.
- Plateaus: Campo Imperatore, Altopiano delle Rocche, Piani di Pezza, Campo Felice.
- Main rivers: Aterno–Pescara, Sangro, Tronto, Tordino, Vomano.
- Main lakes: Scanno, Barrea, Campotosto, Pietranzoni, Sinizzo.
- Coastline: over 130 km of shoreline with sandy beaches, coves and the famous Costa dei Trabocchi.
- Parks and protected areas: 3 National Parks, 1 Regional Park, 38 nature reserves.
- Climate: mountain climate inland, Mediterranean along the coast, with strong seasonal variations.
Fun fact:
Abruzzo is one of the greenest regions in Europe, with over one third of its territory protected.
Nature
Flora and Fauna of Abruzzo
Abruzzo is one of the richest regions in Italy for biodiversity, with ecosystems ranging from the coast to the 2900‑metre peaks of the Gran Sasso.
Fauna
- Apennine brown bear (Marsican bear): symbol of the Abruzzo National Park, one of the rarest species in Europe.
- Apennine wolf: present across all major mountain ranges, essential for ecosystem balance.
- Abruzzo chamois: an endemic species, mainly observed in PNALM and the Majella.
- Red deer and roe deer: widespread in the forested areas of PNALM and Sirente–Velino.
- Golden eagle: queen of the Abruzzo skies, nesting on the rocky walls of the Gran Sasso and Majella.
- Lake wildlife: herons, grebes, coots and birds of prey around Barrea, Scanno and Penne.
Flora
- Ancient beech forests: found in the Majella, PNALM and Sirente–Velino, some recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Black pines and larches: common in mountain areas and on cooler slopes.
- Junipers and Mediterranean shrubs: typical of the coast and hilly areas.
- High‑altitude flowers: gentians, Apennine edelweiss, saxifrages and rare species between 2000–2800 m.
- Campo Imperatore grasslands: a unique habitat with endemic species and spectacular spring blooms.
- Oases and wetlands: reeds, water lilies and riparian vegetation around the lakes of Penne, Barrea and Sinizzo.
Fun fact:
Abruzzo hosts over 75% of all animal species found in Italy and more than 2,000 plant species.
Respect nature:
keep your distance from wildlife, do not leave waste behind and always follow marked trails.
Abruzzo Nature
Nature Reserves & WWF Oases in Abruzzo
Abruzzo is one of the Italian regions with the highest number of protected areas: nature reserves, WWF oases, wetlands and unique habitats that safeguard biodiversity and extraordinary landscapes.
Regional Nature Reserves
- Zompo lo Schioppo Regional Nature Reserve (Morino): spectacular waterfall, trails and wildlife area.
- Gole del Sagittario Nature Reserve (Anversa degli Abruzzi): canyon, protected wildlife and historic village.
- Sorgenti del Pescara Nature Reserve (Popoli): turquoise waters, birdwatching and nature trails.
- Lake Penne Nature Reserve: WWF oasis, visitor centre, educational trails and wildlife observation.
- Punta Aderci Nature Reserve (Vasto): one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, perfect for coastal trekking.
- Bosco di Sant’Antonio Nature Reserve (Pescocostanzo): monumental beech forest, ideal for trekking and snowshoeing.
- Monte Genzana – Alto Gizio Nature Reserve: wildlife corridor of the Marsican brown bear.
WWF Oases of Abruzzo
- WWF Lake Penne Oasis: environmental education centre, nature trails, wildlife observation points.
- WWF Calanchi di Atri Oasis: unique lunar landscape, trails and visitor centre.
- WWF Rio Verde Waterfalls Oasis (Borrello): the highest natural waterfalls in the Apennines.
- WWF Gole del Sagittario Oasis: protected area rich in biodiversity, home to the Otter Centre.
- WWF Lake Serranella Oasis: wetland area, birdwatching and nature trails.
Useful Numbers & Contacts
- WWF Abruzzo: wwf.it
- WWF Oases Abruzzo – General info: 085 772 1321
- Zompo lo Schioppo Nature Reserve: 0863 978809
- Gole del Sagittario Nature Reserve: 0864 49587
- Punta Aderci Nature Reserve: 0873 309208
- Lake Penne Nature Reserve (WWF Oasis): 085 827 2043
- Sorgenti del Pescara Nature Reserve: 085 987 010
Tip:
many reserves offer guided tours, educational activities and themed trails.
Always check opening hours and seasonal access.
Note:
some protected areas host sensitive species such as the Marsican bear and the Apennine wolf.
Keep your distance and follow marked trails.