Why Abruzzo
Abruzzo is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy and enjoys some of the wildest countryside and most breathtaking views. It is bordered by Marche in the North, Lazio in the West, Molise in the South and the Adriatic Sea in the East. Abruzzo comprises the four provinces of L'Aquila, Chieti, Pescara and Teramo.
A mountainous region made up of 261 comuni (parishes), only 23 of which are below 500 metres, the area rises up quickly from the Adriatic coast into 3 distinct groups of mountains: the Laga, the Gran Sasso and the Maiella.
The Gran Sasso is the highest peak in central Italy at around 2,920 metres and dominates the largest of the national parks in the region which are largely made up of forests of beech, pine, fir, oak, yew, ash, maple and other trees. The parks are home to a number of formerly endangered species: the Apennine wolf, Marsican bear, the fox, mountain goat and Apennine lynx.
The higher parts of the region is characterized by deep gorges and large expanses of high plateaux, fortified medieval villages, churches and castles dot the hillsides, with fishing villages and beach resorts lining the coast.
Abruzzo is proudly known as the ‘Region of Parks’, as one third of Abruzzo’s territory is subject to environmental protection, including the Abruzzo, Majella and Gran Sasso-Laga national parks.
Gran Sasso National Park
The largest national park in the Abruzzo region, and one of the largest in Italy, the 1,600 sq km National Park of Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga is truly impressive. The landscape consists of mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls and is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the region’s clear light accentuate the vibrant colours of the forests and fields. The park also enjoys its fair share of castles, hermitages and stone villages and leaves a lasting impression with its sheer scale and size generating an exhilarating atmosphere. The park’s contrasting mountain formations are its most characteristic feature. Three mountain groups define the area: the Monti Gemelli chain in the north of the park, and the central Monti della Laga range which connects with the vast Gran Sasso d’Italia massif, itself dominating the remainder of the territory.
Abruzzo National Park Abruzzo
Italy’s first national park which was established in 1922 in an attempt to preserve the unique but rapidly diminishing environment that is typical of the Apennine chain. Three main massifs shape the park’s outline with its southern zone extending into the regions of Lazio and Molise. High peaks include Monte Petroso (2,249m), Monte Marsicano (2,245m) and La Meta (2,242m). Nowadays, the park covers 500 sq km – two thirds of which are covered by forests.
Majella National Park
Majella is one of Italy’s newest national parks. Founded in 1993, it stretches over 740 sq km between the provinces of Pescara, L’Aquila and Chieti. Majella offers some excellent walks in four main areas: the Morrone mountains in the north-west; the Pizzi mountains in the south-east; Monte Porrara and its surrounding area to the south; and the wide Majella massif in the centre of the park. Majella is famous for its concentration of summits, over thirty of which reach above 2,000m. The main peak is Monte Amaro, the second tallest in the Apennines at 2,793m. It rises up out of the middle of the main massif, with its characteristic outline dominating the surrounding countryside.
Food and Wine
As well as the beautiful mountain scenery, stunning walks and easy access to beaches visitors to Abruzzo can enjoy wonderful food, wine and Italian hospitality. The region is known for a number of particularly 'Abruzzese' dishes, several types of pasta and a host of other gastronomic delights.
The red wine, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo is well known outside of Italy but you may not be surprised to learn that they keep the really good stuff for themselves. Many of the producers of the best wines produce such small quantities that there is simply not enough to export.
