National Park of Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains

The National Park was formed in 1995 and covers 149.000 hectares, expanding to 3 different regions (Abruzzo, Marche and Lazio) and so 5 provinces (Teramo, L'Aquila, Pescara, Ascoli Piceno and Rieti), 8 mountain communities and 44 towns. Nine out of ten towns are in Abruzzo.

The area includes two of the most imposing mountain range of the Apennines: the Gran Sasso Mountains with its peak of Corno Grande (2912m) and wonderful glacial valleys with the famous Calderone, the southernmost glacier in Europe. The park is composed of two geological formations: the Gran Sasso mountains (calcareous, karst, rocky and barren) and the Laga mountains (clay and marl soil, densely wooded, rich in water flows). Whence, the natural environment of the park varies so much.

The park is inextricably linked with its ancient lore and the nature conservation area is rich in waterways, falls, woods and unique flora and fauna species intact live. The park is wonderfully evocative of cultural and historical life with remains of fortresses overlooking the hills and uplands, admits breathtaking panoramic sceneries. Nearby, wonderful ancient towns are surrounded  by towering rocks and time-honored remains admits the sensational beauty of nature.

We have selected the most amazing paths:

1. Starting from Prati di Tivo (1550 m) towards the Vallone delle Cornacchie, up to the Fianchetti mountain hut (2433m);
2. The hill of Sella dei due Corni (2520m), the peak of Corno Piccolo (2655m) with the visit to the Calderone glacier, the southernmost glacier in Europe;
3. Starting from Rocca Calascio (1464m), enchanting spot at the foot of Corno Grande mountain, overlooking the Piana di Navelli, up to the beautiful old town of St. Stefano di Sessanio, member of the Italian association "The most beautiful towns of Italy"
4. Campo Imperatore, named "The little Tibet of Abruzzo", a huge upland surrounded by imposing and towering rocksat an altitude of 1500/2000 meters. Admits an idyllic atmosphere the place perfectly preserves the wild and unspoilt Mother Nature. The majestic peak of Corno Grande, the giant of the Gran Sasso mountain, quietly guard the area at an altitude of 3000 meters.

We have selected the most beautiful and well-preserved medieval towns inside the nature reserve:

Calascio, S. Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte, Castelvecchio Calvisio e, sulla Piana di Navelli, Barisciano e San Pio delle camere. The upland of Navelli, through the old path "Tratturo Magno" ( a long path connecting the city of L'Aquila in Abruzzo and Taranto in Apulia during transhumance ) is famous for the saffron plantation, the main business activity of the town.

Arsita (TE)
Barete (AQ)
Barisciano (AQ)
Brittoli (PE)
Bussi sul Tirino (PE)
Cagnano Amiterno (AQ)
Calascio (AQ)
Campli (TE)
Campotosto (AQ)
Capestrano (AQ)
Capitignano (AQ)
Carapelle Calvisio (AQ)
Carpineto della Nora (PE)
Castel del Monte (AQ)
Castelli (TE)
Castelvecchio Calvisio (AQ)
Castiglione a Casauria (PE)
Civitella Casanova (PE)
Civitella del Tronto (TE)
Cortino (TE)
Corvara (PE)
Crognaleto (TE)
Fano Adriano (TE)
Farindola (PE)
Isola del Gran Sasso d'Italia (TE)
L'Aquila (AQ)
Montebello di Bertona (PE)
Montereale (AQ)
Montorio al Vomano (TE)
Ofena (AQ)
Pescosansonesco (PE)
Pietracamela (TE)
Pizzoli (AQ)
Rocca Santa Maria (TE)
Santo Stefano di Sessanio (AQ)
Torricella Sicura (TE)
Tossicia (TE)
Valle Castellana (TE)
Villa Celiera (PE)