Abruzzo, Italy's Wild Heart

Welcome to Hotel Degli Olmi. Unpack and settle in. 

From Villetta Barrea to the Waterfall of the Nymphs.

Option 1 La Camosciara

Distance: 7 miles (11km) 

Ascent: 1,200ft (360m) 

We set off from the hotel crossing the Sangro river before winding our way up through mystical forests of rare black pine. Once we reach the road that follows the Scerto stream, we’ll dip into the area known as La Camosciara, which takes its name from the herds of chamois that live on the high ridges.

We reach the beech forest and the beautiful waterfalls before heading back across the fields.

Option 2 La Camosciare and on to Civitella Alfedena

Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)

Ascent: 1,850ft (560m)

We'll follow the same route as the Option 1 walk to the waterfall and then on through forest clearings and pastures uphill to the village of Civitella Alfadena. We'll admire the spectacular views of over the lake and surrounding mountains before setting off downhill back to the hotel.

Option 1 Val Fondillo

Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)

Ascent: 700ft (220m)

There’s a short transfer to Pescasseroli from where we start our walk towards the blissful green valley, Val Fondillo. The path takes us from near the village centre up the Colli Bassi with accompanying views of the hilltop village of Opi.

We’ll follow the 'tratturo', one of the ancient paths used by shepherds, below Opi to reach the entrance to Val Fondillo, which takes its name from the many springs here. There’s a gentle climb to the periphery of the beech forest and a break at a clearing by the stream before heading back to Tornareccia spring. The beech forests of the Val Fondillo have been listed by UNESCO as an Ancient and Primeval Beech Forest of Europe since 2017.

Option 2 Val Fondillo to Monte Amaro

Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)

Ascent: 2,700ft (830m)

This trek starts at Val Fondillo but then veers off to climb the peak of Monte Amaro. It’s a steep ascent that follows the crest of the mountain through beech forest and then out to the high pastures and across rocky outcrops to the summit at 1,850m. If you have a good head for heights, you’ll be rewarded with lofty views of Monte Marsicano and the hilltop village of Opi down below.

You’ll have the chance to explore Scanno, one of the prettiest mountain villages of Abruzzo. Its remote location and harsh winters mean life was isolated until relatively recently. There’s time for a stroll around its steep and winding cobbled streets, which will give you a glimpse into the past as it’s been preserved pretty much as it was. Scanno is famous for its filigree jewellery and lacemaking, which you can still see in some of the little shops in town.

Option 1 Sentiero del Cuore – Path of the Heart

Distance: 2.5 miles (4km) plus walking tour of the town

Ascent: 600ft (200m)

Our transport will take us over the winding Godi Pass to Scanno where we'll take the path from the village down to Scanno Lake following an old mule track where the slopes of Monte Genzana eventually come into focus. After crossing through woods and fields, we’ll arrive at the lake where there's a spot for a refreshing dip if you fancy.

We’ll start climbing again towards the Hermitage of Saint Egidio from where you can look out over the lake and notice it’s shaped like a heart.

Around lunchtime we end in the historic centre of Scanno, where there is time to have lunch in one of the many cafe bars and restaurants. After lunch, we'll have a short tour of the town with our guide.

Option 2 – Anatuccio - Stazzo dell'Affogata - Villetta Barrea

Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)

Ascent: 1,650ft (500m)

Descent: 3,350 ft (1,030m)

The route begins along an ancient dirt road that winds through a beautiful beech forest. Walking among the centuries-old trees, you can feel an atmosphere of peace and coolness, accompanied by the scent of the undergrowth and birdsong. At the end of the dirt road section, after a short zigzag, the trail gradually emerges from the forest, revealing the first panoramic glimpses of the majestic mountains of the  National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise.

The path then reaches the Stazzo dell’Affogata, at an altitude of 1,869 metres — an ancient shepherds’ shelter where, in the past, during the transhumance, flocks were brought to graze during the summer season. The view from this point is spectacular; a full 360-degree panorama over the Mainarde Molisane, Monti della Meta, Balzi della Camosciara, Monte Petroso, Monte Marsicano and all the peaks surrounding Pescasseroli.
The trail continues across wide high-altitude meadows, passes another stazzo, and then gently begins to descend. As altitude is lost, the view opens even more and Lake Barrea appears nestled in the valley below. The descent then continues with a series of switchbacks through the forest, until reaching Villetta Barrea, where the hike ends directly at the hotel.

Spend the day as you wish. There’s the hotel garden you can relax in or nearby Lake Barrea where there are beaches you can swim from. Stretch your legs with a walk along the lake to the town of Barrea to visit the castle and take photos of the view across the mountains embracing the lake.

Alternatively, walk up to Civitella Alfedena and visit the Wolf Museum to learn about these elusive inhabitants of the park and perhaps see the family of wolves that live in the conservancy.

For those who would like to do another walk, there are paths leaving the village of Villetta Barrea and climb the mountain behind, or there are easier loops around the lake.

There are also buses to nearby Castel di Sangro where there are shops and restaurants, sports facilities, and pleasant walks along the river Sangro.

Option 1 Pescasseroli and the forest of Coppo del Principe

Distance: 6.5 miles (10.5km)

Ascent: 900ft (280m)

From the national park’s headquarters in the little town of Pescasseroli, your guide will fill you in on the wildlife living in the surrounding mountains, including the Marsican bear.

Our walk enters La Difesa, an area of forest used for grazing animals and takes in the tranquil setting of Coppo del Principe, a sanctuary for wildlife.

Option 2 Val di Rose

Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)

Ascent: 3,200ft (970m)

This option begins with a short transfer across the lake to the charming town of Civitella Alfedena. We begin our walk by taking in an array of landscapes from the top of the village before dropping down into a deep, ancient patch of beech forest home to trees hundreds of years old. With luck, we'll spot the wild herds of chamois hopping around the high crags. From the top, the views of the surrounding mountains are magnificent. The return is via the secluded Valle Jannanghera back to the Civitella Alfedena.

Option 1 Lake Barrea – Sorgente Jannanghera - Barrea

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 920ft (280m)

A short transfer will take us to the picturesque village of Barrea perched on the hillside above the lake. Wind your way up to the castle along its cobbled streets from where you can gaze out over lake and surrounding mountains. We'll then start our walk that will take us into the forest to the Jannanghera Valley and the tranquil spring where there's time to stop for a refreshment. The undulating path continues above the lake until you reach the village of Civitella Alfedena, then twists back down to the lake again. We return to Barrea where there's time to go up to the castle for stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountainside.

Option 2 Barrea – Lago Vivo

Distance: 8 miles (13km)

Ascent: 2,050ft (620m)

This walk starts above the town of Barrea and climbs quite quickly to reach a natural terrace from where there are panoramic views across to Monti della Meta and Monte Petroso, which at 2,249m is the highest in the national park. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the chamois hopping about on the steep cliffs here.

A little further along we stop at Lago Vivo, fed by the melting snow and dominated by the surrounding mountains. Its name (‘Alive Lake’) comes from the fact that it changes shape all the time depending on how much water there is. The path then descends through the deep and silent Valle dell'Inferno (Valley of Hell) where legends abound. We return to Barrea where you might choose to revisit the castle to further enjoy the stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountainside.

Return to the airport for your flight home.