Maiella National Park

Maiella National Park protects the Maiella massif in the Abruzzo region of the central Apennines and was established to conserve the area’s mountain ecosystems and cultural heritage. The park includes high peaks, deep valleys, extensive forests and traditional pastoral landscapes.

Hiking is the primary visitor activity, with routes ranging from valley walks to strenuous ascents of Monte Amaro at 2,793 metres, the park’s highest peak. Visitors also come for wildlife observation, spring and alpine flora, and to visit historic hermitages and mountain chapels dotted across the massif.

The park traces its modern protected status to the late 20th century when Italy created a formal national park to manage land use and conservation. The area contains long-standing rural and religious traditions, with medieval hermitages that reflect centuries of human use of high mountain pastures.

Maiella National Park lies in Abruzzo in central Italy, between the provinces of Pescara, Chieti and L’Aquila, forming part of the Apennine backbone. Access is via valley towns and mountain roads that connect to regional centres across Abruzzo.

• Protection and trails: The park was established to protect the Maiella massif and its varied habitats, and it contains marked trails for multi-day hikes and alpine routes.
• Karst terrain: Karst features such as caves and sinkholes are common; some caves are significant for speleology and biology, so respect closures and local guidance.

What to See #

• Monte Amaro: Monte Amaro, the park's highest summit at 2,793 metres, forms a central ridge and is a key destination for long hikes and winter mountaineering.
• Orfento Valley: Orfento Valley, a steep, wooded gorge with a marked trail and popular for day hikes and wildlife observation within the park.
• Hermitages and cultural sites: Medieval hermitages and mountain chapels scattered on the massif, many dating to the Middle Ages and accessible by foottrack from valley villages.