EXPLORE ABRUZZO
Europe’s Greenest Sanctuary: Discover the Untamed Elegance of Abruzzo
Parks & Peaks
There are places in Europe that impress.
And then there’s Abruzzo - a region that enchants.
Nowhere else in Europe can claim such a vast proportion of protected natural beauty: 36% of Abruzzo is composed of National Parks, Regional Parks, and Nature Reserves - making it Europe’s greenest region by far. Within this pristine wilderness, life unfolds with quiet majesty: ancient forests cradle wolves and shy brown bears, while golden eagles command the skies and wildflowers blanket sunlit meadows each spring.
Abruzzo is home to three of Italy’s 24 National Parks, plus a Regional Park and 38 dedicated Nature Reserves. Together, they offer a multiplicity of landscapes, from glacier-topped mountains and windswept plateaus to secluded beaches and bird-filled wetlands - all just waiting to be explored.
Three Parks, Three Worlds of Wonder
Majella National Park – Mother of Mountains
The nearest to Villasfor2, and a constant presence on our horizon, the Majella National Park is a dramatic and mystical landscape. Home to more than 30 rugged peaks over more than 2.000 meters high, this is the most mountainous of Abruzzo’s parks.
Locals call it Majella Madre - Mother Majella - deeply revered in songs, stories, and spiritual folklore. The Apennine Wolf is the park’s emblem, its silent presence echoes through the ancient forests.
The park offers a network of immaculately maintained trails - from fragrant woodlands to lofty ridges - for walkers of all abilities. Come mid-June through mid-October, when the snow has melted and the alpine flowers bloom, the Majella becomes a dreamscape for hikers and nature lovers alike.
Abruzzo National Park – Wild at Heart
Founded in 1922, Abruzzo National Park is Italy’s oldest and perhaps most untouched. Spilling slightly into Lazio and Molise, it remains gloriously isolated, crossed by just two roads and shielded from development.
This deep solitude provides a refuge for the rare Marsican Brown Bear – seen by few, yet captured on camera by two adventurous guests on separate visits. The park is a living canvas of forests, waterfalls, and wildlife, where nature is not just preserved, but profoundly revered.
Gran Sasso – Majesty on a Grand Scale
Larger than both the Majella and Abruzzo Parks combined, Gran Sasso is a world unto itself. Its landscapes are wildly varied – from golden autumnal woodlands to the triple summits of Corno Grande, which at nearly 3000 meters, is the highest peak in the Apennines.
Adventurers can hike to the summit in summer or visit Il Calderone, the southernmost glacier in Europe, clinging to the mountain despite the warming climate.
At its feet lies the awe-inspiring Campo Imperatore plateau – a haunting expanse often called ‘Little Tibet’ for its sheer vastness and desolate beauty. Only one lonely road crosses it, snowbound through winter and spring, and utterly unforgettable any time of year.
Elegance in the Wild: Exploring by Car
With such grand scale and diversity, the best way to experience Abruzzo’s natural wonders is by car. Roads are quiet and the pace delightfully unhurried.
We recommend a day trip through the heart of the Majella, along the route between Pescocostanzo and Scafa - a journey through soaring landscapes, charming villages, and inviting trattorias.
For something truly special, detour to Scanno, a medieval hill town perched between Majella and Abruzzo National Parks. The drive itself - whether through the Sagittario Gorge or around Lake Barrea - is part of the magic.
And then there’s Lake Scanno - lovingly called “The Heart of Abruzzo.” Why? Not for history, myth, or magic - simply because, seen from above, the lake is heart-shaped. A romantic curiosity, best appreciated from the air, or from the peaceful path that circles its shimmering surface.
A Place of Soul and Solitude
Abruzzo is not a place to rush through. It’s a region to be slowly absorbed. One moment you’re walking through wildflower-dotted meadows, the next you’re sipping espresso beneath an ancient stone arch, or watching alpine swifts sweep across the evening sky.
It is the quiet grandeur of this place that seduces: the balance of wild and welcoming, vast and intimate, adventurous and serene.
This is Abruzzo—untamed, unspoiled, and unforgettable.
Flavours of Abruzzo
In Abruzzo, dining is more than a meal - it’s a way of life. Rooted in tradition and elevated by passion, every dish tells a story, and every table welcomes you as one of its own.
Stay with us at Villasfor2 for a month, and you could dine somewhere different each evening - and still barely begin to uncover the full spectrum of exceptional food and wine this extraordinary region offers. From hidden countryside trattoria to Michelin-starred artistry, Abruzzo is a true paradise for those who cherish authenticity and value.
There are no contrived “tourist menus” or inflated prices. Instead, you’ll find yourself among locals who treat dining out not as an occasional indulgence, but as an everyday pleasure where quality, generosity, and community still matter.
And the magic doesn’t stop with restaurants…
Abruzzo in a Glass
For decades, Abruzzo’s wines were hidden gems. Now, they rank among Italy’s finest. And you’ll find some of the region’s most remarkable producers just minutes from Villasfor2.
- Red – Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
- White – Pecorino & Trebbiano
- Rosato & Cerasuolo
- Sparkling Pecorino
Characteristics of Abruzzo Wines
Terroir Influence: Mountain-cooled vineyards and coastal breezes contribute to freshness and balance.
Style: Rustic yet approachable, often with good structure and depth.
Affordability: Many wines offer excellent value for money, especially in comparison to better-known Italian regions.
