The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is composed of the mountains of Gran Sasso, the Monti della Laga and the so-called Twin Mountains.
The first ones show the typical features of the Dolomites, with high peaks, steep slopes and several high-altitude routes. From here, on particularly clear days, it is possible to see the Adriatic Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea and the regions of Central Italy.
Here are also the Calderone Glacier and the plateau of Campo Imperatore, a large and beautiful high-altitude grassland.
The area is rich in woods and streams, waterfalls and ponds. On the contrary, the Monti della Laga have a softer, undulating drops and they are furrowed by many streams that flow into vast pine, beech and birch forests.
Within the whole area of the park there is a strong human presence, but it is perfectly integrated with nature, as you can see in the numerous Middle Ages villages that, up to now, preserve their original appearance.
The civilization of pastors has always characterised this area, as shown by dry stone walls, shelters, farms and rock churches.
More than 2000 species of plants live in the different areas of the park, prairies, pastures, woods; the undergrowth is rich of colours and aromas of raspberries and wild orchids.
As regards the wildlife, the Gran Sasso is considered the kingdom of the Abruzzo chamois, and in the area are also deer, roe deer and the Apennine wolf, as well as many rare birds of prey, such as golden eagles, peregrine falcons and eagle owls.