The Majella National Park: an itinerary through nature, villages and hermitages in the heart of Abruzzo

The Majella National Park is easily accessible by both car and train. The main gateways are Sulmona, Caramanico Terme, Guardiagrele and Roccaraso, connected to the A25 Rome-Pescara motorway.

Those travelling by train can reach Sulmona from Rome and Pescara, while at certain times of the year it is possible to experience the "Trans-Siberian of Italy", the famous historic panoramic train. The nearest airports are Pescara and Rome. To freely explore villages and natural areas, it is advisable to travel by car.

Useful tip: to visit the park without rushing and enjoy the different stages of the itinerary, it is advisable to allow at least 3 or 4 days of travel.

The journey can start in Sulmona, an elegant city of art famous for its confetti and its historic centre full of monuments. Also worth visiting is the Badia Morronese, an important monumental complex that is often off the beaten tourist track.

The famous "Trans-Siberian of Italy" also departs from Sulmona, one of the most scenic train journeys in the Apennines, particularly evocative in winter and during the autumn foliage.

Leaving the city, you reach Pacentro, listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy, dominated by the towers of Caldora Castle and surrounded by the Majella mountains.

Continuing on, you reach Passo San Leonardo, a strategic point for excursions, trekking and outdoor activities in every season. A number of trails start here, leading to the spectacular "rave" of the Majella. Useful tip: book your trip on the Trans-Siberian railway of Italy in advance and always check the weather conditions before hiking at altitude.

Descending towards Sant'Eufemia a Maiella, you come to Roccacaramanico, a small stone village immersed in the silence of the mountains. A short distance away is Caramanico Terme, a historic spa town surrounded by forests and trails.

The Majella is also known as the "mother mountain" of the hermitages. In the areas of Abbateggio and Roccamorice, you will find some of the most evocative spiritual places in Italy, immersed in rock and nature.

Among the most fascinating are the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio and that of Santo Spirito a Majella.

The area is also popular with lovers of climbing and outdoor activities. Useful tip: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the hermitages and walk the trails of the Majella.

Climbing higher, you reach the Maielletta, one of the most scenic areas in the central Apennines. In winter, it is an ideal destination for snow sports, while in summer it offers walks and cool temperatures. An unmissable stop is the Pomilio hut, the starting point of the Indro Montanelli Trail, which is also accessible to families and people with reduced mobility. On clear days, the view stretches as far as the Adriatic Sea.

The journey continues to Pretoro, known for its wood craftsmanship and its wolf wildlife area, and to Rapino, where the tradition of artistic ceramics survives.

Near Bocca di Valle is the Piana delle Mele, a green area ideal for outdoor activities and bike routes. Not far away, Guardiagrele retains a charming medieval historic centre and is famous for the typical dessert of "sise delle monache".

One of the most spectacular places in the park is Pennapiedimonte, a village built into the rock of the Majella. From here, you can reach the picturesque Balzolo, one of the most iconic views of mountainous Abruzzo.

Crossing Palombaro, you then arrive at Fara San Martino, famous for its pasta tradition and for its spectacular natural gorges, considered one of the most scenic accesses to the Majella massif. Useful tip: even for the simplest walks, hiking or sports shoes are recommended.