Walking in Abruzzo : Gran Sasso, Maiella and Abruzzo National Parks, and Sirente-Velino Regional Park

Abruzzo remains largely unknown to international visitors, yet it encompasses three national parks and a regional park with dramatic Apennine ridges, deep gorges, ancient villages, and some of Europe's richest wildlife—including wolves, Marsican brown bears, chamois, and golden eagles. This Cicerone guidebook covers 40 graded day walks across Abruzzo's four protected areas: Maiella, Gran Sasso, Abruzzo, and Sirente-Velino parks. Ranging from 4 to 25km (2 to 16 miles) and taking 2 to 8 hours to complete, the walks are graded 1 to 3 to suit both beginners and experienced mountain walkers. Each route includes 1:50,000 mapping and downloadable GPX files, plus practical guidance on access, accommodation, and getting around the region. Highlights include two distinct ascent routes up Corno Grande—the highest peak in the Apennines of peninsular Italy at 2,912m—and walks through some of Italy's most dramatic landscapes: the Fara San Martino gorge, the Val di Rose, the medieval village of Rocca Calascio, and the high plateau of Campo Imperatore. The guidebook also features an Italian-English glossary, notes on local geology, wildlife, food and drink, and detailed information on planning your visit. Abruzzo is Italy's best-kept secret for mountain walkers seeking serious Apennine terrain and extraordinary wilderness habitat.