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Nature in Abruzzo

The nature in Abruzzo is so versatile and breathtakingly beautiful that we would like to pay some extra attention to it.

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In the immediate vicinity of our house, we find the Parco Nazionale della Majella - www.parcomajella.it

It is the first PAN Parks in Western Europe. Affectionately called " la Madre Montagna" by the inhabitants of Abruzzo, La Majella consists of an impressive group of high mountains. Majella is a limestone massif, rich in caves and caves, with more than 60 mountain peaks, 30 of which are higher than 2000 meters. It is formed by deserted high plains and steep valleys. Monte Amaro is the highest mountain at 2793 meters and the second highest peak in the Apennines. The Majella is unique in its location, close to the Adriatic Sea and at the crossroads of several climates. As a result, there is a very varied flora and fauna.

The Majella Mountains are bisected in the east by deep gorges where humans have left their mark over the centuries. Hermitage and shepherd's huts (tholos) are the visible remains, but much is also invisible. Recent excavations show that land was cultivated on the high plains of the park as early as prehistoric times. In the Vale Giumentina an educational center was recently opened about paleontological times. Education, science and nature conservation are of paramount importance in the park, in several villages on the edge of the park are visitor centers where you can find a lot of information. Naturally, you will also find a lot of information about the area and beautiful photo books in our house.

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The Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga is approximately 45 minutes away by car - www.gransassolagapark.it

Above the rocky massif of the Gran Sasso, the tops of the Gorno Grande (2912) and the Corno Piccolo (2655) protrude like two shark teeth.
On the eastern flank of the Gran Sasso is the Calderone, the southernmost glacier in Europe. To the south stretches the Campo Imperatore, a great plateau, immense. This is what the beginning of the earth must have looked like. It is known for its beautiful flowers in spring and summer. In summer, when the temperature on the coast rises, it can still be nice and cool here. Here you can make beautiful walks that are all well marked. You will also find "Ristoro Mucciante" a restaurant on the plateau where you can grill your own meat outside. The specialty arrosticini are especially delicious here. On the feast day of the sheep, August 5, thousands of sheep and shepherds come here. It is quite an attraction. The Fauna is also special in this national park. Thanks to special programs, the original animals are fully present again. With a bit of luck you can spot ibexes, wolves and bears here. Roe deer and deer are common. You can also see the king eagle, hawk and long-eared owl regularly. The rugged area of ​​this national park is sparsely inhabited. However, you will find beautiful villages on the edges of the park, including Santo Stefano de Sassanio and Calascio (scenery of the films "Lady Hawk" with Ruger Hauer and "The American" with George Clooney.

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Also on the Adriatic coast are two protected nature reserves the Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci - www.puntaderci.it   and the nature reserve Torre del Cerrano - www.torredelcerrano.it

The total coastline of Abruzzo covers 133 kilometers. Long sandy beaches, busy (mainly visited by locals) paid beaches, where you feel one among the Italians and under the umbrellas. Beautiful little beaches bordering the forests of Pine trees that shade the beach. Rocky and pebble beaches. Everyone will find a beach here to his taste. However, the beach of Punta Aderci is a well-kept secret. After a short walk you will find beautiful pebble beaches at the bottom of the hill overlooking a trabocco.
The Trabocchi coast of Abruzzo is unique. You will not find these buildings anywhere in the world. Nobody knows when these wooden "fishing machines" were created. The first descriptions of the trabocchi date from 1400 but it is certain that they are even older. The fishing huts built on wooden posts a few meters from the coast are accessible via a dangerous bridge, also on wooden posts. It is so easy for fishermen to cast their nets and bring them in through an ingenious system. Most are forbidden to visitors, but some have been restored and made suitable for use as restaurants. A romantic experience.

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