Hiking in Abruzzo: trails among fortresses, chamois and hermitages
Abruzzo is the region of parks: a third of its territory is protected, and its trails pass fortresses perched above the plateaus, valleys where chamois and bears live, and hermitages carved into the rock of the Majella. Here you will find our selected routes, with track, elevation profile, GPX and practical information.
The numbers mark where each trail starts.
- 1From Santo Stefano di Sessanio to Rocca CalascioE 6.4 km · +250 m · 3 hours · out and back
- 2★ The Camosciara and its waterfalls, in Abruzzo National ParkE 8 km · +450 m · 3–3.5 hours · out and back
- 3Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio, on the MajellaE 8.9 km · +320 m · 3 hours · out and back
- 4Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi from Campo ImperatoreE 2.9 km · +270 m · 1.5–2 hours round trip · out and back
No trails match the filters: try widening them.
How to read the CAI scale
Each trail is graded on the scale of the Club Alpino Italiano (Italian Alpine Club), the same one you'll see on the signposts. Grades assume dry ground: rain, snow or strong heat make a route harder.
- T Tourist
- Roads, mule tracks or wide, easy paths with no route-finding problems.
- E Hiking 4 in this guide
- Waymarked trails over varied terrain: you need hiking boots and a basic level of fitness.
- EE Expert hikers
- Exposed, steep or rocky sections, sometimes with chains: you need a sure foot and a head for heights.
- EEA Expert hikers with equipment
- Via ferratas or equipped routes: you need a harness, via ferrata set and helmet.
Before you set off
Bears and chamois
The Marsican bear lives in Abruzzo National Park: if you meet one, keep your distance, do not feed it and do not approach it to take photos. Some areas are closed at certain times to protect the animals.
Tickets and access
In summer some valleys in the park, such as the Camosciara, have regulated access, shuttle buses or paid car parks.
Sunny plateaus
There is no shade on the Gran Sasso plateaus: bring a hat and water even on cool days.
Emergencies
Single emergency number: 112.
Water sports in Abruzzo →← Guide to Abruzzo
Routes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), via Waymarked Trails and BRouter; elevations from a digital terrain model. Times and elevation gains are indicative: waymarks on the ground and closure orders always take precedence.