This Sprawling Italian Mountain National Park Offers Scenic Views & Fun Outdoor Recreation

If you are planning a vacation in the Abruzzo region of Italy, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga) is one of the most beautiful European destinations to visit in December. With its snow-peaks, charming mountain villages, and stunning landscapes, this 370,000-acre park is the perfect place to escape the busy Italian towns, discover alpine lakes and rivers, and enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery of the Corno Grande, the highest peak in the Apennines.

Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is easily accessible from Rome, which is about a two-hour drive away, or from Pescara on the Adriatic coast, about an hour's drive. You can also get a train or bus to the smaller towns in the park. Gran Sasso was established in 1991 as a nature reserve to protect the natural surroundings that cover three regions: Abruzzo, Lazio, and Marche, and 12 districts. You will still find sheep grazing in the pastures and wildlife like the Apennine wolf and wild boar enjoying the natural surroundings. The park is also home to medieval routes, archaeological sites, and museums.

Gran Sasso is a playground for outdoor lovers with stunning alpine escapes and thrilling adventures. One of the best ways to experience or explore the charming scenery is to take on the hiking trails that lead to panoramic mountain views. With about 79 hiking and walking trails around the park, travelers can choose from beginner-friendly, moderate, and challenging trails. The most popular trail leads to Corno Grande, where you will get to enjoy sweeping views of the beautiful park and the Adriatic coast. Visitors can also cycle through the forest trail that leads to beautiful lakes and small villages within the park.

Gran Sasso has three mountain groups: the Gran Sasso mountain chain, the Corno Grande, and the Laga Mountains. This makes it an exciting destination for mountain climbing. You can climb to Corno Piccolo summit, known as the sleeping giant or the massif of Gran Sasso, which stands tall at about 3,000 metres above the Campo Impetore. Since the park has two biogeographical regions, you can expect diverse flora and fauna that thrive in Euro-Siberian and Mediterranean conditions. If you are lucky, you can spot different types of wildlife, including the Apennine wolf, the Apennine chamois, and deer. If you need to refuel, stop by Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, which is one of the prettiest restaurants in the world for foodie travelers, for a delicious meal. This restaurant is a mountain hut that you can get to by hiking from Campo Imperatore. Some of the tasty treats you will find on the menu include braised sheep or boar stew, various soups, and cheeses.

Before you explore beyond the park, ensure you visit Lake Campotosto, an artificial lake in the northern section of Gran Sasso near Monti della Laga Mountain. This high-altitude lake is surrounded by snow-peaked mountains and different species of trees, providing a serene destination for enjoying beautiful sunset vistas or feathered voices ringing out along the shore. Since many migratory birds land on the lake, you will find different bird species throughout the year. The most common birds to watch from the shores are herons and waders.

Gran Sasso has numerous ancient yet charming villages and towns that add to its character. A case in point is Castel del Monte, perched on a hill. This village dates back to the eleventh century, and you can still walk through the narrow alleys and stone walls. Also, make sure you visit one of the many churches dotted around the village, like the Madonna dei Pastori or the Church of San Donato Fuori le Mura. If you want to explore outside the park, consider visiting the lakes of Scanno, a two-hour drive from Gran Sasso. The great lake with a heart shape is a swimming and sunbathing hotspot thanks to the gentle waters and pristine, small beaches that dot the lake.