Maiella National Park Day Trip: Nature, Views & Tranquillity in Abruzzo's Wild Heart

La Bella Maiella National Park – A Day Trip to Remember

Looking for a nature-filled day trip in Abruzzo? Just over an hour’s drive south of La Stradella brings you to the northern edge of the Maiella National Park, one of the region’s most breathtaking and diverse landscapes. While the Gran Sasso might be described as dramatic and majestic, the Maiella has a quieter, wilder and magical beauty. A place where nature, history, and mystical forests blend into one. Here you will find ancient hermitages, wild gorges, sulphurous springs, charming hilltop villages, and outdoor adventure.

Parco Lavino – Turquoise Springs and Tranquil Trails

Your first stop could be Parco Lavino, a protected natural area of around 38 hectares just outside the national park itself. The highlight here is the vivid turquoise pools, coloured by sulphur-rich springs, and be warned, there is that distinctive sulphurous smell to accompany them! The area is popular with families and groups for picnics and barbecues. There are plenty of benches, shady spots and a dedicated barbecue area available. If you're not eating you can easily spend an hour wandering the easy walking trails around the pools and along the adjacent river. It’s a peaceful place to while away an hour or two. If you'd like to know more about the Parco Lavino then there is a good wiki page.

Parco Lavino Abruzzo nature scene with turquoise colours river

Eremo di San Bartolomeo – History Built into the Rock

From Parco Lavino, it’s around a 30-minute drive south to one of the most atmospheric spots in the Maiella – the Eremo di San Bartolomeo in Legio. This ancient hermitage, tucked into a rocky cliff face, dates back to the 11th century. One of several original hermit dwellings found throughout the park, it features a small, stone chapel that feels almost hidden from time.

To reach it, you’ll need to walk a self-guided trail for around half an hour from the road to the east. The path is clear, but make sure to wear decent walking shoes, as the terrain can be a little uneven. Depending on the season, it’s worth checking in with a local restaurant or tourist info point to find out about any parking restrictions or seasonal surcharges. Here is the Maiella National Park page for the hermitage if you would like more information.

Le Scalelle Nature Trail – Cooling Off by the River

If the midday sun is starting to feel a bit much, it’s time to head for shade and cooler air at the Le Scalelle nature trail, near Caramanico Terme. There’s a car park close to the Orfento Valley visitor centre, where a track leads towards the gorge and down into the valley below. The descent isn’t too long, but it’s steep enough and you do want to watch your footing. Taking it slow is worthwhile though as the view, as you make your way down into the gorge, is spectacular.

Once at the bottom you’ll be rewarded with a well-maintained path that follows the crystal-clear Orfento River. The diverse canopy of trees combined with the flowing water drop the ambient temperature by several refreshing degrees compared to that at the top of the gorge. As you follow the path through the forest, the track weaving left and right with the occasional wooden bridge as you cross back and forth over the river, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in an acient mythical forest that is part of a movie set. Don't forget what goes down must come back up! Although the path alongside the river is easy walking, the track down from the carpark (and consequently back up again) requires a reasonable level of fitness. Here is the Maiella National Park page for Le Scalelle if you would like more information.

And there’s a touch of wartime history here too: about halfway down the cliff face, you’ll pass a natural shelter where three Allied soldiers hid for 10 days during WWII, escaping German capture. It was February, the weather was freezing, and local peasants risked their lives to bring them bread each day. One of these men, a New Zealander by the name of John E. Broad, later wrote about his experience in his memoir 'Poor People, Poor Us'. Here is an interesting article if you'd like to find out more about his experience.

A Day Well Spent in the Wild Heart of Abruzzo

Whether you're a history lover, a hiker, or just looking to cool off in nature, the Maiella National Park delivers the perfect mix of experiences in just one day. It’s easy to reach, easy to fall in love with, and full of unexpected moments.

Planning your own adventure? We love exploring all that mother nature has bestowed on the region and we're always happy to share local tips and ideas for day trips with La Stradella as your base. Just get in touch!