What to do in Abruzzo; Three days in the Majella National Park
Yep, this is going to be one of those “x things to do in x” posts. The name of this blog is Gillian’s Lists after all. This beach girl just spent three days in the mountains and I have to say, the Majella is enchanting.
The Majella National Park in Abruzzo is lush and green, filled with staggering views, marvelous food and wine, ancient hermitages, and pretty hill towns. It has that proverbial something for everyone. And, it is only a few hours from Rome!
This guide will tell you how to spend three days in the Majella National Park. I visited the towns of Decontra-Caramanico, Roccamorice, Guardiagrele, Pretoro, Casalincontrada, Pennapiedimonte, Fara San Martino and will tell you what to do, where to eat, and where to stay when you get there
What to do in the Majella
There are hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails for every level. There are 30 summits If you rock climb there is that too. I am already planning a return to the gorges of Fara San Martino in August to explore the Sorgenti di Fiumi Verdi, the cold clear water that is the secret to some of your favorite pasta brands.
Contemplate
A place of religious isolation & contemplation for over 1,000 years, the Eremo Abbazia di Santo Spirito a Majella is carved into a vertiginous cliff. Of course, my favorite part was the bone-filled crypts. Visit the ancient Abbazia a Fara San Martino (established in 829!) with Majexperience.
Experiences
Marisa, who runs the charming Pietrantica Agriturismo, can teach you how to make the traditional Abruzzese pasta, Spaghetti alla chitarra using heritage grain flour, grano solina & eggs from her chickens.
Visit the wolf sanctuary run by Fabrizio Chiavaroli and Il Grande Faggio and learn about these mysterious animals that are so important to Abruzzo.
In early May the village of Pretoro celebrates an emotional festival that recreates an ancient ritual. A newborn baby is stolen by a (costumed) wolf only to be returned safely after hearing the villager's cries.
Eat pies stuffed with wild spinach, farro risotto with sweet chili oil & Parrozzo, a traditional cake at Agriturismo Tholos.
Learn about traditional Abruzzese dishes that rarely make it on a restaurant menu like Pallotte and Frascarelli at Ristorante Santa Chiara
For something sweet try Patabom's Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sorbet and the risqué pastry called Sise de Mòneche from Pasticceria Emo Lullo.
Drink Pecorino wine and buy bottles of olive oil from Trappeto di Caprafico
I haven’t camped in decades but I could be convinced by the chic & comfortable tents & cabins at Dimore Montane.
A place of religious isolation & contemplation for over 1,000 years, the Eremo Abbazia di Santo Spirito a Majella is carved into a vertiginous cliff. Of course, my favorite part was the bone-filled crypts. Visit the ancient Abbazia a Fara San Martino (established in 829!) with Majexperience.
Experiences
Marisa, who runs the charming Pietrantica Agriturismo, can teach you how to make the traditional Abruzzese pasta, Spaghetti alla chitarra using heritage grain flour, grano solina & eggs from her chickens.
Visit the wolf sanctuary run by Fabrizio Chiavaroli and Il Grande Faggio and learn about these mysterious animals that are so important to Abruzzo.
In early May the village of Pretoro celebrates an emotional festival that recreates an ancient ritual. A newborn baby is stolen by a (costumed) wolf only to be returned safely after hearing the villager's cries.
Where (and what) to eat and drink in the Majella National Park
Learn about traditional Abruzzese dishes that rarely make it on a restaurant menu like Pallotte and Frascarelli at Ristorante Santa Chiara
For something sweet try Patabom's Montepulciano d’Abruzzo sorbet and the risqué pastry called Sise de Mòneche from Pasticceria Emo Lullo.
FARA FILIORUM PETRI
You will find extraordinary views & Argentine-style fire-roasted lamb at L'Antico Tratturo.
You will find extraordinary views & Argentine-style fire-roasted lamb at L'Antico Tratturo.
I had my 1st Arrosticini (it only took 15 years!) & honey drizzled pecorino at the farm La Guardata.
Where to sleep in the Majella National Park
I stayed at the sustainably built Borgo Capo. Breakfast was fresh local pastries and biodynamic fruit juice served in a flower-filled garden.
How to get to the Majella from Rome
I took a bus from Tiburtina to Pescara. Then I was met by Civitarese Viaggi. I recommend exploring Abruzzo by car for the most flexibility.I was a guest of Abruzzissimo Magazine and the Camera di Commercio Chieti Pescara but all opinions posted here on my blog are my own.
Use this Wanderlog map to plan your trip to Abruzzo.
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