Characteristic for the Abruzzo region is the fact it is sparsely populated and its natural reserves are still intact, almost untouched. A true treasure trove for nature lovers and hikers alike.Approximately 30% of Abruzzo’s total area is made up of national parks and reserves. Found at the heart of the Central Appenin range, the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise, Italy’s very first nature reserve spanning for more than 44.000 hectares of land in the region (www.parcoabruzzo.it 
). This area is supplemented by the Gran Sasso and the Monti della Laga ranges (in short, Gran Sasso National Park), the Maiella National Park as well as the Sirente-Velino Regional Park.
). This area is supplemented by the Gran Sasso and the Monti della Laga ranges (in short, Gran Sasso National Park), the Maiella National Park as well as the Sirente-Velino Regional Park.
The Gran Sasso National Park spans for a total area of more than 140.000 hectares and is home to the three mountain ranges, Gran Sasso d’Italia, Monti della Laga and Monti Gemelli found in three of the four provinces: L’Aquila, Pescara and Teramo (www.gransassolagapark.it ). The Gran Sasso range and its “Corno Grande” peak on the easterly side makes up the highest point of Abruzzo with 2.912 metres above sea level. In the west you will find the elevated plane of Campo Imperatore wich is also known as “Little Tibet” due to the vast number of mountain hermitages which is only 2nd to Tibet itself. To the south, in the provinces of Chieti, Pescara and L’Aquila, the Majella National Park spreads out for a total area of 80.000 hectares (www.parcomajella.it ). The Majella range boasts more than 60 peaks over the 2.000 metre mark, the highest concentration in the Apennin. As does the other natural reserves in Abruzzo, Majella National Park is home to a number of rare animal species such as the Abruzzo-Chamois, Golden Eagle, Brown Bears and wolves. Also very unique regarding the national parks of Abruzzo is the fact that it is home to approximately 1900 plant, 60 mammal and 230 bird species which aren’t found anywhere else on the planet.
). The Majella range boasts more than 60 peaks over the 2.000 metre mark, the highest concentration in the Apennin. As does the other natural reserves in Abruzzo, Majella National Park is home to a number of rare animal species such as the Abruzzo-Chamois, Golden Eagle, Brown Bears and wolves. Also very unique regarding the national parks of Abruzzo is the fact that it is home to approximately 1900 plant, 60 mammal and 230 bird species which aren’t found anywhere else on the planet.