Before visiting the park
The park offers an extensive network of paths
Climate
Notwithstanding its proximity to the Adriatic Sea, the climate of the Majella Mountains and of the adjacent mountain ranges is decidedly continental, especially in its central and southern sectors. The precipitation rate is very uneven from zone to zone, being much drier in the central sector (700 mm of rain) and humid on the eastern side (1600 mm). The summer is usually sunny and mild but the winter can be very harsh, with severe snowstorms, although recently these events have become less frequent.
Given that MNP is a mountain park, with many peaks higher than 2000 metres, even in the summer the weather can change very rapidly, and it is important to be always very well equipped when wandering in remote areas.
Each season has its own attractions, and it is impossible to tell which the best time to come is: winter is fit for cross-country skiing, mountaineering and other winter sports, while spring and autumn are perfect for visiting the medieval villages, hermitages and historic sites in general, and for wandering in the woods at lower altitudes. Finally, summer is the season for hiking in the mountains and experiencing wilderness in the park.
What to bring
Whatever period one chooses to visit the park, it is recommended to wear sports clothes or otherwise comfortable and functional clothing. It would be wise to wear long trousers (which protect from insect bites and scratchy thorns); trekking boots with rubber soles (or footwear suitable for long walks). Another idea is to bring a daypack with a water bottle and breakfast and don’t forget the minimum for emergencies.
The paths are sometimes long and tiring; can be difficult due to the weather conditions and the difficulty of orientation. Therefore it is suggested to stick to the given paths drawn by the park and to rely on the experience of qualified personnel, either to get information or eventually be guided.
How to get there
By air
The closest airports are Rome Fiumicino and Pescara airport. The park is situated a 2-hour drive from Rome Fiumicino airport and less than 1 hour from Pescara airport.
By bus
Local bus companies (Arpa and Sangritana) link the park’s towns with Sulmona, Chieti, Pescara, Lanciano and Guardiagrele.
By train
The Roma Sulmona Pescara line, then the two slow but picturesque local lines from Sulmona to Castel di Sangro arrive at the park’s towns
By car
From the west (Rome) by the A25 Roma-Pescara, then the 17, 487, 614, 81 or 84 state road for the Majella towns. From the north (Bologna, Ancona) or east (Bari), the A14 to Pescara, then the A25 westbound. The eastern part of the Majella can be reached from Val di Sangro, then the Casoli road. From the south (Naples) by the A1 to Caianello, then towards Venafro and Roccaraso.
Entrance/access points
The main access roads are:
- From the West (ROME): highway A24 up to Torano and then A25 to the exits Pratola Peligna, Bussi/Popoli, Torre de’ Passeri or Alanno/Scafa
- From the North (BOLOGNA – ANCONA) and the South-East (BARI): Highway A14 to the exits of Pescara/Chieti, Lanciano or Val di Sangro and then towards the interior (eastern side of the Majella Mt.)
- From the South-West (NAPLES) Highway A1 up to Caianello and then towards Roccaraso – Pescocostanzo (southern side of the Park)
Visitor Centre
The visitor centres offer a wide range of exhibitions and information on the nature, culture and geography of the region. They also organise different activities and excursions into the park.
VISITOR CENTRES
in Caramanico Terme
Via del Vivaio - Caramanico Terme (PE)
tel. 085-922343 - fax 085-922343
www.majambiente.it
e-mail: majambiente [at] tin [dot] it
in Fara San Martino
P.zza Municipio - Fara San Martino (CH)
tel. 0872-980970 - fax 0872-980970
in Lama dei Peligni
Via S.Rocco, 20 - Lama dei Peligni (CH)
tel. 0872-916067 - fax 0872-916067
www.coopmajella.it
e-mail: coopmajella [at] infinito [dot] it
in Rapino
Via Val di Foro,1 - Rapino (CH)
in Valle dell'Orta
Via Palumbo, 1 – Bolognano
tel. 085-8880343 - fax C/o Comune di Bolognano 085-8880285
in Sant'Eufemia a Majella
S.S. 487 - Sant'Eufemia a Majella
tel. 085.922343 fax 085.920013
e-mail: progettos [dot] eufemia [at] poste [dot] it
INFORMATION CENTERS
in Sant'Eufemia a Majella
S.S. 487 - Sant'Eufemia a Majella
tel. 085.922343 fax 085.920013
e-mail: progettos [dot] eufemia [at] poste [dot] it
In addition there are Information centres located in the following villages:
Campo di Giove
Guardiagrele
Pacentro
Pennapiedimonte
Pescocostanzo
For more info: http://www.parcomajella.it/LgENG/ente_sedi.asp
Park Facilities
- 3 mountain huts (managed)
- 13 mountain huts (not managed)
- very well developed tourism infrastructure
Trails in the park
The park offers an elaborate network of paths for different types of visitors. There are interpretation trails and adventurous tourists can undertake a hiking tour to one of the remote hermitages built on steep limestone cliffs - a perfect place to enjoy solitude!
Majella National Park is provided with a thick trail Network (around 700 km): it is able to satisfy the needs of experienced day-trippers or tourists looking for of short walks in nature as well. In order to set up this network and to support each visitor, every path is marked by a letter that marks the route.
Eastern Majella is provided with several routes allowing the hiker to see deep gorges and real canyons among rocky faces. The trails on the Northern side are perfect for people who like discovering, in addition to the natural beauties, the historical and archaeological evidences of the park: retreats, cloisters, fortifications and shepherds’ huts. Mountain lovers will enjoy the high-altitudes itineraries in the central zones of Majella and along the ridge of Mount Morrone. These paths are demanding hikes but are counterbalanced by the beauty of nature and landscapes.
Two popular trails of the national park:
1. The Park Trail
This trail is surely the most complete and demanding one. Although it is not an “Alpine’ route, it is suitable only for people experienced in mountain environments and in good health. It is a route crossing the park along its longitudinal axis (around 40 Km) from Pescocostanzo to Popoli and reaching the major peaks of Majella: Mount Amaro (2793m) and Morrone. This path passes through a wild landscape, just one dwelling (Caramanico) and few other equipped rest-stops are on the way. It offers a complete viewing of the park area and the opportunity of discovering woods, pasturelands and real treasures of animal and plant life.
2. The Freedom Trail
This path crosses one of the less-known sectors of the park. This route was used, during the Second World War, by the people who wanted to escape from the territories occupied by the Germans. From Sulmona, it passes through Cansano, Campo di Giove, Palena, Gamberale and Pietransieri, with easy mule tracks or country roads. This itinerary allows one to get to know places of remarkable natural value such as Piano Cerreto. Here, the land is tended according to traditional techniques and rhythms and some animal species live here in the wonderful beech forests.
Equipment rental
Many of the visitors centres of MNP provide rental bike service (i.e. Caramanico, S. Eufemia, Lama dei Peligni...). In winter, there are shops in Pescocostanzo, Passo Lanciano, Rivisondoli, Roccaraso, Campo di Giove etc., renting cross-country skis and equipment (as well as downhill skis), snowshoes etc.
Rescue service
For mountain rescue and other health and safety emergency, the number is 118.
Services for disabled
Disabled access
- Sant'Eufemia a Majella - footpaths: Lama Bianca, Fonte della Fratta, Grotta Zappano
- Caramanico Terme - Centro di Visita, Museo Naturalistico, Area Faunistica della Lontra
- Pescocostanzo - Bosco di San'Antonio
- Lama dei Peligni - Centro di Visita, Giardino Botanico, area faunistica del Camoscio d'Abruzzo
Overnight stays in the park
Mountain huts are generally not managed. It is always possible to find at least one open room, but no booking service is provided.
Rules
It is forbidden in the park:
- to pick flowers, plants, moss, and to gather stones etc. in general, damage flora and environment
- to litter
- to light fires without authorisation and in general, set fires
- to disturb local fauna
- to go off the path
- to damage structures
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