Explore The Natural World - in the Valley and beyond
Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise
“Barely two hours from Rome, these granite peaks and beechwood forests rarely make it onto most people’s Italy must-see lists. But they should: this is northern Italy at its most medieval, a mountain wilderness that is the last remaining home of the endangered Marsican brown bear as well as wild lynx, Appennine wolves and royal eagles. More than 150 tratturi (sheep tracks) wind through valleys and meadows filled with forget-me-nots, the untamed natural beauty broken up by a scattering of hilltop villages. This is unparalleled hiking country, with even short walks offering stupendous views.” Lonely Planet 2011.
Picinisco is one of the main entrances to the Park.
Prati di Mezzo (15 mins from Picinisco
at 1,300 m, you should always bring something warm to wear as the weather can change quite quickly. However, here you can sky in the winter and take wonderful walks throughout the year.
Grotta Campanaro
Val di Canneto
Lago di Posta Fibreno
Mentioned by Pliny, who spoke of its 'floating islands' and flat bottomed boats, little has changed in this peaceful Nature Reserve.
Lago Cardito (30 mins from Picinisco
Collepardo Caves (1 hour from Picinisco)
Discover the magic of stalactites and stalag- mites in the impressive Collepardo Caves with a dedicated, expert guide.
Montagna Spaccata & Grotta del Turco, Gaeta (1 hour from Picinisco)
A place of natural beauty on the Italian Coast which hosts the US Navy’s principal base in the Mediterranean.
Immerse yourself in the naturally ‘split’ mountain in Gaeta and the Cave below where pirates were rumoured to hide. In the same area is the Santuario della Ss.ma Trinita’.
And then enjoy the splendid beaches and seafood restaurants at Sipari Beach on Gaeta.
Isola del Liri (40 mins from Picinisco)
Visit the natural wonder of Isola del Liri, an island within Italy and its majestic waterfall in the centre of the town.
Monte la Meta (2-3 hours on foot)
Climb the impressive Monte la Meta with an expert guide and mountaineer. On a clear day, you can see both the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian Seas from the summit.
Pastena Caves (1 hour from Picinisco)
Discover the stalactites, stalagmites and the lagoon in the caves of Pastena, of which there are 5km, with a guided tour.
Solfatara (2 hour from Picinisco)
Discover the geological wonder of the rising ground, steam and gases of the Solfatara volcano, said to be the inspiration for Dante’s Inferno.