Protected nature and rare wildlife
Discover bears, wolves, chamois and enchanted trails in the wild heart of central Italy
The Abruzzo, Lazio & Molise National Park
A treasure trove of biodiversity in the heart of the Apennines
On the in the Abruzzo, Lazio & Molise National Park. is one of the oldest and most important protected areas in Europe. Spanning over 100,000 hectares (including the core area and external protection zone), it represents a rare and extraordinary ecosystem, where nature thrives undisturbed and humans are respectful guests.
Among beech forests, highland pastures and mountain passes, you can still find animals that are symbolic of Italian wildlife species that have disappeared from most of Europe.
A unique wildlife to protect and admire
Encounters you won’t forget
The park is home to some of Europe’s rarest and most fascinating wild species:
- 🐻 The Marsican brown bear, symbol of the park
- 🦌 The Abruzzo chamois, agile and protected
- 🐺 The Apennine wolf, mysterious and silent
- 🦅 The golden eagle, majestic in the sky
- 🐱 The lynx, elusive and extremely rare
- 🦊 Foxes, deer, roe deer, martens, and badgers complete this fragile balance
Every encounter is a privilege. Every footprint is a reminder of a truly wild and authentic nature.
🌐 For more information, visit the official website: www.parcoabruzzo.it
The origins of the Park
From hunting to conservation: an Italian story
The park was founded in the early 20th century with a clear goal to protect endangered species. Originally conceived as a Royal Hunting Reserve, the idea gained momentum in 1917 thanks to Professor Alessandro Ghigi. At the time, it was an ambitious plan, covering a vast area and difficult to realise.
In 1921, it was the Municipality of Opi that took the first real step: it leased the area of La Camosciara in Val Fondillo to the society Pro Montibus et Sylvis, forming the park’s first protected nucleus.
In 1922, through a private initiative, the Ente Autonomo del Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzowas established, chaired by Erminio Siparifrom Pescasseroli. From there, other municipalities, Civitella Alfedena, Villavallelonga, Gioia dei Marsi, Bisegna, Pescasseroli, and Lecce dei Marsi, joined the project.
On the Park received its official recognition in 1923, with an initial protected area of 18,000 hectares.Today, this has grown to 40,000 hectares (core area) and over 60,000 hectares of external buffer zone.
🌐 For more information, visit the official website: www.parcoabruzzo.it
From Camping Le Foci, the park begins on foot
Opi is one of the park’s natural gateways
When you stay at Camping Le Foci, you're already in the heart of the Park. From here, you can set off on foot for unforgettable hikes, immerse yourself in the silence of beech forests, and observe wild animals in their natural habitat.
📍 Just steps away:
- La Camosciara.
- La Val Fondillo
- On the Monte Marsicano
- La Macchiarvana
🌐 For more information, visit the official website: www.parcoabruzzo.it
📌 Need a hand planning your holiday?
We’re here to help!
Got questions?
Wondering what to pack, how to book a caravan, or if you can bring your camper van?
Find all the answers, get in touch with us directly , or request a free quote online. In just a few clicks, your holiday in the heart of the National Park starts to take shape!
For guests without tents or camper vans, we offer fully equipped caravanswith a wooden veranda..
For guests without tents or camper vans, we offer fully equipped caravanswith a wooden veranda..
Housed in a former stable, now a rustic and welcoming dining room, our traditional Abruzzese restaurant serves hearty local dishes and generous portions.
