Holidays in Italy’s mountain national parks

Time has finally come to book for the holidays! Why not thinking of absolute relaxation in safe areas surrounded by greenery where we don’t have to worry about social distancing, like national parks? Take advantage of the comfort of the best accommodation facilities.
Here a short guide with reference hotels, recommended readings and presentation videos of each park.

Gran Paradiso national park

The Gran Paradiso national park is located between the province of Turin and the Aosta Valley and – having been established in 1922 – it is the oldest Italian national park.

Territory and flora.
The park covers a very large territory that starts from 800 reaching up to 4061 meters above sea level at the tip of the Gran Paradiso, with five concentric valleys with typical alpine environments, with glaciers, rocks, larch and fir woods.

Fauna.
The creation of the protected area is strongly linked to the protection of the animal symbol of the park, the Alpine Ibex, of which, after the Second World War, only 416 animals had survived all over the world, and all of them in the Park area. Other animals include mammals such as chamois, chariots, marmots, foxes, birds and birds of prey such as the golden eagle, the bearded vulture, the goshawk, the owls, the rock partridge, the black grouse, the coral caw, the nutcracker and the white partridge.

Readings:

Where to stay:

  • Hotel Sant’Orso & Wellness Lebois.
    4-star wellness hotel in the center of Cogne overlooking the large prairie of Sant’Orso, with view of the Gran Paradiso massif. Among its services, the panoramic swimming pool of the Lebois Spa and a new 500 sq. meters Wellness Center.
  • Hotel Du Grand Paradis & Wellness La Baita.
    A small boutique hotel built in 1800 with ancient charm, with traditional architecture and alpine atmosphere. Equipped with intimate and renowned private spa.
    https://www.hoteldugrandparadis.com/

Video:

Stelvio national park

The Stelvio national park was born in 1935 and is located between the provinces of Brescia, Sondrio, Bolzano and Trento.

Territory and flora.
The park spans three quarters above the height of 2000 meters above sea level, up to 3905 at the summit of Mount Ortles. Lower areas are enriched with meadows, slopes are dominated by large coniferous forests, while glaciers can be admired at higher altitudes.

Fauna.
The animals belong to over 260 species, including large birds of prey – golden eagles and bearded vultures -, ungulates – deer and ibex – and other species typical of mountain habitats – alpine galliformes, marmots, white hares, stoats, etc.

Readings:

Where to stay:

  • Hotel Amerikan.
    A refined and characteristic 4-star hotel just a stone’s throw from the ski lifts, , furnished with natural materials, featuring design rooms and a welcoming wellness area.
  • Hotel Resort Baita Montana.
    Family-run Hotel Baita Montana, with panoramic views of Livigno, is a short distance away from the cable car, featuring a wellness center with swimming pool.

Video:

Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga national park

The Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga national park was established in 1991 and is located between the provinces of L’Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, Rieti and Ascoli Piceno.

Territory and flora.
The park includes three mountain groups: the Gran Sasso (highest peak at 2912 m), the Laga Mountains (highest peak at 2458 m) and the Gemelli Mountains. Here live about 2300 higher plant species: over a fifth of the entire European flora, and more than a third of the Italian floristic heritage.

Fauna.
The park includes three mountain groups: the Gran Sasso (highest peak at 2912 m), the Laga Mountains (highest peak at 2458 m) and the Gemelli Mountains. Here live about 2300 higher plant species: over a fifth of the entire European flora, and more than a third of the Italian floristic heritage.

Readings:

Where to stay:

  • Hotel Ermecolle.
    New and modern hotel in Civitella del Tronto, surrounded by the green hills of Teramo.
  • Villa Valsi Residence.
    The residence is an ancient “grandparents’ house” located inside the park, renovated and divided into five comfortable holiday apartments which open onto two large gardens.

Video:

Alta Murgia national park

The Alta Murgia national park s among the most recent: it was established in 2004 between the provinces of Bari and Barletta-Andria-Trani.

Territory and flora.
The park is among the largest at a national level with its 68,077 hectares and includes two main habitats: the “grasslands on calcareous substrate with beautiful orchid blossoms” and the “sub-steppe paths of grasses and annual plants. It is characterized by rocky crests, sinkholes, rolling hills, karst cavities, steep slopes, extensive natural and cultivated pastures, oak and coniferous woods.

Fauna.
Hundreds of species can be found in the park. Among these: birds and birds of prey such as the lesser kestrel, the red kite, the marsh harrier, the buzzard, the kestrel, the barn owl, owls and little owls; amphibians such as the Italian newt, the kotschyi gecko, the green lizard, the four-lined snake and Hermann’s tortoise; mammals such as foxes, weasels, martens, badgers and wolves.

Readings:

Where to stay:

  • Hotel Pineta Wellness & Spa.
    Four-star hotel located between the Gargano and the national park, with a splendid view of the Adriatic Sea.
  • Hotel Cristal Palace.
    Hotel in a modern crystal and steel 6-storey building in the center of Adria, located inside a courtyard with flowers and lawn. Not far from the national park and a few minutes from the main historical points of interest in the area.

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Majella national park

The Majella national park was established in 1995 and is located between the provinces of L’Aquila, Pescara and Chieti.

Territory and flora.
The park includes an area going from 130 and 2793 meters over sea level, the highest point being Mount Amaro. Inside there are more than 2100 species of plants, among which the blue moonwort, the Majella cornflower, the martagon lily, the Fiori butterwort and the elements of the Arctic flora such as the Apennine edelweiss, the Apennine gentian and the alpine aster are of particular importance.

Fauna.
The park is home to dozens of species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians typical of the Apennine mountain environments. The symbol of the park is certainly the Apennine wolf – of which there are 10 packs – but the presence of other mammals such as Apennine chamois, roe deers, deers, wildcats and martens is also important. Among the birds, the Dalmatian woodpecker and the honey buzzards. Among the amphibians, the Apennine yellow-bellied toad, the Apennine salamanders and the Savi salamanders.

Readings:

Where to stay:

  • Hotel La Réserve.
    Hotel, wellness centre, thermal resort and SPA in the heart of the Majella National Park, where you can take advantage of the beneficial properties of Caramanico thermal waters. Inside: outdoor swimming pool with sulphurous water, indoor fresh water swimming pools, massages, treatments, sports facilities and beauty centre.
  • Le Torri Hotel.
    The ancient noble residence of Baron Grilli was transformed into a refined 4-star hotel on the slopes of Mount Calvario.

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