Majella
About an hour’s drive inland from Pescara and the beaches of the Adriatic coast, the Majella National Park is one of those hidden gems of Italy that impress with their simplicity and authenticity. The area boasts 740 square kilometres of protected wilderness amid the Apennines, with more than 60 peaks, one-third of all Italian flora, and a universe of animals, including rare species like the Marsican bear and the Apennine wolf.
Locals call Majella their ‘Mother Mountain’ and believe its name derives from the goddess Maia. According to the legend, the mountain is Maia’s final resting place, where she collapsed after searching for endemic medicinal herbs in the snow to save her son Mercury, who had been badly injured in a battle. The Majella Park is a land of staggering views, fascinating folk tales, delicacies you’ll rarely find elsewhere, and mountain villages where everyone knows everyone. And with a priceless heritage of art and culture, there’s a lot to explore in this corner of wild and untouched
