A long and exciting hike on the ridge of one of the least frequented and wildest areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. A path that will take us back in time near the cave of the bloodthirsty bandit Domenico Fuoco. He died near the Mount Meta in the night between 17th and 18th of August 1870, in the German trenches that can still be observed on the ridge of Mount Mare and Mount Marrone.

These mountains were witnesses of the advance of “Corpo Italiano di Liberazione” (Italian army corp during the second world war) in the spring of 1944 and they hosted the shelter of Charles Moulin. He was a singular painter who decided to leave Paris in the first years of 1900; he was a famed painter, but he decided to leave almost completely alone on the peaks of these mountains.

Traversata Mainarde Meta Abruzzo

Highlights

The 2,160 metres of Monte a Mare rise at the point where peninsular Italy is narrowest. On a clear day, the hike on the Mainarde mountain chain offers a view of the two seas of the Apennines.
Walking quietly and respectfully, it is possible to catch a glimpse of one of the historic herds of Apennine chamois, grazing undisturbed between gentle dolines and jagged rock faces.
Beautiful scenery in intimate and wild places, among large beech forests and rare blooms, to rediscover nature’s essence

Costs

from 30,00 €

What's included

Local nature guide
Professional liability insurance

What is excluded

Packed lunches
Personal travel insurance

This hike is recommended only for physically fit individuals who are accustomed to walking on high‑mountain trails. To move safely on this type of terrain, it’s essential to wear trekking boots that provide ankle protection. There are no water sources along the route, so it’s necessary to carry enough water for the entire day.

What to bring

Rucksack (25-35 litre)
Waterproof jacket with hood
Warm jacket
Technical walking trousers
Technical t-shirts
Hiking boots
Warm hat
Thin gloves
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottles or water bladder (at least 2 l)

The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is an enchanting place where wilderness is offered in many unexpected shapes and colours. The place which more than any other jealously guards its origins, rejects anything too noisy, and still today embraces that ancient connection between humans and nature. A trip to this region could result unforgettable from many points of view, but without a doubt it can help us to rediscover a fleeting inner peace.

FAQ

Naturally, many of the participants on guided hikes in Abruzzo National Park are solo travellers.

Our tours are usually made up of singles, couples and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, most of whom are between 25 and 50 years old. These adventures are suitable for solo travellers and attract people with a common mindset: a love of nature, a desire to go further and meet like-minded people.

The recommended minimum age for climbing Mainarde mountain range is 14 years, and participants must have previous hiking experience. Younger children may be able to participate on other dates and on a private basis, if requested.

We regret that we cannot accept dogs at the hike to Mainarde mountain range . If you love your dog, you certainly love wild animals. To protect them and not to disturb them, certain precautions are necessary. For this reason, in the National Parks of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise and in many other protected areas, there are paths and areas of integral reserve where our pets cannot accompany us.

Refreshment point and toilet services are not available during this hike, you will eat your sneaks and you may go in the forest… looking for your private toilet.

The climate is typically Mediterranean, with pleasant temperatures and beautiful sunsets in the spring and autumn months. Of course, it is possible to have a day of bad weather, which can have an impact on the single excursion. Our guides will adapt the itinerary to the weather conditions to ensure the best possible experience.

Remember to bring all the necessary equipment and recommended clothing and before you arrive, feel free to ask your guide what to expect for your specific trip dates.

Ask for a private hike to the Mainarde mountain range tour if you need an exclusive experience. Whether you are a wildlife lover, photography enthusiast or simply in search of moments of peace and contemplation, our tailor-made itineraries will allow you to discover hidden corners and breathtaking landscapes in a unique and unforgettable experience.

We are a fully licensed tour operator, and all our guides are qualified professionals with professional indemnity insurance. It is easy and quick to take out additional travel insurance with major insurance companies. In addition to medical, baggage, and personal accident cover, you can also add cancellation cover travel insurance. Contact us for more information.

We understand that life can sometimes be unpredictable and we are here to help you in any way we can. We strongly recommend that you take out an additional insurance policy that includes a cancellation option. This can also be requested at the time of booking.

Day Tours
- Cancellation is free up to 48 hours prior to departure. Cancellations made after this time will incur a 100% cancellation fee and will not be refunded.

Multi day tours
- Up to 30 days prior to arrival, no charge.
- 29 to 15 days prior to arrival, 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 14 days before arrival or no show, 100% cancellation fee.

Pescasseroli is the most important village of Abruzzo National Park, the oldest Italian protected area. It has guaranteed a life in harmony with nature for almost a century. You can easily reach it by car through three access points. FROM ROME (Highway A24 Rome – L’Aquila): from Rome highway A24 until Pescina exit, proceed on SR83 or on SP17 until Pescasseroli. FROM PESCARA (Highway A25 Roma – Pescara): from Pescara highway A25 until Pescina exit, go on towards SR83 or towards SP17 until Pescasseroli. FROM NAPLES (Highway A1 Naples – Rome): from Naples highway A1 until Caianello exit, enter SS85 towards Venafro and then proceed on SR83 until Pescasseroli.

You can arrive by bus thanks to daily connections from Castel di Sangro and Avezzano. Check the timetable on Tuabruzzo. Connections by train are only until Avezzano station. For those who come from Rome it is possible to check the timetable of LineaRoma or Prontobus company that connects Roma and Ciampino airports to Avezzano.