Villetta Barrea is a picturesque village nestled along the Sangro River, in a privileged position at the heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. It lies at the crossroads of routes connecting some of the area’s most beautiful villages, including Pescasseroli and Scanno, before continuing towards Barrea and further south.The landscape also bears witness to the ancient tradition of transhumance.

The historic Pescasseroli–Candela tratturo, one of the traditional routes used by shepherds and their flocks, passes through the area, connecting the summer pastures of Abruzzo with the winter pastures of Apulia.The village itself is divided into two distinct areas: the historic centre, with its narrow lanes climbing up the hillside, and the newer part, which stretches towards the lake along the road to Barrea.

Like Ortona dei Marsi, Villetta Barrea is one of the newer municipalities to have joined the BSC programme. A visit offers an opportunity to explore how a community with a strong cultural and natural heritage is beginning its journey with the programme and how it can use this experience to support the future of its territory.

PROGRAMME

The field trips are designed to explore some of the towns that are becoming Bear Smart Communities in the Central Apennines, highlighting the achievements, challenges and opportunities that have emerged during the LIFE Bear Smart Corridors programme, co-host of the 2026 IBA Conference. Bookings for this event are non-refundable.

Villetta Barrea — The Heart of the Park: A Story of Coexistence

We set off from Piazza Sant'Antonio, in Pescasseroli, at 8:00 am, with a short transfer to the parking area of the Riserva Naturale della Camosciara, one of the first areas of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park to be placed under strict protection. From here an easy walk crosses the oldest core of the protected area: beech woods, limestone walls, the valley opening out towards the Sangro. Walking down towards Villetta Barrea means retracing the history of the Park itself, and with it the longer story of bears and people sharing the same ground. We reach Villetta Barrea around midday, with time for a stop at the village café.

At 12:30 pm, in the village square, the business owners of Villetta Barrea — members of the local Committee and of the Network of Businesses for Coexistence — welcome the group with a tasting of traditional dishes and local produce.

In the afternoon we meet representatives of the local committee, who tell the story of how Villetta Barrea became a Bear Smart Community, what has changed over the past five years, and what coexistence requires day to day. The meeting lasts about an hour.

The bus leaves Villetta Barrea at 4:30 pm, with expected arrival in Pescasseroli at approximately 5:00 pm

3 hours walk · 6 km · 200 m ascent · 200 m descent

Highlights

Each trip takes place in a different community, either within the core range of the Marsican brown bear or along one of the ecological corridors into which bears are expanding.
During each trip you will have a chance to meet members of local committees, learn how conflicts are being mitigated and visit some local businesses from the Coexistence Network.
A deep dive into the local culture and natural surroundings in a relaxed format.

Costs

from 70,00 €

What's included

Local nature guide
Transportation
Lunch
Professional liability insurance

What is excluded

Personal travel insurance

Essential tips and useful details for a smooth and enjoyable stay

The hike is pleasant for most of the year. However, it's a good idea to pack layered clothes so you can adjust to the temperature during the day, as well as good hiking shoes.

Mountain backpack (18+ litres)
Waterproof jacket
Lightweight fleece
Comfortable trousers
Hiking shoes
Cap
Sun protection cream
Water (at least 1 l)

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Do you have any other questions? Write to us now!