Mount Acquaviva, walking on the moon

A long ridge hike through a magnificent lunar landscape, with a view overlooking the sea

PERIOD
June-October

DURATION
8h

LOCATION
Majella, Abruzzo

GROUP SIZE
12 people

LENGTH
16 km roundtrip

ELEVATION GAIN
800 m

DIFFICULT
Challenging

You need a good level of fitness, because the itinerary is long and there is a significant altitude difference.

Date and prices

Acquaviva is the second highest peak of the Majella mountain range, from there the landscape appears various and magnificent. Mountain shrubs, tiny pine trees called pini mughi (Pinus mugo mugo) survive here, alternating with a fascinating rocky environment on the large summit ridge.

The view of the Murelle wall from the Fusco bivouac makes unforgettable this pretty alien experience. During the trail one can see for miles down the Adriatic Sea, fields, old villages and the others next peak. One might see chamois herds too: they live there absolutely undisturbed after a reintroduction project led by the Abruzzo National Park in the 90’s. Wilderness and biodiversity, as well as culture, makes Majella one of the most interesting park in Mediterranean.

The wild territory of Majella has been protected since 1991. It is characterized by a rich and particular biodiversity, where a blend of nature and culture makes a unique place in Europe. The landscape perfectly combine deep valleys, impervious rocks and lunar ridges, with little villages and farmed hills, like a terrace that goes down in the Adriatic sea. The Acquaviva ridge let us observe all the variety scenery of the “Mother Mountain”.

It really seems to walk on a strange lunar surface, where apennine chamois leap on the steep walls and wonderful endemic flowers bloom between rocks!

Itinerary

Meeting with the guide at 9.00 am at the parking of the Pomilio Mountain Hut. Out and back trail from Madonnina to Mount Aquaviva summit. The path quickly reaches Madonnina and Blockhouse : a particular stone building used from 1863 to fight against brigantaggio. Following a mountain pine line, the track gets Tavola dei Briganti: some rocky carved inscriptions about shepherd’s life and briganti’s names. Keep walking till the Fusco Bivouac one can see a beautiful and exciting view on Murelle big wall. The path seems to get lost among the limestone pebbles but allows you to get the Focalone top (2.676 m) and then the Mount Acquaviva (2.737 m).
Lunch and walk back.

Costs

Prices
€ 30 / per adult

What’s included
Guide and organization
Professional liability insurance

What is not included
Packed lunch
Any transports
Extra and personal expenses
Travel insurance

Customer reviews

When can i do this?

During wintertime Majella Mountain Range is white and snowy, and becomes a challenging alpinistic ascend.The best period to climb Mount Acquaviva is between June and October, when endemic flowers bloom and chamois leap on the rocks.

See booking calendar for available dates.

Kit list

Temperatures depend on season and time, warm clothes and dress up in layers is recommended: at 2.000 mt above sea level, in summertime too, it could be very cold. You must have hiking boots.

WHAT DO I NEED 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 lt)
Packed lunch

Il nostro team di guide conosce perfettamente il territorio e come farvi sentire sempre al sicuro

Make it private!

Are you looking for an exclusive experience in nature? Are you already in a group or are you simply a hiker looking for unique emotions?

Gift this tour

Exciting and unique experience gifts create memories for years to come. Give. Receive. Experience!

Expert Local Guide

Our local guides know the mountain perfectly, what to do and how to be safe.

Frequently asked question

Can i book on my own?

Sure can! Over 30% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Can children participate?

This hiking is designed for adults and young 14+, with a good level of fitness and some previous experience in hiking in mountains.

Private tour

Ask for a private tour if you need an exclusive experience. Send us an e mail and we’ll answer you back with the quotation.

Refreshment point and toilet services

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

Bad weather condition

Outdoor activities are weather dependent. If we are forced to cancel an activity due to extreme weather conditions, an alternative date, activity or full refund will be provided. Please note that changes may occur at a short notice, even on the same day.

Need to add travel insurance

Our guides are registered in Collegio Guide Alpine Abruzzo and subscribed a professional insurance.

We suggest you to book on line activity insurance with World Nomads. They offer insurances designed for adventurous travellers across 140 countries that includes overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

How to get there

Meeting with your guide at Rifugio Pomilio parking, in the area of Majelletta, Pretoro (CH). FROM PESCARA (A25 Rome-Pescara) Follow motorway A25, exit in Alanno Scafa and get the SS65 to Passo Lanciano, take the SP220 end and reach the parking. Alternatively, take SP30 to Abbateggio from the tollbooth and keep going on the SP22, pass through Roccamorice and reach Majelletta. FROM ROME (A24-A25 Rome-Pescara) take the A24 towards L’Aquila up to the branch on the A25/E80 for Chieti-Pescara. Exit at Alanno-Scafa toll booth, and choose one of the two options described above.

Enquiry form

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