Sirente Velino Regional Natural Park – The secret Abruzzo between plateaus, forests and open air. The Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park extends in the heart of inland Abruzzo, between the Marsica and the Rocche Plateau, covering an area of over 50,000 hectares. It is a world of silences, peaks, beech forests, villages and little-traveled paths. A wilder, more authentic and surprising Abruzzo. ⛰️ Between two giants of Abruzzo: The protagonists of the park are Monte Velino (2,487 m) and Monte Sirente (2,349 m), separated by the large plateau of the Rocche. Both offer grandiose views, rock faces, high-altitude pastures and hiking routes for all levels. 👉 Tip: If you are trained, climb to the summit of Velino da Rosciolo: the 360° view is worth every effort. 🌲 Forests, fauna and biodiversity: The park is rich in different habitats: centuries-old beech forests, karst valleys, hidden canyons, flowery plains and rocky environments. Wolves, deer, golden eagles, griffon vultures and, in some cases, even the Marsican bear live here. A paradise for nature lovers and photography lovers. 👉 Tip: Explore the Gizio Nature Reserve or the Celano Gorges for an excursion through wild nature and fairytale landscapes. 🏘️ Authentic and timeless villages: The park preserves mountain villages with ancient charm: Ovindoli, Rocca di Mezzo, Secinaro, Castelvecchio Subequo, Gagliano Aterno, Fontecchio and many others. Places where time seems to slow down, including Romanesque churches, stone alleys and living traditions. 👉 Tip: Walk in Rocca di Mezzo in spring, during the flowering of the meadows, or in autumn for the colors of the foliage. 🧘 Hermitages, silence and spirituality: Between the gorges and the mountains there are ancient hermitages, rock churches and spiritual paths. Places of meditation surrounded by nature, ideal for meditating or simply breathing in the silence. 👉 Tip: Head to the Hermitage of San Michele Arcangelo in the Subequana Valley for an experience of faith and landscape. 🚴 Hiking, trekking and outdoor activities: The park offers dozens of well-marked trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and families. In summer you walk through meadows and beech trees, in winter you can ski or snowshoe between Ovindoli and Campo Felice. Every season has its own magic. 👉 Tip: In summer, take part in a sunset hike on the Sirente with a local guide: magical atmosphere guaranteed. 🍝 Mountain cuisine and local products: From sheep's milk cheeses to artisanal cured meats, from legume soups to grilled meat, the area offers genuine and substantial cuisine. Do not miss the traditional desserts such as ferratelle and artisanal nougat. 👉 Tip: Stop at an inn in Ovindoli or Castelvecchio Subequo for a rustic lunch with a view of the mountains. 🛌 Sleeping among the stars and silence: Refuges, farmhouses, scattered hotels and B&Bs welcome visitors in a simple but welcoming environment. Ideal for those looking for nature, relaxation and direct contact with the mountains. 👉 Tip: Book a night in a refuge on the Altopiano delle Rocche to wake up in the clouds and the scent of pine trees. The Sirente-Velino Park is an intimate, wild and authentic Abruzzo. A place to explore with a slow pace and attentive eyes, where nature is still the master of the house.