Family Adventure in Abruzzo National Park
Day 1: Stepping Back in Time: Discovering the Heart of Abruzzo National Park
Discover the magic of Abruzzo National Park with a visit to the historic Pescasseroli and the charming Visitor Center Daini.
A Journey Begins
Our family adventure in Abruzzo National Park has officially begun! After a long flight from Toronto to Rome and a scenic drive through the Italian countryside, we finally arrived in Pescasseroli, ready to immerse ourselves in the heart of Italy's natural beauty. Today was all about settling in and getting a feel for this charming town that will be our home base for the next nine days. The air is crisp and clean, a welcome change from the city, and the promise of the adventures to come is palpable.Our day started, of course, with breakfast at Ristorante “IL PICCHIO” [the hotel restaurant], a delightful introduction to Abruzzese cuisine. David, Sophie, and I enjoyed a simple yet satisfying meal of fresh bread, local cheeses, and strong Italian coffee. Fortified for the day, we were ready to explore.
First on our list was a visit to the Centro storico di Pescasseroli, the historic center of town. As we wandered through the narrow, cobblestone streets, I felt like we had stepped back in time. The buildings, a mix of medieval and alpine styles, exuded character and history. Sophie was particularly fascinated by the wrought-iron balconies and the small piazzas that opened up to reveal stunning views of the surrounding forests and peaks.
Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys are those that allow us to slow down and appreciate the simple beauty of the world around us.
We explored the quaint shops, selling local crafts and souvenirs. Of course, we had to pop into Il Souvenir del Parco to pick up a few mementos of our trip. Sophie chose a small, wooden wolf figurine, a nod to the park's famous inhabitants. David, ever the architect, was captivated by the intricate details of the local buildings and spent a good amount of time photographing the unique architecture. I found myself drawn to a beautiful hand-painted ceramic plate depicting the park's landscape, a perfect reminder of our time here.
For lunch, we stopped at Ristorante L'Angolo D'Abruzzo, a charming spot that came highly recommended. We indulged in regional specialties such as arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers) and pecorino cheese. Sophie, surprisingly, loved the arrosticini, devouring several skewers with gusto. David and I savored the rich flavors of the local cuisine, accompanied by a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine.
After lunch, we drove to the Visitor Center Daini, a wildlife park dedicated to the local flora and fauna. This was a definite highlight for Sophie, who was thrilled to see the fallow deer up close. The center is designed to provide visitors with insights into the ecosystems that thrive in the area. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation, answering all of Sophie's (many) questions about the animals and their habitats.
The Visitor Center Daini is not just a place to see animals; it's an educational hub that highlights the importance of preserving the region's biodiversity. We learned about the park's efforts to protect endangered species, such as the Marsican brown bear and the Apennine wolf. Sophie was particularly moved by the stories of rescued animals and the center's work to rehabilitate them. It was a valuable lesson in conservation and the importance of respecting the natural world.
As the day drew to a close, we headed back to Pescasseroli for dinner at Il Ritrovo d'Abruzzo. This cozy restaurant offered a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing evening. We enjoyed a hearty meal of homemade pasta and grilled vegetables, reflecting on our first day in Abruzzo. Sophie, tired but happy, fell asleep almost immediately after we returned to our room at LH Albergo il Picchio.
Reflecting on our first day, I'm struck by the beauty and tranquility of Abruzzo National Park. It's a place where time seems to slow down, allowing you to appreciate the simple things in life. The warmth of the people, the delicious food, and the stunning landscapes have already captured our hearts. I am looking forward to tomorrow's adventure at The Natural Reserve Camosciara and Lago Vivo. I also hope to spot some local wildlife. I am a bit worried because I forgot to pack the binoculars, but I am sure we will manage.
As I sit here writing, I can't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to share this experience with my family. Abruzzo National Park is more than just a destination; it's a place to connect with nature, with each other, and with ourselves. And I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
Pescasseroli is always wonderful, the historic center is a little jewel full of shops selling local products and beautiful churches. You can have a nice snack in the numerous bars/pastry shops available at very reasonable prices.
The weather in Abruzzo in August is generally warm and pleasant. Expect daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F) and nighttime temperatures around 19°C (67°F). There is also a good amount of sunshine, with an average of 9 hours per day. There are only about 5 days of rain in the whole month.
Experience the serene beauty of Abruzzo at LH Albergo il Picchio, your perfect getaway within a stone's throw of nature's wonders.
Explore the captivating Centro Storico di Pescasseroli: a historical gem surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich Italian culture.
Explore the breathtaking Visitor Center Daini, a wildlife park in L'Aquila Province, where nature and education come together in harmony.
Experience authentic Italian flavors at Ristorante “IL PICCHIO”, where local ingredients meet culinary tradition in the heart of Pescasseroli.
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante L'Angolo D'Abruzzo in Carsoli - a true culinary delight in Italy's beautiful Abruzzo region.
Experience authentic Southern Italian cuisine at Il Ritrovo d'Abruzzo, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality in Civitella Casanova.
Explore unique gifts and local crafts at Il Souvenir del Parco, the perfect place to find memorable souvenirs in Pescasseroli, Italy.
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Abruzzo National Park with your family, enjoying nature, adventure, and quality time in Italy's stunning landscapes.
Meet this Featured Explorer
-
Occupation:
Software Engineer
-
Country:
Canada
-
Age:
39
Guten Tag, fellow travelers! I'm Ursula Steiner, a Swiss-born, Toronto-based software engineer with a passion for exploring the world. My love for travel began in the Swiss Alps and has taken me to countless corners of the globe. Through Evendo, I share my experiences, insights, and tips to inspire you to embark on your own adventures. Whether you're a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time traveler, I hope to provide you with valuable information and a unique perspective on sustainable and culturally immersive travel.
- Sustainable living
- Modern art
- Culinary arts
- Foreign languages
- Technological innovation
Find Similar Travel Diaries
Explore locations from this diary
-
LH Albergo il Picchio
Experience the serene beauty of Abruzzo at LH Albergo il Picchio, your perfect getaway within a stone's throw of nature's wonders.
-
Centro storico di Pescasseroli
Explore the captivating Centro Storico di Pescasseroli: a historical gem surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and rich Italian culture.
-
Visitor Center Daini
Explore the breathtaking Visitor Center Daini, a wildlife park in L'Aquila Province, where nature and education come together in harmony.
-
Ristorante “IL PICCHIO”
Experience authentic Italian flavors at Ristorante “IL PICCHIO”, where local ingredients meet culinary tradition in the heart of Pescasseroli.
-
Ristorante L'Angolo D'Abruzzo
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante L'Angolo D'Abruzzo in Carsoli - a true culinary delight in Italy's beautiful Abruzzo region.
-
Il Ritrovo d'Abruzzo
Experience authentic Southern Italian cuisine at Il Ritrovo d'Abruzzo, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality in Civitella Casanova.
-
Il Souvenir del Parco
Explore unique gifts and local crafts at Il Souvenir del Parco, the perfect place to find memorable souvenirs in Pescasseroli, Italy.
