Family Adventure in Abruzzo National Park

Echoes of the Wild

Today was a day of whispers – whispers of the wind through ancient trees, whispers of hidden creatures in the undergrowth, and whispers of a land deeply connected to its wild heart. Abruzzo National Park has a way of speaking to you if you listen closely, and today, I felt like I was finally beginning to understand its language.

Our day began, as usual, with breakfast at Ristorante “IL PICCHIO” [i]. There's something so comforting about starting the day with familiar faces and a good meal before venturing into the unknown. After a hearty breakfast, we set off for the Area Faunistica del Lupo, the wolf enclosure [i].


Experience the beauty of Italy's wilderness at Area Faunistica del Lupo, where nature and wildlife conservation come to life in breathtaking surroundings.
I was particularly excited about this, as I've always been fascinated by wolves – their intelligence, their social structures, and their resilience. David, ever the pragmatist, was curious about the conservation efforts, while Sophie was simply thrilled at the prospect of seeing a real wolf. I made sure to pack the camera, hoping to capture some of their elusive beauty, even if they were in a protected environment. I still regret not having brought the binoculars, which I had forgotten back at our hotel. I am sure Sophie would have appreciated to observe the wolves from closer.

As we approached the enclosure, I could feel a sense of anticipation building. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. We learned that the wolves here live in a semi-wild state within a large, natural area. It’s not quite the same as seeing them roam completely free, but it offers a chance to observe these magnificent animals up close and learn about their behavior without disrupting the delicate balance of the park’s ecosystem.

The wolf, long misunderstood, is a symbol of the wild, a reminder of the delicate balance between humanity and nature.

Seeing them, even in this setting, was deeply moving. Their eyes held a wisdom and intensity that spoke of ancient instincts and a profound connection to the land. Sophie, initially bouncing with excitement, grew quiet and contemplative as she watched them. David, too, seemed impressed, commenting on their sleek coats and powerful builds. We spent a good hour observing them, trying to absorb every detail of their movements and interactions. It was a humbling experience, a reminder that we are but one small part of a much larger, more complex world.

Afterward, we drove towards Val Fondillo, a valley renowned for its natural beauty and hiking trails [i, 8, 13].


Explore Val Fondillo, a serene nature preserve in Abruzzo, Italy, where stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife await your discovery.
The drive itself was stunning, winding through forests of beech and fir, with glimpses of distant mountains through the trees. As we drove, I couldn't help but think about my childhood in Switzerland, surrounded by similar landscapes. It’s funny how certain places can evoke such strong memories, bridging the gap between past and present. The fresh air and stunning scenery was a welcome change from city life in Toronto, and it made me appreciate the simple things in life.

Val Fondillo is a true gem. The valley floor is carpeted in lush greenery, with wildflowers adding splashes of color to the landscape. A crystal-clear stream meanders through the valley, its gentle murmur providing a soothing soundtrack to our hike. We chose an easy trail, suitable for Sophie's little legs, and set off to explore. The path led us through ancient beech forests, where sunlight filtered through the canopy, creating an ethereal glow. I imagined this place in autumn, with the leaves ablaze in reds and golds – a sight I would love to witness someday. We encountered other hikers, mostly families and couples, all drawn to the valley's tranquil beauty.

Sophie was in her element, pointing out butterflies, collecting interesting leaves, and asking endless questions about the trees and flowers. David, as always, was our resident photographer, capturing the stunning scenery and our family moments with his keen eye. I, meanwhile, simply tried to soak it all in, breathing deeply and letting the peace of the valley wash over me. It's moments like these that make travel so rewarding – the chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature and each other.

We stopped for lunch at Casetta nel Parco, a charming little restaurant nestled in the valley [i].


Discover the authentic flavors of Abruzzo at Casetta nel Parco in L'Aquila – where every dish tells a story.
The food was simple but delicious, featuring local specialties like *arrosticini* (grilled lamb skewers) and *pecorino* cheese [i]. We sat at a picnic table overlooking the valley, savoring our meal and the breathtaking views. Sophie, predictably, made friends with a stray cat, sharing bits of her sandwich and showering it with affection. It’s heartwarming to see her connect with animals so easily – a trait I hope she never loses.

After lunch, we explored a bit further, discovering a hidden waterfall and a small cave. Sophie insisted on throwing pebbles into the stream, watching them disappear into the swirling water. David and I took turns skipping stones, competing to see who could get the most bounces. It was a silly, carefree moment, but one that I’ll cherish. These are the memories that will stay with us long after we return to Toronto.

Before heading back to Pescasseroli, we made a detour to Parco1923 - Flagship Store [i].


Explore Parco1923 in Pescasseroli for exquisite perfumes that embody the spirit of nature, perfect for memorable gifts and personal treasures.
I had read about this brand of perfumes inspired by the plants and flowers of the Abruzzo National Park, and I was curious to see what they were like. The store itself was beautifully designed, with a rustic-chic aesthetic that perfectly captured the essence of the park. The fragrances were exquisite, each one evoking a different aspect of the Abruzzo landscape. I ended up buying a small bottle of their signature scent, hoping to capture a bit of the park's magic to take home with me. David bought a hand sanitizer, which he found very useful. Sophie got a small, scented stone.

Finally, as the sun began to set, we made our way to La Tana degli Orsi for dinner [i].


Discover La Tana degli Orsi: A family-run Italian restaurant in Teramo offering authentic cuisine amidst stunning landscapes.
This restaurant is known for its traditional Abruzzese cuisine, and we were eager to try it. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, with a roaring fireplace and friendly staff. We ordered a variety of dishes, including *pallotte cacio e uova* (cheese and egg balls) and *maccheroni alla chitarra* (a type of thick spaghetti), all of which were delicious [i]. Sophie, surprisingly, devoured a plate of *salsiccia* (sausage), declaring it the best she had ever tasted.

As we sat there, full and content, I reflected on the day. We had seen wolves, hiked through stunning landscapes, and tasted the flavors of Abruzzo. But more than that, we had connected with nature, with each other, and with the soul of this incredible place. It was a day I will never forget.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the ancient beech forest of Faggeta Vetusta coppo del principe and visit the Pescasseroli Mostra Museo [i]. I'm excited to delve deeper into the history and ecology of this region, and to continue our adventure in Abruzzo National Park. Before that, we will have breakfast at Ristorante “IL PICCHIO” [i]. In the evening, we will have dinner at Ristorante ConGusto by Panorama [i]. David is already planning to visit Bar Dell'Orso Di Tarquinio Gaetano [i].

As I write this, I can still hear the whispers of the wild, a gentle reminder of the beauty and power of nature. I feel grateful for this experience, and I hope that my words can inspire others to seek out their own adventures in the natural world. After all, as the saying goes, The Earth has music for those who listen.