Trekking on the Majella: A Wild Adventure in the Heart of Abruzzo

Have you ever dreamed of walking for days immersed in untouched nature, sleeping under the stars, and sharing authentic experiences with a group of friends? The Trek Crossing Majella is exactly that: a hiking journey through the heart of the Majella National Park, crossing valleys, canyons, ancient villages, and breathtaking hermitages carved into the rock. A full week in close contact with the land, in harmony with nature, and guided by a sustainable lifestyle.

Together with my friends, I began this adventure in Sulmona, where we enjoyed a traditional dinner and a good night's rest. The next day, with our Charta Peregrini in hand, we visited the magnificent Abbey of Santo Spirito al Morrone, one of the largest Celestinian monastic complexes in Italy. From there, our path led us to Pacentro, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, known for its impressive Caldora Castle. That night, we pitched our tents in a nature area and slept under a sky full of stars.

In the following days, step by step, our trek brought us to Caramanico Terme, passing through timeless villages like Roccacaramanico, climbing up to Passo San Leonardo, and immersing ourselves in the green beauty of the Valle dell'Orta. Every step felt like a dive into authentic beauty, and each carefully set-up camp reminded us of the importance of respecting the environment.

One of the most unforgettable days was spent in the Valle dell'Orfento, a deep and wild canyon where we hiked along the river, visited the Hermitage of Sant’Onofrio, and reached the tiny village of Decontra. Our tents, set up near the village, seemed like a natural extension of the landscape.

The next day was perhaps the most emotional. We walked across high plateaus, dry stone walls, and abandoned farmlands until we reached the Hermitage of San Giovanni all'Orfento, carved directly into the rock. Later, we descended into the Vallone di Santo Spirito, ending the day at the hermitage of the same name, where we slept surrounded by an almost surreal peace.

The final stage gave us the chance to visit the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio and finally arrive in Serramonacesca, where the majestic Abbey of San Liberatore framed the end of our journey. There, we received the Testimonium, a certificate marking the completion of our trek.

Our adventure ended where it all began: back in Sulmona, with hearts full of memories. We walked, laughed, shared struggles and wonders, feeling like part of something greater—a community of mindful travelers discovering the most genuine side of Abruzzo.