Three Days in the Majella National Park
A 3‑day hiking itinerary through valleys, gorges, hermitages and villages of the eastern Majella.
Route suitable for hikers with basic experience in mountain environments (grade E).
Itinerary Overview
The Majella is a “mother mountain”: wild, spiritual, windy, rich in hermitages carved into the rock and deep valleys. This 3‑day itinerary crosses some of the most iconic places in the Park, blending nature, history and spectacular views.
| Day | Main Route | Recommended Overnight Stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennapiedimonte → Avello Valley → Sant’Angelo Cave | Palombaro area (B&Bs, mountain huts, farm stays) |
| 2 | San Martino Gorges → Monastery → Fara San Martino go to dedicated section | Fara San Martino (B&Bs, small hotels) |
| 3 | Hermitage of San Bartolomeo → Orfento Valley → Caramanico go to dedicated section | Caramanico Terme (hotels, B&Bs, thermal baths) |
Day 1 – Pennapiedimonte, Avello Valley and Sant’Angelo Cave
Day 1
Pennapiedimonte → Avello Valley → Sant’Angelo Cave
Time: 5–6 h
Elevation gain: ~700 m
Grade: E (hiking)
Route Description
Starting from Pennapiedimonte is already an experience: the village is literally carved into the rock and offers incredible views over the eastern Majella. The trail climbs gradually through beech forests, ancient mule tracks and natural viewpoints.
As you enter the Avello Valley, the landscape becomes wilder and more intimate: rocky walls, the sound of water, and continuous glimpses of the Majella peaks.
The stage culminates at the Sant’Angelo Cave of Palombaro, an ancient rock‑cut place of worship carved into the cliff. The atmosphere is suspended: silence, wind, and a wide view over the valley below.
Highlights
- The historic centre of Pennapiedimonte and its panoramic viewpoints.
- The Avello Valley, one of the most evocative valleys of the massif.
- The Sant’Angelo Cave, a fascinating rock site.
- Continuous views over the eastern Majella.
Day 2 – San Martino Gorges and Fara San Martino go to dedicated section
Day 2
San Martino Gorges → Monastery → Fara San Martino
go to dedicated section
Time: ~5 h
Elevation gain: ~500 m
Grade: E (hiking)
Route Description
The second day enters the heart of Majella’s geology. The San Martino Gorges are a narrow and spectacular canyon: vertical walls, tight passages, light filtering from above and the sound of water accompanying the walk.
The trail climbs the gorge until reaching the ruins of the Monastery of San Martino in Valle, set into the rock. The atmosphere is deeply evocative, suspended between nature and history.
The stage continues towards Fara San Martino, the “village of water and pasta factories”, where springs and the historic centre offer a perfect end to the day.
Highlights
- The San Martino Gorges, one of the Park’s symbolic canyons.
- The ruins of the Monastery of San Martino in Valle.
- The Verde Springs and water paths.
- The historic centre of Fara San Martino and its traditional pasta factories.
Day 3 – Hermitage of San Bartolomeo and Orfento Valley
Day 3
Hermitage of San Bartolomeo → Orfento Valley → Caramanico Terme
go to dedicated section
Time: 4–5 h
Elevation gain: ~400 m
Grade: E (hiking)
Route Description
The final day is a journey into the spirituality and wild nature of the Majella. You reach the access to the Hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio, one of the most famous Celestinian hermitages, set beneath a large rock ledge.
After visiting the hermitage, the itinerary continues towards the Orfento Valley, an integral reserve of the Park: wooden bridges, crystal‑clear water, vertical walls and a humid environment rich in biodiversity.
Arrival in Caramanico Terme concludes the trek: a thermal village perfect for relaxing after three intense days, with accommodation options and access to the thermal baths.
Highlights
- Hermitage of San Bartolomeo, symbol of Celestinian spirituality.
- Orfento Valley, one of the most beautiful and wild canyons in Italy.
- The historic centre of Caramanico Terme.
- Viewpoints and bridges over the Orfento stream.
Recommended Equipment
The Majella is an exposed and windy mountain: even on clear days, it is essential to have adequate equipment for the three days of trekking.
Technical Equipment
- Trekking boots with good soles.
- Telescopic trekking poles.
- 25–30 L backpack.
- Windproof/rainproof jacket.
- Light fleece + thermal layer.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Light gloves (it can be cold at higher altitude).
Water, Food and Navigation
- 1.5–2 L of water per day.
- Energy snacks, dried fruit, bars.
- Packed lunch for all stages.
- Paper map or offline app with trails.
- GPX tracks of the route (if available).
- Power bank for smartphone/GPS.
Safety
- Small first aid kit.
- Emergency whistle.
- Headlamp with spare batteries.
- Light emergency blanket.
- ID card and health insurance card.
Practical Notes
Always check weather conditions, trail status and regulations of the Majella National Park before starting the itinerary. Some sections may be closed or subject to seasonal restrictions.
Download Some Park Trails
The trails were downloaded from the Majella National Park: always follow their indications as reported on this page. Other routes from different areas of the Majella are also available.
| 3‑Day Trek – Majella National Park | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 Day | 📍 Route | 📏 Technical Data | 🌄 Features |
| Day 1 | Pennapiedimonte → Avello Valley → Sant’Angelo Cave |
5–6 h ~700 m elevation gain |
Forests, historic mule tracks, views over the eastern Majella. |
| Day 2 | San Martino Gorges → Fara San Martino go to dedicated section |
5 h ~500 m elevation gain |
Spectacular canyon, rock monastery, arrival in the village of Fara. |
| Day 3 | Hermitage of San Bartolomeo → Orfento Valley → Caramanico go to dedicated section |
4–5 h ~400 m elevation gain |
Celestinian hermitage, integral reserve, one of the most beautiful canyons in Italy. |