Torre del Cerrano Marine Park
Between sky and earth lies a protected expanse of water where the precious resources of the sea are cultivated. The marine area of Torre del Cerrano is located in Abruzzo, the “green region of Europe” with over 30% of its territory protected.
In the Teramo stretch, between two municipalities, Pineto and Silvi, the marine area extends over seven kilometers of coastline and complements a program of environmental protection and enhancement, joining the network of underwater oases that, over the years, have enabled the safeguarding, repopulation, and study of the marine ecosystem.
In the name, actually a toponym, “Torre del Cerrano,” lie the symbols of the history and identity of this territory.
Cerrano, the stream that flows down from the hills of Atri – where the splendid badlands, another protected area, are located – and flows into the marina of Silvi, and the Tower, built in 1568 by the Spaniards as a bastion against Saracen pirates. The fortress overlooks the dunes, fully restored and home to the Marine Biology Center, two kilometers from the center of Pineto.
Atri Badlands Natural Reserve
The Reserve, identified as a Site of Community Importance (SCI), encompasses forms of erosion that here take on an impressive aspect: the badlands, also known as Dantean gullies or scrimoni, are created by the runoff of water on clayey and marly soils that have been stripped of their woodland cover. The striking scenery of its badlands, resulting from the erosion of a particular type of clay, is protected by the Atri Badlands Natural Reserve. The sparse vegetation includes species typical of desert climates such as the caper, the wild artichoke, the licorice. Along the small streams, the freshwater crab and the skunk are common, as well as the ever-present foxes; however, one of the most unique inhabitants of the badlands is undoubtedly the porcupine.
Established in 1922, it is the oldest and most important national park in Italy. It encompasses nearly all the features that characterize the Central Apennines, including elements of flora and fauna that are unique in the world or have disappeared elsewhere in the range. It receives over one million visitors each year, drawn by its natural environments of rare beauty.
Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park
The Park, located in the heart of the Apennines, extends across the territories of three regions: Abruzzo, Lazio, and Marche.
The geographical position, mountain heights, as well as the different geology of the reliefs—limestone and dolomite on Gran Sasso and Monti Gemelli, sandstone and marl on Monti della Laga—contribute to an extraordinary richness of animal and plant species, as well as a truly unique variety of ecosystems and landscapes.
Majella National Park
Undoubtedly, this vast Parco Nazionale della Majella, which also includes the bastion of Morrone and the Monti Pizi, has been and continues to be one of the most significant repositories of wildlife in Italy and Europe. The Majella National Park is characterized by the high mountainous terrain, with a remarkable 55% of its area situated at elevations exceeding 2000 meters. Within its boundaries lie extensive widelands, showcasing unique aspects of untamed nature—truly the most precious and rare part of the national biodiversity heritage.
Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park
The historical, cultural, and artistic heritage preserved by the Park and its ancient inhabited centers is of great significance. The contribution made by this central area of the Abruzzo mountains to the history and formation of the region’s identity is remarkable . It’s a testament to the rich tapestry of human history and the enduring connection between people and their land.
