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Rome Local Reference INFOrmation
Information on the national parks, nature reserves and locations for hiking, walking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities around Rome and in the provinces of Lazio.
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The Nature ReservesThere are many reserves and protected areas in Lazio.
The more significant reserves include: Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e MoliseFounded in 1923, this park is well known the world over. Visits to the park are strictly monitored to ensure there are no adverse effects on inhabitants which include the wolf, chamois brown bear, roe deer, and wild boar. The park's highest mountains are Mount Petroso (2,247m) and Mount Marsicano (2,242m). There are several visitor centres:
Further information from:
Parco Nazionale del CirceoThis park, in Latina province, was established in 1934 to protect a variety of plant and animal life. The park features natural habitats including wetlands, sand dunes, the Island of Zannone, and forested areas. It covers the towns of Latina, Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo as well as part of the Island of Zannone. The area is a bird lover's paradise with species including: coots, cormorants, ospreys, cranes and peregrine falcons. Further information from:
Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della LagoThe National Park of Gran Sasso and Monti della Lago has two peaks, Corno Grande and Corno Piccolo as well as a hotel on the plateau beneath the peaks which served as a prison to hold Mussolini in the summer of 1943. There are countless varieties of high altitude plant life as well as some interesting fauna including the Abruzzo chamois, martens, porcupines, royal eagles and eagle owls. Many foods are also locally produced here, including: olive all'ascolana, Aquila saffron, truffles, chestnuts and honey.
Parco Regionale dell'Appia AnticaA protected area which aims to educate visitors about the area's history and natural heritage. Wildlife includes tortoises, geckos, vipers, bats, and many species of birds.
Riserva Naturale Monte RufenoThis protected area covers 2892 hectares and borders Umbria and Tuscany. The landscape of rolling hills and wide valleys has almost no human inhabitants. The reserve is split by the river Paglia. There are predominantly oak woods but also ash trees, maples and chestnuts and the reserve is also home to many rare species of animal. There is botanic garden and a museum to educate visitors about the area's natural biodiversity.
Lago di BolsenaEurope's largest volcanic lake is situated a few kilometres north of Viterbo. It has two Islands: Bisentina and Martana. The land around the lake is very fertile, producing olives, grapes and vegetables. Despite concerns about over-fishing the lake has many species of fish, including eel, perch, trout and carp. The surrounding towns have lakeside views.
Outdoor Sports in LazioHikingHiking is the most widely-practiced outdoor pursuit in Lazio, mainly due to the varied and picturesque landscape. A good place to go hiking is the Abruzzo National Park and in particular in the Fondillo Valley where paths are shaded by beech trees.
Good hiking terrain can also be found in the south of Lazio, in Ciociara, Latina. Cross Country SkiingIn Lazio there are many opportunities to go skiing. One of the best resorts is Terminillo, in Rieti which has facilities for downhill or cross country skiing, snowboarding or sledging. For more information on the Terminillo Ski School, contact the Rieti Tourist Office.
Water SportsLake Bolsena has good water sports facilities including sailing, kayaking and scuba diving as well as archaeological snorkelling in the summer months.
Horse ridingThe Parco Appia Antica of Lazio has 4 riding centres, including the Circolo Ippico Acqua Santa. The Parco Nazionale del Circeo also offers horseback excursions. There are several riding schools including the Centro Iippico Cerreto Alto.
ParaglidingThe Laghi Lungo e Ripasottile Regional Natural Reserve in Rieti allows paragliding and hang-gliding.
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