Villetta Barrea Guide

Villetta Barrea sits in Abruzzo, Italy, on the shore of Lake Barrea, inside the national park that spreads over Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise. The village climbs the southern slopes of Monte Mattone, and a fine pine forest of local black pine wraps around the houses. Stone buildings, small squares and the base of a medieval tower give the centre a solid look.

A footpath follows the Sangro river right through Villetta Barrea. Deer and fawns graze on the grass beside it or cool off in the water, so walk slowly and keep your distance. It makes an easy first stroll before you decide which mountain route to take.

From Villetta Barrea you reach Lake Barrea, where cyclo-pedestrian paths run along both shores. Benches, rest areas and refreshment points are spread along the way, so a short walk can turn into a long ride. Willows, former fields and a mixed forest of turkey oaks and black pines frame the water.

The lake is also a bird stop. Grebes, teal and coots rest here on migration, while herons, mallards, moorhens and kingfishers nest on the shore, and carp, tench, trout and perch swim below. The wider Barrea area shelters deer, Marsican bear, Apennine wolf, lynx and otter, though a sighting is never guaranteed.

Higher up, the walking gets serious. Four itineraries from the comune start in or near Villetta Barrea, and a demanding route leads from Decontra, the mountain facing the village, to Camosciara, named for its many chamois. Look at the animals' snouts: the Apennine chamois of the Opi area wear a black mask around the white strip.

Civitella Alfedena, the smallest population centre in the park, holds an Italian Touring Club Orange Flag for tourism and environmental quality, and its visitors' centre has an exhibition and a four-hectare wildlife area dedicated to the Apennine wolf. Lake Barrea itself became an internationally recognised wetland in 1976, and about two thirds of the park is beech forest where golden eagles are often seen soaring.

Further into the park, Val Fondillo near Opi is described as the greenest valley in the national park, with caves and a glacial amphitheatre. In summer the small Gravara beach at Barrea, on the same lake, invites swimming, sunbathing and pedal boats. A local riding centre in the park offers horseback rides, excursions and ponies for kids all year round.