Nature

Cortino is located in the heart of the Laga mountain range, within the Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains National Park, in an area of inestimable beauty with pristine natural landscapes, beech and chestnut woods, green valleys, and waterfalls. The territory is dotted with small medieval villages and ancient castles that testify to the rich history and tradition of the area.

The beauty of the territory is especially represented by its natural areas, which boast a rich fauna and flora heritage, with numerous ponds, watercourses, and waterfalls accessible through scenic hiking trails.

Among the most beautiful waterfalls in the territory are undoubtedly the Posaturo waterfall, over 8 meters high, which plunges into the gorge below in a clean leap and in a single jet, and the Cantagalli waterfall, a total of 30 meters high, sliding and jumping over three rock steps. Here, the beauty of the river stretch below, the variety of vegetation, and the path immersed in greenery leading to the waterfall make everything truly enchanting.

A jewel of the Cortino area is certainly its Abetina. From Elce, the White Fir Natural Trail begins, a path that, through fabulous panoramas, crosses Monte Bilanciere leading to the Abetina of Cortino, one of the few spontaneous clusters of white fir remaining throughout the Central Apennines and constituting an environmental peculiarity, being the southernmost in Europe and dating from the glacial era. Not far from the Abetina, there is also a 6-hectare park that hosts chamois and fallow deer.

Visitors to these places cannot help but be fascinated by the colors of the dawns and sunsets that can be admired, illuminating Monte Gorzano with a thousand shades ranging from red to purple. Observing the profile of the mountains and hills that border the valley during sunset is truly fantastic; it seems that the dark outline wants to embrace and protect the variety of sky colors. Every day the show is different, always fascinating.

The Tordino Valley, which hosts Cortino, is a true green oasis. During the autumn season, a drive along the valley roads offers a breathtaking spectacle of colors. The light green of the meadows blends with the dark green of the evergreens, while the shades of autumn colors, from lemon yellow to ochre, from soft red to intense red of the maple and cherry, create a unique harmony of tones. Nature seems to want to amaze us with one last sparkle of vitality before the winter sleep, flaunting through the diversity and intensity of colors its profound beauty.