25/08/2026
WOLVES OF THE MAJELLA
During the four seasons we have run Casa Monte Majella B&B, we have shared many posts about the mountains, hiking trails, beaches, vineyards, medieval villages, food, nature and all the authentic experiences this area has to offer.
But there is one thing we have hardly mentioned at all: we live beside one of Europe’s true strongholds for wild wolves. Together with Gran Sasso and Abruzzo’s other protected natural areas, the Majella forms one of Europe’s most important continuous wolf habitats.
Around 70–80 wolves live in Majella National Park, divided among approximately ten breeding packs. Across the park’s 741 square kilometres, this works out at roughly 9–11 wolves per 100 square kilometres – an exceptionally high density, even by international standards.
And here is a little fun fact: calculated across the full area of the parks, the wolf density in the Majella is actually several times higher than in Yellowstone. It is comparable to the density found in Yellowstone’s most wolf-rich areas.
Even so, spotting them is far from guaranteed. The Majella’s wolves are wild, elusive and primarily active at night, when most of us are fast asleep. They mainly prey on wild boar, red deer and roe deer, and can travel long distances in a single night.
For anyone wishing to venture deeper into the wolves’ world, special guided experiences are organised throughout the year – on selected dates and with a limited number of places:
🐾 Una notte da lupi – an afternoon and evening hike through the Valle dei Lupi, or Valley of the Wolves. Accompanied by an experienced nature guide, participants search for tracks and other signs of wolves before finishing with a silent watch using professional optical equipment. With a little luck, you may see wolves roaming freely in the national park.
🐾 Wolf Weekend – a full day and night devoted to wolves, featuring two guided hikes along the trails and through the areas regularly used by the packs, combined with an overnight stay in the old mountain village of Campo di Giove.
Naturally, there are no guarantees that a wild wolf will appear. But perhaps that is precisely what makes the experience so special: following their tracks, listening for their howls and knowing that you are right in the heart of their territory.
These activities are only offered on selected dates and places are limited, so anyone wishing to make a wolf experience part of their trip should keep an eye out for upcoming dates and book well in advance. We are always happy to help our guests find the latest information.
The Majella, then, is not only about beautiful views and wonderful hiking trails. It remains a true wilderness, home to packs of wolves, deer, bears, wild boar, golden eagles and the rare Apennine chamois – all living right here around us.
For nature and wilderness lovers, it is yet another reason to discover our part of Abruzzo. 🌿⛰️🐺
