Aurunci Wild Trail

Day 1 – From Formia to the Acquaviva Mountain Hut

Distance: 10 km; Elevation gain: +960 m; Elevation loss: -181 m.

The hike begins at the Formia train station, leaving the sea behind to wind through woods and scenic trails. The gradual ascent toward Formia’s historic center, Castellone, continues inland, reaching the ancient Via della Neve after 2 km—a route used in the 19th century to transport ice from the Pozzi della Neve. In several sections, you’ll still find the steps of the ancient trail that was once traveled by mules to reach the coast. After about 1 km of climbing, you’ll reach Monte San Roano, where you can admire two ancient cisterns—one dating back to Roman times—and the ruins of an old church belonging to the Benedictine monks, who once owned the entire area. The route continues along CAI Trail No. 954 across the gently sloping plain of Piano Terruto—once cultivated with wheat and chickpeas—all the way to Valle Cupa, (No. 955), where an easy dirt road leads to the Acquaviva Mountain Hut, near the spring of the same name, nestled in unspoiled nature.

(The spring is not active during the summer, so you must check with the refuge managers regarding the availability of drinking water, in addition to food)

Day 2 – The Peaks in the Wild Heart of the Aurunci

Length: 21 km Elevation gain: +1,160 m

The most immersive leg of the journey: high-altitude trails, panoramic ridges, and the silence of the mountains. Here, nature reigns supreme, amid Mediterranean scrub, beech forests, and rocky landscapes. A route that offers moments of pure hiking and the chance to spot local wildlife.

The route is a loop starting from the Acquaviva Mountain Hut, entirely on unpaved trails. Following a dirt road for about 2 km, you’ll reach the Pornito Mountain Hut, where Trail No. 915b begins, leading to Monte Moleta. Here, you’ll cross the dirt road that continues uphill to Fontana Canale. Take the trail to the right of the spring—Trail No. 962—up to Forcellla Joanna, where you can take a detour to reach Fossa Joanna, the great “witch’s sinkhole.” Continuing along Trail No. 963, you’ll reach Monte Petrella, the highest mountain in Europe and the one closest to the sea! Head back a short distance to take Trail No. 913 to Monte Sant’Angelo, the terrace overlooking the sea! From here, following a long scenic descent (trails 961–962–960)—taking care on the rocky section—you’ll reach the obelisk with the statue of the Redeemer and, further down, the hermitage of San Michele, an ancient church built inside a natural cave. A downhill trail that zigzags with ocean views leads back to the Pornito Refuge (a great spot for a snack featuring local specialties) and then continues along the same path to the Acquaviva Refuge.

For a shorter route, we can provide a 18-km trail with 920 meters of elevation gain—equally beautiful and scenic—that reaches Monte Sant’Angelo and the Redentore, excluding Monte Petrella.

For the more adventurous, a slightly longer route can be provided that reaches Valle Polleca and the Fosso Canale ascent before arriving at Fontana Canale, covering a total of 22.5 km with 1,300 meters of elevation gain

Day 3 – Back to the Sea – From Acquaviva to Formia Station

Length: 13.3 km Elevation gain: +622 m – 1,400 m

The final leg will take us to the second-highest peak in the Aurunci range, Monte Ruazzo, following Trail No. 956 to the left of the mountain hut. Here, the view is truly breathtaking along the western slope, stretching from the Pontine Islands all the way to Mount Circeo. The trail continues downhill, taking us through the stunning Sciro Valley—also known as the “Valley of the Moon”—which is characterized by its deep sinkholes. Following the second section of the Via della Neve—but not before taking a short detour to reach a snow pit on Monte Tuonaco, which remains intact— you’ll reach Piano Terruto again and continue descending toward Monte San Roano, where a variation of the Via della Neve route taken on the way there will lead you to the Church of Santa Maria La Noce and then to the Formia train station, where this unforgettable Wild experience will come to an end.