Rafting: what you need to know before going rafting
Rafting is a team sport that involves descending a river in a raft. Each raft carries a crew of 6 to 8 people captained by an experienced guide who gives commands to overcome rapids and other natural obstacles.
Rafting is an activity suitable for everyone. It does not require any specific skills or experience, you just need to have good water skills and choose the course that suits your level. Before going into the water, the guide holds a briefing on basic techniques and safety rules, and you are immediately ready to go.
Generally, rafting is practiced from April to October, under favorable hydrometric conditions. The rafting center provides full equipment (neoprene wetsuit, life jacket, helmet and water jacket). You need to wear a swimsuit, thermal shirt (optional) and sneakers you’re okay with getting wet.
Abruzzo rafting: the best trips
One of the most popular rafting trips in Abruzzo is on the Aventino River in the Majella National Park. This river originates from Mount Porrara and, being the tributary of numerous streams, offers an always abundant water flow. Starting from Civitella Messer Raimondo, in the province of Chieti, it is possible to travel either the upper or the lower part of the river, which have different slopes and difficulties.
Another waterway suitable for navigation is the Sangro River, located in the Serranella Oasis, also in the province of Chieti. Its calm waters make it perfect for a soft-rafting trip for the whole family or the less experienced. However, it is not a boring course, as the presence of small rapids ensures the right touch of adrenaline.
Between L’Aquila and Pescara, you can go rafting in Popoli on the Sagittario River, a lesser-known route but not without striking views. In the Gran Sasso National Park, however, you can take a river canoe trip down the Tirino, one of the clearest and cleanest rivers in Italy.
How much does a rafting trip in Abruzzo cost?
Prices for rafting in Abruzzo depend on the location and the length of the route. For example, a rafting trip down the Sangro River costs 35 euros for adults and 25 euros for children up to 12 years old. The length of the route in this case is 7 km, which can be covered in about an hour and a half.
Gift a rafting adventure in Abruzzo
Why give items to keep locked in a drawer when you can gift outdoor experiences and adrenaline-pumping activities in nature? A rafting trip can be an original and fun gift idea for all occasions. A course among frothy rapids and incredible natural settings is an adventure within everyone’s reach. It can be carried out as a couple, with friends or with the whole family to spend memorable moments together!
A river trip into Abruzzo’s green lung, Majella National Park
Majella Park represents one of the best spots for a river trip in Abruzzo due to the presence of numerous rivers that flow through wonderful landscapes characterized by wild and unspoiled nature.
The best time for rafting in Majella begins in April and continues until late September. During these months, river flows are average, perfect to have fun on the rapids in complete safety.