From Monte Mutria (1.823 m asl) (photo: G. Baranello).

The first sunny, mild days are on the way—the perfect opportunity to plan an outdoor getaway and discover the unspoiled nature of Molise, without missing out on a fascinating cultural stop.

There’s no need to travel far from Campobasso to reach the mountains and immerse yourself in greenery: less than a 30-minute drive away lies the Matese, one of the most important mountain groups in the southern Apennines, marking the border between Molise and Campania, with peaks rising to nearly 2,000 meters.

On the eastern side of the massif stretches the WWF Guardiaregia-Campochiaro Oasis, a protected area covering more than 3,000 hectares and considered one of the most evocative places in the entire region.

Here you’ll find not only meadows and forests, along with an exceptionally rich variety of flora and fauna, but also spectacular karst phenomena: waterfalls, gorges, and canyons that rank among the deepest in Europe. It’s a landscape that is captivating in every season, but especially recommended in spring, when the meadows burst into bloom and the waterfalls are at their fullest.

The oasis offers a variety of trails and visiting routes, suitable both for experienced hikers and for those simply looking for a relaxing walk in nature.

Yet a weekend in Molise can easily become an even more complete experience, combining nature and culture. Not far from the Matese, in fact, you can visit the ancient Roman city of Saepinum, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in central-southern Italy.

In recent months, new archaeological discoveries have helped shed further light on the history of this remarkable settlement, now officially recognized as an Archaeological Park—another great reason to include it in your spring itinerary.

Walking among the ruins of Saepinum means stepping into a true open-air museum, perfectly integrated into the surrounding rural landscape—an experience that ideally complements a day spent among trails, waterfalls, and mountain views.

Brunella Muttillo