Severely affected by the April 2009 earthquake, this harsh, wild region of nearly 11 000km2 is noted both for its immensity and for the diversity of its scenery. Karst formations, forests, desolate plateaus and fertile pastures all feature in its four national parks: Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga; Parco Naturale Regionale Sirente-Velino; Parco Nazionale della Majella and Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo. Its coastline has 140km of east-facing beaches perfect for summer tourism.