6 must-see places when you visit Abruzzo for the first time
September 01, 2024
Exploring a place for the first time is always an exciting experience, especially when it’s somewhere as rich in beauty and culture as Abruzzo. This region offers a diverse array of experiences, from breathtaking landscaping to charming medieval towns and more. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together a list of six must-see destinations in Abruzzo that capture the essence of what makes this region so especial.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio - Campo Imperatore
Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Campo Imperatore are actually two different places, which are next to each other. Santo Stefano, is a medieval village located 1250 meters above the sea level, inside the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. This charming town despite being abandoned in the past, it’s now one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and it’s a haven for those seeking tranquility. There is no need to plan too much, you just need to put your phone away, be in the moment and explore every detail and alley in this lovely place. Also, an icon of Santo Stefano is the Torre Medicea, which is high 20 meters and from it, it’s possible to have stunning views of the surroundings (for more information you can click on this link).
Once you visit Santo Stefano you can go right away to Campo Imperatore, also known as “the little tibet” of Italy. It’s a plateau located in the heart of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, and it offers landscapes that go beyond any imagination. It’s the perfect place for nature and hiking lovers. One of our favourite spots is the Lago di Pietranzoni, from which you can admire not only the vastness of Campo Imperatore, but also the entire massif of the Gran Sasso d’Italia. Our second favourite spot is the Ristoro Il Mucciante, a butcher shop where you can have proper arrosticini. If you go to Abruzzo, and of course if you eat meat, arrosticini is a MUST! Other spots of interest are the Ostello Campo Imperatore and l’Osservatorio Astronomico d’Abruzzo, from which you can follow hiking trails that will take you to the highest peak in the Apennines, Corno Grade.
Rocca Calascio
Not far away from Santo Stefano di Sessanio, actually they are quite close, there is Calascio, a small town with approximately 140 inhabitants. The village itself is characterized for its narrow alleys, stone houses and a very peaceful atmosphere. So, why such a small town worth the visit? The village of Calascio is known for its fortress, il Castello di Rocca Calascio which is the highest castle in the whole country (perched at a elevation of 1460 meters).
Th castle dates back to the 10th century and it was originally built as a simple watchtower to control and protect the sheep-trading routes between Abruzzo and neighboring regions. The castle of Rocca Calascio has become a symbol of Abruzzo and has been featured in several films, most notably in the 1985 movie “Ladyhawke” and the 1996 adaptation of “The Name of the Rose.”
Rocca Calascio is part of a larger complex that includes, besides the village of Calascio, the charming Santa Maria della Pietà, a small octagonal church built in the 16th century just below the castle.
Scanno
As Santo Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Scanno is one of the most beautiful villages of Italy. It’s situated in the Sagittario Valley and surrounded by the Maiella mountains. Even the road that leads to Scanno (or at least the one we took), it’s absolutely worth to admire. The road offers a stunning view of the Sagittario Valley, you also need to cross a tunnel that was actually dug into the rock mountain and right before you arrive to Scanno, you will see the San Domenico Lake and its beautiful Eremo (a place where in ancient times, monks lived to practice meditation and contemplation).
Scanno it’s also known for its beautiful heart lake shaped and It’s a hub for outdoor activities. You will have a wide range of options where you can enjoy boat ride across the lake, rent paddle boats, take a refresh swimming, horse ridings or follow several hiking trials that go through the surrounding mountains. There is one in particular, “il sentiero del cuore” that will take you to the panoramic point from which it will be possible to admire the lake in its particular shape. The is also a tiny a beautiful church, “La Chiesa della Madonna del Lago.”
The town itself, gained international fame in the mid 20th century thanks to the renowned photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Mario Giacomelli, which through black and white pictures of Scanno and its people, captured the essence and soul of the village. On top of this, you will also be able to explore the fascinating streets, alleys and since we are talking about Scanno, there are some crafts shops to observe artisans at work, creating everything from jewellery to textiles using techniques that have been handed down through generations.
Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci
Abruzzo is considered the greenest region in Europe. However it has more that 130 km of coast where you will find beaches for all tastes. For many the Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci contains the most beatitul beaches in Abruzzo and we cannot disagree. It’s located in the Costa dei Trabocchi and it offers a unique blend of wild beaches, rolling dunes and a vibrant biodiversity. It’s the ideal destination for those seeking outdoor activities and an escape into natural beauty.
Punta Aderci is the home of beaches like the Spiaggia di Punta Penna, a long stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and framed by the blue of the Adriatic. It’s one of the largest beaches in the reserve, known for its wild and natural atmosphere. Another beach worth to mention is the Spiaggia Libertini, favourite among those that are seeking a closer connection with nature, often attracting snorkelers and divers eager to explore the underwater life
The reserve offers several trials that wind through its different landscape, some of the these trials include il sentiero Punta Aderci – Don Venanzio and Punta Aderci – Foce del Sinello. Il Bosso, a tour operator, offers some of the best outdoor activities within the Punta Aderci reserve and other fantastic places in Abruzzo (including Rocca Calascio).
To make it even more beautiful, on clear days, from Punta Aderci, it’s possible to admire la Maiella and Il Gran Sasso.
Parco Nazionale la Maiella
On this list we cannot miss Abruzzo’s mother mountain, La Maiella. Its national park is a vast and protected area which was granted the title of UNESCO Global Geopark and it contains the richest flora in Europe.
La Maiella is the home of 39 villages, well known are Bolognano, Sulmona, Rivisondoli and Roccaraso (important to mention the Ski Resort Alto Sangro Roccaraso-Rivisondoli, the biggest in Abruzzo with approximately 90 km of slopes).
In addition, some of the most iconic places to visit in Abruzzo are in this park. Clear examples are the “eremi”, places of secular culture and ideal spots to connect with yourself and nature, connected to each other by Sentiero dello Spirito (Path of the Spirit), a 70 kilometres long itinerary, the town of Guardiagrele and Caramanico Terme, listed both as some of the most beautiful towns in Italy by @borghitaly and the Valle dell’Avello, a free contamination valley located in Balzolo.
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6 must-see places when you visit Abruzzo for the first time
September 01, 2024
Exploring a place for the first time is always an exciting experience, especially when it’s somewhere as rich in beauty and culture as Abruzzo. This region offers a diverse array of experiences, from breathtaking landscaping to charming medieval towns and more. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together a list of six must-see destinations in Abruzzo that capture the essence of what makes this region so especial.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio - Campo Imperatore
Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Campo Imperatore are actually two different places, which are next to each other. Santo Stefano, is a medieval village located 1250 meters above the sea level, inside the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. This charming town despite being abandoned in the past, it’s now one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and it’s a haven for those seeking tranquility. There is no need to plan too much, you just need to put your phone away, be in the moment and explore every detail and alley in this lovely place. Also, an icon of Santo Stefano is the Torre Medicea, which is high 20 meters and from it, it’s possible to have stunning views of the surroundings (for more information you can click on this link).
Once you visit Santo Stefano you can go right away to Campo Imperatore, also known as “the little tibet” of Italy. It’s a plateau located in the heart of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, and it offers landscapes that go beyond any imagination. It’s the perfect place for nature and hiking lovers. One of our favourite spots is the Lago di Pietranzoni, from which you can admire not only the vastness of Campo Imperatore, but also the entire massif of the Gran Sasso d’Italia. Our second favourite spot is the Ristoro Il Mucciante, a butcher shop where you can have proper arrosticini. If you go to Abruzzo, and of course if you eat meat, arrosticini is a MUST! Other spots of interest are the Ostello Campo Imperatore and l’Osservatorio Astronomico d’Abruzzo, from which you can follow hiking trails that will take you to the highest peak in the Apennines, Corno Grade.
Rocca Calascio
Not far away from Santo Stefano di Sessanio, actually they are quite close, there is Calascio, a small town with approximately 140 inhabitants. The village itself is characterized for its narrow alleys, stone houses and a very peaceful atmosphere. So, why such a small town worth the visit? The village of Calascio is known for its fortress, il Castello di Rocca Calascio which is the highest castle in the whole country (perched at a elevation of 1460 meters).
The castle dates back to the 10th century and it was originally built as a simple watchtower to control and protect the sheep-trading routes between Abruzzo and neighboring regions. The castle of Rocca Calascio has become a symbol of Abruzzo and has been featured in several films, most notably in the 1985 movie “Ladyhawke” and the 1996 adaptation of “The Name of the Rose.”
Rocca Calascio is part of a larger complex that includes, besides the village of Calascio, the charming Santa Maria della Pietà, a small octagonal church built in the 16th century just below the castle.
Scanno
As Santo Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Scanno is one of the most beautiful villages of Italy. It’s situated in the Sagittario Valley and surrounded by the Maiella mountains. Even the road that leads to Scanno (or at least the one we took), it’s absolutely worth to admire. The road offers a stunning view of the Sagittario Valley, you also need to cross a tunnel that was actually dug into the rock mountain and right before you arrive to Scanno, you will see the San Domenico Lake and its beautiful Eremo (a place where in ancient times, monks lived to practice meditation and contemplation).
Scanno it’s also known for its beautiful heart lake shaped and It’s a hub for outdoor activities. You will have a wide range of options where you can enjoy boat ride across the lake, rent paddle boats, take a refresh swimming, horse ridings or follow several hiking trials that go through the surrounding mountains. There is one in particular, “il sentiero del cuore” that will take you to the panoramic point from which it will be possible to admire the lake in its particular shape. The is also a tiny a beautiful church, “La Chiesa della Madonna del Lago.”
The town itself, gained international fame in the mid 20th century thanks to the renowned photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Mario Giacomelli, which through black and white pictures of Scanno and its people, captured the essence and soul of the village. On top of this, you will also be able to explore the fascinating streets, alleys and since we are talking about Scanno, there are some crafts shops to observe artisans at work, creating everything from jewellery to textiles using techniques that have been handed down through generations.
Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci
Abruzzo is considered the greenest region in Europe. However it has more that 130 km of coast where you will find beaches for all tastes. For many the Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci contains the most beatitul beaches in Abruzzo and we cannot disagree. It’s located in the Costa dei Trabocchi and it offers a unique blend of wild beaches, rolling dunes and a vibrant biodiversity. It’s the ideal destination for those seeking outdoor activities and an escape into natural beauty.
Punta Aderci is the home of beaches like the Spiaggia di Punta Penna, a long stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and framed by the blue of the Adriatic. It’s one of the largest beaches in the reserve, known for its wild and natural atmosphere. Another beach worth to mention is the Spiaggia Libertini, favourite among those that are seeking a closer connection with nature, often attracting snorkelers and divers eager to explore the underwater life
The reserve offers several trials that wind through its different landscape, some of the these trials include il sentiero Punta Aderci – Don Venanzio and Punta Aderci – Foce del Sinello. Il Bosso, a tour operator, offers some of the best outdoor activities within the Punta Aderci reserve and other fantastic places in Abruzzo (including Rocca Calascio).
To make it even more beautiful, on clear days, from Punta Aderci, it’s possible to admire la Maiella and Il Gran Sasso.
Parco Nazionale La Maiella
On this list we cannot miss Abruzzo’s mother mountain, La Maiella. Its national park is a vast and protected area which was granted the title of UNESCO Global Geopark and it contains the richest flora in Europe.
La Maiella is the home of 39 villages, well known are Bolognano, Sulmona, Rivisondoli and Roccaraso (important to mention the Ski Resort Alto Sangro Roccaraso-Rivisondoli, the biggest in Abruzzo with approximately 90 km of slopes).
In addition, some of the most iconic places to visit in Abruzzo are in this park. Clear examples are the “eremi”, places of secular culture and ideal spots to connect with yourself and nature, connected to each other by Sentiero dello Spirito (Path of the Spirit), a 70 kilometres long itinerary, the town of Guardiagrele and Caramanico Terme, listed both as some of the most beautiful towns in Italy by @borghitaly and the Valle dell’Avello, a free contamination valley located in Balzolo.