In these mid-July summer days, which are bringing ever-higher temperatures to the big cities, even a short getaway of a few days or a few hours can bring great benefits to the body and spirit.
As refreshing destinations, we suggest 10 must-visit locations in Abruzzo, among the peaks of the Apennines and the many Blue Flags of the Green Region of Europe, all easily accessible from the A24 and A25 highway exits.
Rocca Calascio: It is one of the highest fortresses in Europe and the highest castle in Italy. Behind it you can see the Gran Sasso chain, with the Campo Imperatore plateau, while from the southeastern slope you can admire the Majella and the Sirente, a panorama that leaves you breathless. For those coming from Rome, from the Tyrrhenian side or from the north, it is preferable to reach the fortress using the L’Aquila Est exit on the A24 highway, while for all those coming from the Adriatic side or from the southeast, it is preferable to exit at the Bussi/Popoli tollbooth on the A25, continuing on the SS153 and the SP98.
Campo Imperatore: defined by the well-known mountaineer Fosco Maraini, the “Little Tibet,” is one of the largest plateaus in Italy located in the heart of the Gran Sasso massif, within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. It can be reached from the Assergi exit on the A24, continuing on the SS17bis.
Punta Aderci: An unspoiled paradise full of sand, cliffs, dunes and rock. For these sheer cliffs overlooking the sea, Punta Aderci, north of Vasto (CH), is called the Scotland of Abruzzo. Blue waters and clear, transparent seabed where it is not uncommon to encounter dolphins and sea turtles.
Scanno: one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The village of photographers, ancient mule costume, heart-shaped lake and traditional craftsmanship The best way to visit Scanno? Getting lost in the labyrinth of its alleys. It can be reached from the Cocullo exit on the A25 highway, continuing the journey through the spectacular Sagittario Valley.
Bominaco: not far from Navelli (AQ), the home of saffron, the Oratory of San Pellegrino in Bominaco is considered the Sistine Chapel of Abruzzo. The cycle of frescoes that fills the walls and ceilings is an important testimony to Abruzzo’s medieval painting. From the L’Aquila Est exit it can be reached by following the signs for Navelli on the SS17.
Lavino Park: a natural oasis a few kilometers from the Alanno/Scafa exit of the A25 highway, where the sulfur waters, due to the presence of special algae and dissolved sulfates, are a wonderful color between blue and turquoise.
Orfento Valley: the Orfento Valley is an authentic naturalistic paradise not far from Caramanico (PE). The reserve rises from 500 to 2600 meters above sea level and, with its large beech forests crossed by canyons full of water and waterfalls, is one of the wildest and most spectacular areas in Abruzzo. It can be conveniently reached by the A25 highway, either from the Pratola Peligna / Sulmona or the Alanno / Scafa exit.
Bosco di Sant’Antonio: located at the foot of Majella, it has always been synonymous with fairy-tale landscapes, considered a sacred forest dedicated to Jupiter, in the Middle Ages it was consecrated to St. Anthony. The trail allows everyone to enjoy the beauty of a centuries-old forest, characterized by the presence of colossal trees, true natural monuments. The forest is not far from Pescocostanzo, which can be reached by exiting the A25 highway at Pratola Peligna / Sulmona on the road to Roccaraso.
Lake Barrea: nestled in the heart of the Abruzzo Lazio and Molise National Park, Lake Barrea is the natural habitat for numerous animal species: the wolf, Marsican brown bear, deer and numerous species of birds of prey.
There are many activities that can be done around the lake: fishing, trekking, canoeing, skiing in nearby Pescasseroli, horseback riding and biking among the park’s trails. An ideal place to visit in any season of the year.
Sagittario Valley: a WWF nature reserve oasis that covers about 400 hectares from Villalago to Cocullo in the province of L’Aquila. The gorge area begins at the San Domenico dam, near which the hermitage of San Domenico stands near Villalago. The canyon carved by the Sagittario River provides shelter for wolves, bears and golden eagles. Within the reserve is an important botanical garden, a museum, picnic area and trails. Like Lake Barrea, the reserve can be reached from the Cocullo exit of the A25 highway.
