If you are looking for a weekend destination, immersing yourself in an area where unspoiled nature, ancient history and authentic traditions come together in perfect harmony, the Turano Valley is the ideal destination. A dream itinerary in the province of Rieti, on the border with Abruzzo, easily accessible by the A24 highway, exiting at Carsoli/Oricola and continuing on Provincial Roads 34 and 32 in a breathtaking landscape of perched villages, crystal-clear waters and wild trails.
The enchanted villages of the Turano Valley
La Valle del Turano custodisce alcuni dei Borghi più belli d’Italia, tra cui spiccano Collalto Sabino e Castel di Tora. Arroccato su un colle, Collalto Sabino vi accoglierà con la sua struttura medievale quasi intatta, dominata dal maestoso castello baronale. Dalla sua imponente mole, si può godere di un panorama indimenticabile che abbraccia il Gran Sasso, il Terminillo e la Maiella. L’antico maniero, ristrutturato nel XVI secolo, conserva ancora oggi il suo fascino di fortezza e residenza estiva, invitando i visitatori a perdersi tra le sue torri e le sue mura. Scendendo verso il lago, incontrerete l’incantevole Castel di Tora, un borgo che si specchia nelle acque del Turano, offrendo una cartolina perfetta. Le sue case in pietra, i vicoli stretti e il castello che veglia sul paese creano un’atmosfera sospesa nel tempo, ideale per una passeggiata romantica e rigenerante. A poca distanza, si erge il Castello di Rocca Sinibalda, un’autentica gemma architettonica, visitabile su prenotazione. Monumento nazionale dal 1928, è stato trasformato nel Rinascimento dall’architetto Baldassarre Peruzzi in una fortezza e in seguito in elegante palazzo nobiliare. Oggi è possibile visitarne gli interni, esplorare i cortili e i giardini, scoprirne i passaggi sotterranei e ammirare un panorama mozzafiato sulla valle. Il castello offre anche esperienze uniche, con sale e suite disponibili per ospitalità, eventi e persino laboratori creativi.
A dip in nature between lake and mountains
For lovers of adventure and the outdoors, the area offers a wide range of activities. Lake Turano, with its jagged shores and clear waters, is a paradise for water sports. It is possible to rent sailboats, pedal boats, and canoes or enjoy more adrenaline sports such as wakeboarding and water skiing. If you prefer dry land, the lake is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, perfect for exploring the surrounding nature. An experience not to be missed is the hike to the Riancoli Ditch, a canyoning and canyoning trail that winds through natural slides and pools of clear water, offering thrills and the chance to dive at several points. For more challenging trails and hikes, the Navegna and Cervia Mountains Nature Reserve offers the possibility of reaching panoramic peaks from which to admire the wild beauty of this corner of Lazio.
A territory for all tastes
To close your itinerary, be sure to make a stop in Rieti, the capital of the province. Between August 29 and September 7, 2025, the city will host the XIV World Chili Pepper Fair.. An unmissable event that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors with its more than 200 stands displaying more than 600 varieties of chili peppers from around the world. In addition to tastings and the sale of typical products, the fair is a real spectacle, enlivened by concerts and shows. Among the expected guests are well-known names from the Italian music scene such as Mr. Rain, Fred De Palma and Aka 7even. And if your trip goes beyond the week of the fair, you can take advantage of other local events, such as the Sagra degli Strigliozzi, a handmade durum wheat flour pasta that is celebrated in late September in Castel di Tora. The area, in every season, offers a calendar full of events, festivals and fairs that celebrate local products and traditions. All in all, a journey through the villages and nature of the Turano Valley is a complete and fulfilling experience, an invitation to discover a lesser-known but extraordinarily fascinating Lazio, just a stone’s throw from Rome and the capital cities of Abruzzo.
