Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga

Points of Interest

The Slope of Lazio

Amatrice is an important historical center, with artistic evidences dating back to the 13th and 16th centuries. It is an ideal departure point for wonderful hikes along the Laga reatina, dominating the springs of the river Tronto and green valley pastures. From Accumoli, it is possible to observe an extraordinary landscape dominated by the 13th century tower. After visiting Illica, you can get to Poggio d'Api, a departure point for hikes across the woods and meadows to the lakes of Selva and Secco, populated by mountain newts.

Along the river Tronto

Arquata del Tronto is a charming medieval town dominated by the Castle of the Rocca. However, also the villages of Trisungo and Spelonga are worth a visit. The characteristic Apennine charcoal kilns are still working here (the village of Colle is famous for them) and give the opportunity to discover the ancient trading activities characterizing the Park. Along Salaria Road, Acquasanta Terme is a well-equipped spa and a good departure point for the hikes leading to Umito: from here, a trail enters the beech wood, goes along the stream, and reaches the great Volpara Waterfalls surrounded by a charming landscape.

Around Salinello Gorges

Campli preserves important medieval buildings. The archaelogical Museum is very interesting and in it there is a display of finds of the nearby Necropolis of Campovalano (7th-5th centuries BC). Civitella del Tronto is known for its remarkable 10th century fortress dominating the whole town, but also the historical museum is worth a visit. The entrance to the Gorges of Salinello is in Ripe: the gorges are crossed by a trail offering wonderful natural and historical landscapes, like the several hermitages and the ruins of Castel Manfrino, near to Macchia da Sole.

In Laga Mountains and in the Surroundings

Several interesting itineraries leave from Valle Castellana, crossing beech and chestnut woods, abandoned medieval villages, great waterfalls, meadows, and cultivated lands. One of the most typical itineraries leads to Ceppo and allows to visit the beautiful Morricana Waterfall and the Wood of Martese, famous for the presence of the Silver Fir, survived to glaciations. It is also possible to keep on walking along the path, through the woods of Langammella and Cagliera, among a number of streams and waterfalls, up to the village of Padula di Cortino, whose houses are built in the typical Laga sandstone. The road coming from Teramo makes it possible to visit the nice villages of Torricella Sicura and Rocca Santa Maria.

Prati di Tivo and Valle del Vomano

The characteristic stone houses of Pietracamela create an evocative labyrinth of narrow streets. From the town it is possible to observe some specimens of the Abruzzo chamois living in the nearby wildlife area. A charming trail goes along the stream Rio Arno and reaches spectacular waterfalls. Prati di Tivo is the main departure point for hikes and climbs to Corno Grande, Corno Piccolo, Pizzo d'Intermesoli, and other peaks of Gran Sasso d'Italia. From Montorio to Vomano, along the valley and the river, there are little and nice villages from which it is possible to start short and easy hikes: Cesacastina, with its "Cento Fonti", Piano Vomano and its "Centennial Oak", Nerito d Crognaleto, Fano Adrano with "Prato Selva", Cerqueto, Ortolano, and Val Chiarino.