We went here in May, so the alpine flowers were just starting to fade a little, but still beautiful. The place is just so vast it's almost frightening. Suggest a picnic and simply sit and take in the stunning views. For those more energetic, perhaps a walk further up the mountains on one of the many rugged trails...
Distesa che sembra non finire mai fra le montagne in sottofondo che circondano l'altopiano. Il vento è il suono principale delle valli.
Campo imperatore is a great place you totally have to visit when you are in Abruzzo. It has a landscape you won't see anywhere else. Once you are there you don't forget to stop at local butcher shop which offers arrosticini, the meat sticks you can grill and eat there, they're simply delicious.
If you like mountains during the summer, this is a place you cannot miss. You will enjoy wonderful landscape, easy trekking for kids. Give it a try.
Splendid alpine scenery plus the very interesting hotel that was Mussolini's vanity project and brief (comfortable) jail ( with a view) all make for a great day out. Bring a full tank of gas and be prepared for winding narrow steep roads and sweeping vistas.
We took a drive up to Campo Imperatore on our July vacation to Italy. If you drive here, you will feel like you will never arrive as the drive is along winding roads, and of course, you are going up. The scenery all the way is spectacular. The hotel at the site is historical in that it served as a prison for Mussolini. The room where he was imprisoned has been preserved and you can view it for a small fee. Also, if you are a hiker, this is a great place to go.
... cows and horses in the road.This is a very impressive Alto Piano with expansive views and great hiking
Truly a hidden gem. The plateau with the mountains in the background make this area great for hiking, camping or a picnic lunch. If you can make it for the Festival of the Sheep in August, that is one experience you do not want to miss.
We took the cablecar from Fonte Cerreto and then walked in a circle passing by Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, Rifugio Garibaldi and Valico della Portella. The view was really amazing and the hike not too hard. It's a great getaway in Summer, when most of Italy is simmering in the heat. These are the highest mountains in central Italy and cooler temperatures are guaranteed. If you have the chance, stop at the hotel for breakfast or lunch: we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and the excellent cappuccino.
No skiing this year for us unfortunately but we love the mountains and so decided to spend a weekend in Abruzzo and see the snow. The cable car (Funivia Gran Sasso) goes up from Fonte Cerreto (about 20 mins drive from L'Aquila) every half an hour and the view from the top is truly breath-taking. Space for sledging with the kids and a walk in the snow with the splendid craggy peak of Gran Sasso in the distance. It was cloudy down below when we set off, but the cable car came through the clouds and we were in the brightest sunshine watching the spindrift from above. Magical.