From the charming villages perched in the mountains, to the crystal clear sea, Abruzzo is the perfect destination for an eco-sustainable and slow holiday. Today we offer 5 green itineraries to discover Abruzzo in a slow way, enjoying less known landscapes, hidden beauties and local products, respecting the environment.
Between the peaks of the Apennines and the waters of the Adriatic, in Abruzzo you can always immerse yourself in unspoilt nature, full of attractions and excursions, passing among some of the most beautiful villages in Italy and savoring the excellence of local cuisine. Here are 5 green itineraries, to be covered slowly, on foot by bike, to discover some of the most suggestive landscapes of Abruzzo.
1. The Trabocchi Coast along the Via Verde
One of the 5 green itineraries not to be missed in Abruzzo is the Via Verde. It is a cycle path that runs along one of the most fascinating stretches of the coast of Abruzzo, the Trabocchi Coast. Cycling, you can admire the colors of the sea and the typical “trabocchi“, or wooden structures in the sea that was used for fishing.
From San Vito begins a very fascinating stretch of the Via Verde. In fact, after crossing the old station of San Vito there are 3 small tunnels that cross the Dannunziano Promontory. Moreover, the view of the promontory reminds us of the sensations that inspired the great Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio during his stays in this area.
This part of Via Verde is perhaps the most impressive of all. In fact, you cross several nature reserves and you can admire 16 “trabocchi”. Along this route the road is perfect, colorful, away from cars. For this, this stretch of bike path is definitely suitable for everyone.
2. A heart in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
Did you know that in Abruzzo there is a heart-shaped lake? It is Lake Scanno in the Abruzzo National Park. To see its heart shape you have to follow a path called the “path of the heart”. In an hour will allow you to reach the most beautiful viewpoint of the lake. It is a perspective effect, observed from specific vantage points the lake has the shape of a heart. In reality has an irregular shape that vaguely resembles a bell.
After the excursion, it is worth visiting Scanno, known as the pearl of Abruzzo. One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is a real architectural and urban jewel. Known for the production of filigree and tombolo. The churches, alleys, picturesque views and noble palaces make it pleasant to visit. But one peculiarity is that you can meet women in traditional clothes.
Do you want to make your holiday more sustainable? You can stay in one of the eco-friendly accommodation facilities on Ecobnb. The palace of Scanno is for a modern “traveller” who wants to immerse himself in the culture, traditions and art of the village. While those who want peace and more contact with nature can choose the bio-farm Valle Scannese da Gregorio, where you can enjoy food cooked in a simple way of the past.
3. One of the most beautiful villages in Italy in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park
Santo Stefano di Sessanio is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Walking along the streets of this charming village, you can go back in time and admire breathtaking landscapes. It is the perfect place to live a special and authentic experience. After the earthquake of 2009 Santo Stefano di Sessanio experienced a moment of strong recovery. This charming village has become an increasingly popular destination.
The entrance point of the village is through the Porta Medicea, which allows you to access the old town. Moreover, located on top of the village you can admire the Medici Tower that is the symbol of Santo Stefano di Sessanio and had the function of sighting.
You can not leave Santo Stefano di Sessanio without having tasted its lentils, which are a Slow Food Presidium as increasingly rare and difficult to find.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio is also the starting point for excursions and outdoor activities such as horseback riding, trekking in the company of donkeys or canoeing on Tirino. In addittion, a few kilometers away you can reach the Castle of Rocca Calascio, one of the 15 most beautiful castles in the world and also famous for hosting large movie sets.
The entire village has been refurbished and transformed into a Albergo Diffuso “Sextantio“, that is you will find rooms recovered from some houses scattered in the streets to give you an authentic experience offering also local activities.
4. Fara San Martino in the heart of the Majella National Park.
Fara San martino is located in the heart of the Majella National Park and is the village of water and the capital of pasta. The springs of the river Verde, located between the village and the mountain, in a green place where you can enjoy picnic areas. Here you can admire the wonder of its crystalline waters that for over 100 years is the raw material for the production of pasta De Cecco and Delverde.
Just two minutes by car you can also reach the Gorges of Fara San Martino, also known as the Petra d’Abruzzo. In particular, you can visit the remains of a monastery discovered in ‘800 surrounded by beautiful scenery and unspoiled nature.
5. Borgo Universo in the Sirente-Velino Regional Park
A beautiful medieval village in the province of L’Aquila, we are in Aielli, one of the highest centers of the Marsica. It is defined as an open-air museum, in the streets of the village there are 26 murals of famous street artists from all over the world.
Walking along the famous Tower of the Stars, a qualified astronomical observatory and continuing lost between the lines of the novel Fontamara by Ignazio Silone. Leaving the village you can admire the beauty of the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. A few minutes away you will find a very suggestive excursion: the itinerary in the Aielli-Celano Gorges. It is a spectacular natural canyon with walls up to 200m high.
What are you waiting for? Discover the wonders of Abruzzo!
