Gran Sasso d’Italia is a mountain group of the Central Apennines located entirely in Abruzzo, whose territory includes the highest peak of the Apennine chain, Corno Grande, which reaches 2912 meters in height. The group, included in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, is one of the most important areas of the Apennines, with several centers equipped for mountaineering, summer and winter sports.

The itinerary, which unfolds toward the northern part of the massif, starts from Pineto, a delightful seaside resort located just a few kilometers from our hotel, which owes its name to the characteristic pine forest, arranged in six rows, that for more than 4 kilometers runs along its coastline. In addition to its splendid pine forest, clear sea and golden beaches, Pineto is also known for the Torre di Cerrano, an imposing medieval fortress erected in the 16th century to defend the coast from incursions by Slavs and Saracens. Today the tower is home to the Torre Del Cerrano Marine Park, a striking protected area located between the towns of Silvi and Pineto that includes a coastal strip of about 7 kilometers.

The next stop on the itinerary is Atri, a charming city of art with very ancient origins (7th-5th centuries B.C.). The town stands on a spur, among oak and olive groves, gathered around the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of the most beautiful and best-preserved monuments of religious architecture in the entire region. Inside you can admire Renaissance frescoes that are among the most important in Abruzzo: these are the “Episodes from the Life of Jesus and Mary” painted by Andrea de Litio. In terms of landscape, the Atrian hills fascinate for the spectacular presence of the Calanchi, real natural sculptures born from the millennial erosion of the clay soil that take on, especially at sunset, fantastic colors.

From Atri, the itinerary continues into the Vomano valley passing through the locality of Fontanelle, where there are some mud volcanoes. Worthy of a stop is Basciano, a small town that offers one of the most striking “balconies” over the Vomano and Mavone valleys for the breadth and beauty of the panorama. Worth seeing is the parish church of San Flaviano, which features a portal emblematic of Aprutino Baroque.

The next stop is Montorio al Vomano, a charming village that stands at the gateway to the Gran Sasso. The town is a place rich in history and culture, with a historic center that winds its way through evocative views and monuments of considerable artistic value, among which the following are worth mentioning: the 16th-century Collegiate Church of San Rocco, which preserves sculptures and furnishings from the 16th and 18th centuries; the Palazzo Marchesale Camponeschi-Carafa, with a beautiful portal and traces of frescoes dating back to the 1500s; and the Church of the Capuchins, with a magnificent carved altar.

Having entered the territory of the Gran Sasso Park, the itinerary continues with a stop in Pietracamela, a small, picturesque village gathered on a rocky spur. Its riches are pure air, magnificent views of the Gran Sasso and the old, dear stone village, with buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, paved alleys, fondaci carved out of the rock and old fountains. Within the territory of the municipality of Pietracamela is Prati di Tivo, the most important base for mountaineering hiking in central and southern Italy. The site is of special scenic interest, constituting one of the most characteristic and famous mountain places in the Teramo province. From here it is then advisable to visit, possibly taking advantage of the ski lifts, the Madonnina, an extraordinary panoramic point with a view that sweeps from the Adriatic to the summit of Corno Grande.