One of the most beautiful regions in Italy to visit is Abruzzo by motorhome because it combines the magic of the sea with the beauty of the hinterland. It is in these small villages and in these sparsely inhabited areas that marvelous characteristics and peculiarities are hidden.
Article written in collaboration with In Camper con Gusto. Let's go on a beautiful trip and discover what to visit in Abruzzo by motorhome!!
Let’s start our road trip to Abruzzo by motorhome!
Campo Imperatore and the Monti della Laga
We are in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, a unique natural landscape in the world. These places have been important film sets, such as “They Called Me Trinity“ with Terence Hill and Bud Spencer. In this region, you have different opportunities to visit:
You can go up to altitude with the Gran Sasso cable car. Or you can instead choose to go up on the road by campervan to the top of Campo Imperatore through a comfortable and panoramic road.
📍 Where to park in motorhome ? If you decide to take the cable car up, you can park your motorhome in the large Fonte Cerreto car park just below the Camping Funivia del Gran Sasso or stop at this small campsite.
IfIf you are climbing the mountain in a motorhome, you should know that on Sundays there is usually a large influx of cars, bikes and motorhomes parking everywhere. The estate is one of the best known for its quality of life, camping and breathtaking scenery for frequent travelers in the region. Share your first impressions with the community on CaraMaps social networks here.
The Abruzzo by motorhome: Castel del Monte
Defined as the village of the Shepherds, it is a fortified town set between the mountains and some particularities make it very fascinating. A must-see on your trip:
- The municipal theater dedicated to the memory of this village: a shepherd-poet who learned by himself to read and write by reading texts during the long months of transhumance
- The Church of San Marco; it is the first church in the town, where you can see the coat of arms of 1435 formed by the tower surrounded by the ancient walls placed on the 5 hills that delimited the village.
📍 Where to park in motorhome? Along the road, for example, or with the locals at the beautiful Camping Agriturismo Montegusto, an ideal and friendly stopover.
Calascio and Rocca Calascio
When we talk about to small villages, this one certainly is. Currently, there are juste over 100 inhabitants. But its particularity is due to the road structure of the village. Among narrow streets, steps and cobbled paths it is still possible to read writings from the 1950s on the walls or on the portals or signs of shops that do not exist today.
🚶🏼♀️ What can I see? Surely do not forget to visit the Castle and the old village because they are wonderful. And also because they have also become famous for some movie scenes of ”The Name of the Rose” and “Ladye Hawke” which were shot there.
📍 Where to park your motorhome? You can park your vehicle in the blue lines along the tree-lined streets of the town. It is not possible to drive up to La Rocca with the motorhome, and therefore you have to walk almost 4 km. You can also stop at the Calascio car park.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio
We are now in a small village that is part of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. For a long time it was a crossroads for trade from the Adriatic to Rome, making the village very flourishing. Coming through the Medici gate, you enter the fortified village, and you will be surprised by its preserved architecture that makes it one with the surrounding environment.
This village is also famous for being the set of the Italian comedy “little secrets big lies”.
📍 Where to park in motorhome? Close to the historical centre, the community recommends the Santo Estefano di Sessanio car park 🆓 an optimal starting point to visit the city on foot. To sleep, we recommend staying at Parcheggio Santo Stefano di Sessanio 🆓
The Gorges of Sagittarius
Next, we arrive at the Gorges of Sagittarius! Here, nature has created a spectacular limestone canyon that extends for about 10 km. Moreover, the WWF has created an Oasis of Regional Nature Reserve there.
Are you a hiking enthusiast? Don’t hesitate! Thanks to an excellent signposted trail, you can visit the region freely while respecting nature and its preservation. Great deal if you want to go back again and see the exceptional landscapes that change with the seasons!
📍 Where to park in motorhome? In Anversa degli Abruzzi you will find a charming motorhome service area on the right-hand side of the road that runs by the river. Be careful, as the road is steep and quite narrow. Be sure to bring chocks! You never know whether the ground at the site has been altered by the local authority or by travellers visiting the site.
The Lake of Scanno and Scanno
Then, we arrive in Scanno. The country of photographers with its heart-shaped lake of glacial origin. It is certainly considered by many to be one of the most beautiful villages in Abruzzo. But we think that the competition between all the villages visited is really difficult.
We recommend you to stop along its banks. To sunbathe or take a relaxing break at the various restaurants on the shore.
A particularity to see: the Fontana del Sarracco of important architectural construction with 5 fountains topped by 5 stone effigies. Each statue represents a social class where noble men and women or simple travelers could quench their thirst.
📍 Where to park in motorhome? There is an authorized parking for buses and motorhomes at the base of the historic center, but then everything is uphill! Or then, you can choose the Pietro’s Spot.
The Abruzzo by motorhome: Barrea
It is also one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, and its historic center is another example of the Abruzzo fortifications.
You can still see the imposing remains in the walls in the castle which is dominating the village with the watchtower and in the entrance door to the historic center. Moreover, we advise you admiring the view of the artificial reservoir from above; the blu of the waters surrounded by the green of the meadows and woods in summer; or the colors of the trees in autumn make this place and the surrounding area completely unique.
📍 Where to park in motorhome? At the Barrea campground, which is located at the foot of the village and a stone’s throw from the lake. Or for more peace and quiet, we recommend the Civitella Alfadena camping area, spacious, quiet and with a view!
In the motorhome services area in Barrea which is located at the base of the village and close to the lake.
Our personal conclusions
Visiting Abruzzo by motorhome is an experience that we recommend at least once in a lifetime, one day or another. The places we have listed are just some of the most beautiful, but there are many others to discover…
Angela & Monica – In Camper con Gusto
You have understood that the Abruzzo region is the green lung of Italy, a wild and uncommon nature, breathtaking landscapes, this region represents one of the best in terms of quality of life, which is exceptional. So don’t miss the opportunity to discover these wonders by motorhome!
Don’t forget, enjoy your trip to Abruzzo by motorhome, caravan and van with CaraMaps!