RoadAtlas
Abruzzo Highlands — Italy — Mountain
Europe

Abruzzo Highlands

Italy

In short: Abruzzo Highlands is a 320 km mountain road trip in Italy, typically driven over 3–4 days, best in May–Jun / Sep–Oct. Highlights: L'Aquila, Campo Imperatore, Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

Distance
320 km
Duration
3–4 days
Best Season
May–Jun / Sep–Oct
NotableModerateMountainEV-friendly

Italy's most underrated region, the SS17 and mountain roads through the Apennine backbone past medieval hill towns, the wolf-and-bear wilderness of Gran Sasso, and a coastline that the Adriatic sun turns an extraordinary turquoise.

~0 refuels
~1 charge
Practical notes
Apennine mountain roads through Gran Sasso can be narrow, winding, and icy from November through March; snow chains or winter tyres are legally required in those months. Some higher connecting roads close seasonally, so verify conditions before heading into the interior.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

L'Aquila — Departure — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Departure
L'Aquila
A city of 99 churches and 99 fountains, still bearing the scars of the 2009 earthquake and still magnificently beautiful.
Hotels
Santo Stefano di Sessanio — City — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
City
Santo Stefano di Sessanio
A perfectly preserved Medici village at 1,250m where stone houses are being restored one by one as artisan hotels.
Hotels
Sulmona — City — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
City
Sulmona
An elegant medieval town famous for confetti, sugar-coated almonds sold in every colour from shops lining the old corso.
Hotels
Scanno — City — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
City
Scanno
One of Italy's most beautiful mountain villages, with a wolf-shaped lake, traditional costumes, and handmade jewellery.
Hotels
Pescasseroli — Arrival — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Arrival
Pescasseroli
Heart of Italy's oldest national park, home to Apennine wolves, Marsican bears, and golden eagles in deep forest.
Hotels

Things to Do

Campo Imperatore — Nature — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Nature
Campo Imperatore
A vast plateau at 2,000m called Italy's Little Tibet. Mussolini was imprisoned at the hotel here in 1943.
Rocca Calascio — Historic Site — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Historic Site
Rocca Calascio
Explore one of the highest fortresses in Europe, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Sulmona Cathedral — Historic Site — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Historic Site
Sulmona Cathedral
Visit the impressive cathedral dedicated to Saint Panfilo, showcasing Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
Lake Scanno — Nature — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Nature
Lake Scanno
Relax by the heart-shaped lake, ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying scenic mountain views.
Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo — National Park — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
National Park
Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo
Discover diverse wildlife and hiking trails in one of Italy's oldest national parks.

Where to Eat

Ristorante La Locanda sul Lago — Italian — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Italian
Ristorante La Locanda sul Lago
Enjoy traditional Abruzzese dishes with a view of the lake, featuring locally sourced ingredients and regional wines.
Trattoria del Leone — Italian — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Italian
Trattoria del Leone
Savor homemade pasta and local specialties in a cozy, rustic setting in the heart of Sulmona.
Ristorante Il Vecchio Mulino — Italian — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Italian
Ristorante Il Vecchio Mulino
Dine in a restored old mill offering authentic regional cuisine and a selection of fine wines.
Ristorante A Cavut — Italian — Abruzzo Highlands — Italy
Italian
Ristorante A Cavut
Experience traditional mountain cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh, local ingredients.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Abruzzo Highlands drive?

The Abruzzo Highlands covers 320 km from start to finish.

How long does the Abruzzo Highlands take to drive?

Most travellers spend 3–4 days on the Abruzzo Highlands, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Abruzzo Highlands?

The recommended season for the Abruzzo Highlands is May–Jun / Sep–Oct.

Where does the Abruzzo Highlands start and end?

The Abruzzo Highlands runs from L'Aquila to Pescasseroli.

What are the main stops on the Abruzzo Highlands?

The Abruzzo Highlands passes through L'Aquila, Campo Imperatore, Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

Can I drive the Abruzzo Highlands in a regular car?

Yes — the Abruzzo Highlands is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Abruzzo Highlands?

Plan around 0 refuels (or about 1 EV charges) along the Abruzzo Highlands, based on its 320 km length.

Is the Abruzzo Highlands EV friendly?

Yes — the Abruzzo Highlands has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Abruzzo Highlands safe to drive?

Apennine mountain roads through Gran Sasso can be narrow, winding, and icy from November through March; snow chains or winter tyres are legally required in those months. Some higher connecting roads close seasonally, so verify conditions before heading into the interior.

What scenic tier is the Abruzzo Highlands?

The Abruzzo Highlands is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.