What to do · Gran Sasso
Campo Imperatore by car, from Fonte Cerreto to Castel del Monte
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 4 h
- Season
- May to October; in winter the high road closes because of snow
- Who it's for
- Everyone
- With a dog
- On a lead at stops; there are livestock and loose horses on the pastures
What it is
The simplest way to understand the Gran Sasso: drive across Campo Imperatore, the plateau that stretches about 27 km at the foot of the peaks, between 1,500 and 1,900 m, without a single tree. You leave from the Assergi exit of the A24, climb via Fonte Cerreto and the SS17 bis to the esplanade of the hotel and the cable car, at 2,130 m, and descend across the plateau towards Fonte Vetica and Castel del Monte.
What to see on the way
Horses and cows graze loose beside the road, and flocks of sheep come up from spring to autumn. On the left, the walls of the Corno Grande and Monte Camicia. At Fonte Vetica, the Ristoro Mucciante sells the meat and lets you grill it on its braziers. From Castel del Monte you continue to Calascio and Rocca Calascio, or to Santo Stefano di Sessanio.
When
From May to October. In winter the SS17 bis is closed by snow and the plateau can only be reached by cable car. In fog you see little: check the weather before setting out.
Tips
- Drive slowly There are loose animals on the carriageway, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Fill the tank beforehand On the plateau there are no petrol stations or villages.
- Bring warm clothing At 2,000 m a cold wind blows even in August.
With young childrenAs a familyWith teenagersWith a dog
