Exploring L'Aquila and its surrounding mountains takes a little planning if you want to balance city sightseeing with the driving needed to reach higher altitudes. The Abruzzo regional capital concentrates its historic architecture within an easily walkable centre, though steep climbs and stone paving mean non-slip shoes are a must. In addition, temperatures drop sharply in the evenings throughout the year, so wearing layers is essential.
If you choose to stay at Hotel L'Aquila or Hotel Castello, heading back in the evening after day trips to Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso is much easier. The natural sights outside the city are between 25 and 50 minutes' drive from the centre and require a private car—something to keep in mind when balancing your days.
How to structure your three days
Day 1 — From Borgo Rivera to the city palaces
Morning
Your first day begins in the Collemaggio area. Head straight to the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio: its striking white-and-pink chequered facade, featuring the Porta Santa of Celestino V, catches the best light in the early morning. A visit inside takes around 45 minutes. Next, make your way to the Borgo Rivera neighbourhood to see the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, a medieval civic monument spread across multiple basins with 93 stone spouts; entry is free and you will need around half an hour. Just steps away, step into the MuNDA - Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo, allowing an hour and a half to take in the archaeological finds and medieval wooden sculptures.
Afternoon
For lunch, stop at Osteria La Grotta di Aligi near Villa Comunale, a popular spot for grilled meats and generous pasta dishes at sensible prices. Spend the afternoon in the heart of the historic centre at MAXXI L'Aquila - Palazzo Ardinghelli. Housed in a restored baroque palazzo, this contemporary art museum is open from Thursday to Sunday; booking online is strongly recommended for weekends, and a visit takes between an hour and an hour and a half. Outside the museum, you will find the Basilica di San Bernardino da Siena at the top of a grand flight of steps. Allow 45 minutes to admire its gilded wooden ceiling and the saint's mausoleum.
Evening
Late afternoon is the ideal time for a stroll through Piazza Duomo, taking in the twin fountains and the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Suffragio. Stay in the historic centre for dinner at Ristorante Lo Scalco dell'Aquila, renowned for creative regional cooking using ingredients sourced from small Abruzzo producers.
Day 2 — Underground waters and mountain fortresses
Morning
Start your morning in the Parco del Castello area to view the exterior of the Forte Spagnolo (Castello Cinquecentesco) e Parco, a Renaissance fortress surrounded by a deep moat, allowing roughly an hour. Then, drive towards San Demetrio ne' Vestini to visit the Grotte di Stiffe. This karst resurgence features waterfalls and a subterranean river. The visit is guided, lasts exactly one hour, and maintains a constant internal temperature of 10°C, so bring a jacket and closed-toe shoes. Time slots sell out quickly, so book online well in advance for weekends.
Afternoon
Just a few minutes away lies Lago di Sinizzo, fringed with willows and oaks. Parking is paid, and the area is well set up for spending a couple of hours, perhaps enjoying a packed lunch. In the afternoon, drive towards the village of Calascio. From here, a cobbled path climbs up to Rocca Calascio e Chiesa di Santa Maria della Pietà, sitting at an altitude of 1,460 metres. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the return walk and exploring the Norman fortress; try to time your arrival at the top for sunset to catch the best light across the Gran Sasso.
Evening
Back in town, dine at Osteria da Giorgione, on via del Guastatore, which serves handmade pasta, truffles and meats. After dinner, wander up to Piazza Battaglione Alpini to see the Fontana Luminosa, a bronze monument illuminated at night that frames views of the Gran Sasso at the end of Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
Day 3 — The vast landscapes of Gran Sasso
Morning
Your third day is dedicated to exploring Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso. Drive up into the mountains to reach the Altopiano di Campo Imperatore e Lago di Pietranzoni. The plateau offers a vast, barren landscape, ideal for starting a circular hike, while the small mountain lake reflects the peak of Corno Grande. Motorhome travellers often use this area for overnight wild camping.
Afternoon
Continue driving into the Monti della Laga area to reach Lago di Campotosto. Sitting at over 1,300 metres above sea level, this reservoir is well equipped for hikers and cyclists. The lake's perimeter allows for gentle, flat walks and offers spacious scenic laybys that are very convenient for touring motorhomes.
Evening
Back in the centre of L'Aquila for your final evening, book a table for dinner at Ristorante Da Lincosta on via Antonelli. It is a historic trattoria serving Abruzzo cured meats and reinterpreted local traditional dishes.
Logistical tips for your trip
- To reach the historic centre without getting fined by the camera-controlled gates, park in the underground car park at Terminal Bus Collemaggio, which links to the centre via escalators or a pedestrian tunnel, or leave your car just outside the ZTL ring near the Fontana Luminosa.
- Visits to the Grotte di Stiffe last 60 minutes and are guided only: booking online in advance is the only way to secure a slot at weekends, and remember to pack warm clothes and sturdy waterproof shoes for the constant 10°C temperature.
- For the climb to Rocca Calascio, you can park in the village of Calascio and walk just the final uphill stretch, or choose the full hike starting from Santo Stefano di Sessanio, allowing for 9-10 km and 4-5 hours of walking in total.
- The mountain stops, such as Campo Imperatore and Lago di Campotosto, are very motorhome-friendly, with several high-altitude overnight parking options, while the main hub for city parking is the Terminal di Collemaggio.
Where to stay to save time
An 18th-century noble palazzo right in the historic centre, allowing you to walk easily to the main streets.
View on Booking →Situated right on the edge of the historic centre, offering direct views of the Fontana Luminosa and the parkland of Parco del Castello.
View on Booking →Located in the Borgo Rivera neighbourhood, ideally placed for quickly reaching the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle.
View on Booking →