The Monti Simbruini, straddling Lazio and Abruzzo, offer wild landscapes that shift dramatically with the seasons. From late spring to autumn, the beech forests burst into vivid colour, creating ideal conditions for hiking, while winter snowfall transforms the area into a hub for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
This corner of the Appennino blends raw nature with striking historical landmarks, such as famous Benedictine monasteries and ancient medieval fortresses. It is a destination that requires a car or camper van to get around freely: journeys between Subiaco, Filettino, Jenne and the higher peaks take 25–45 minutes along winding mountain roads.
2-Day Itinerary in the Simbruini
Day 1 — From Subiaco to the Peaks
Morning
Your day begins in Subiaco. It pays to arrive early to explore the monasteries before tour groups turn up and to secure a parking space along the narrow access road. First stop is the Monastero di Santa Scolastica, the oldest Benedictine complex in the world, home to beautiful cloisters and Italy's first printing press (allow about an hour). Straight after, head up to the Monastero del Sacro Speco (San Benedetto), a medieval sanctuary built directly into the sheer cliff above the hermitage cave; the visit takes roughly an hour and a half.
Afternoon
From Subiaco, drive up towards Monte Livata - Campo dell'Osso, the starting point for the hike to the Cima di Monte Autore at 1,855 metres. The return trek takes 3–4 hours and leads to a summit boasting 360-degree views across the massifs of Lazio and Abruzzo. On your way back down to the valley, pull over at Ristorante Le Rose, near the turn-off for Cervara, to recharge with grilled meats and hearty mountain specialities.
Evening
Head back down to the historic centre of Subiaco. In the late afternoon, explore the Rocca dei Borgia, the medieval fortress linked to Lucrezia and Cesare Borgia that towers over the town. When dinner approaches, call in at La Stoccia – Bottega agli Opifici on Via degli Opifici for an aperitivo with charcuterie boards and local craft beer, or tuck into traditional game dishes and fresh homemade pasta at Ristorante Da Checco.
Day 2 — Rivers, Beech Woods and Sculpted Villages
Morning
Head over to Filettino, where the trail towards the Sorgenti dell'Aniene e Valle della Fiumata begins. Setting off from an altitude of 930 metres, an easy walk of around 2 hours return follows the infant river through dense beech woods. Once back, drive to Trevi nel Lazio to admire the Cascate di Trevi nel Lazio, with their rushing waterfalls and natural gorges, easily accessible right through the year.
Afternoon
Make your way towards Camerata Nuova to see the Pianoro Carsico di Camposecco, an expansive plateau made famous as a set for Spaghetti Westerns like the Trinity films. From here or from the village, you can hike up to the Ruderi di Camerata Vecchia, a ghost village abandoned after a devastating fire in 1881. For a welcoming break, Trattoria La Villetta in Jenne (at 900 metres) serves up local dishes and grilled meats in a classic mountain setting.
Evening
Wrap up your weekend by heading to the Borgo scolpito di Cervara di Roma, perched at over a thousand metres above sea level. Wandering through its alleys lined with sculptures and poetry carved straight into the living rock takes 1–2 hours, and sunset is the finest time to do it. For dinner, provided it is not a Wednesday, book a table at Ristorante Da Checchina in Subiaco for artisan pizza and pasta with sweeping views over the valley.
Practical Tips for Your Trip
- You will need your own vehicle to travel between the Simbruini valleys (Subiaco, Filettino, Jenne); journeys take between 25 and 45 minutes on winding mountain roads.
- If travelling by camper van: in Filettino there is convenient parking near the Tozzi trout hatchery, while in Cervara you can park at the village entrance. In Subiaco, avoid the main car park on Fridays due to the weekly market.
- When hiking across karst plateaus like Camposecco, carry plenty of water as springs are scarce, and always wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
- At weekends, plan to visit the monasteries of Subiaco first thing in the morning to beat the crowds and find a parking spot along the narrow approach road.
Where to Stay Nearby
A 4-star hotel nestled high in the Simbruini mountains.
View on Booking →Apartments in the historic village looking directly out over the river Aniene.
View on Booking →An ideal base in Fiumata for camping under canvas close to the springs.
View on Booking →