From Gran Sasso to the Trabocchi Coast: A Cycling Adventure through Abruzzo

L'Aquila: The Beginning of the Adventure

Arriving in L'Aquila, we spent an afternoon exploring the historic center, still under reconstruction after the 2009 earthquake, but with a unique charm. Piazza del Duomo and the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle captivated us, while a dinner of arrosticini and Montepulciano d'Abruzzo gave us the perfect boost for the next day.

Pedaling Towards Gran Sasso: The First Big Challenge

The ascent to Passo delle Capannelle was our first real test. The road wound through forests and valleys, offering us a glimpse of Lake Campotosto, a mirror-like body of water that seemed to come straight out of a painting. After a brief stop at San Pietro della Ienca, we continued our climb towards Gran Sasso, eventually reaching Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a medieval village brimming with timeless charm. Here, between cobblestone streets and welcoming inns, we enjoyed a plate of sagne e fagioli, a traditional Abruzzo dish.

Campo Imperatore: The Little Tibet of Italy

The next day, we took the cable car from Assergi to reach Campo Imperatore, the "Little Tibet" of Italy. The landscape was surreal: vast golden fields, horses grazing peacefully, and a silence almost mystical. We stopped for a short hike to the Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi, where we were treated to a breathtaking panorama. Then, back on our bikes, we descended through hairpin bends, returning to Santo Stefano.

From Mountains to the Wine Hills

The following day, the path softened. We left the peaks behind and descended into the hills of the Valle del Tirino, famous for its exceptional wines. We visited a local winery, tasting Trebbiano d'Abruzzo while the owner shared stories of harvests and ancient traditions. Then, back on our bikes, we continued through olive groves and fields of golden wheat, reaching Alanno and Scafa.

Blockhaus: The Toughest Climb

The day of the ultimate test: the climb to Blockhaus. The name alone commands respect, but the spectacular view awaiting us gave us the strength to push through the difficulty. The climb was tough, but the grandeur of the Maiella mountain range along the way eased every pain. Upon reaching the summit, the cold wind and the vast view made us feel both small and incredibly fortunate.

Descent Through Villages and History

After all the climbing, the reward: a spectacular descent toward the sea. Before reaching Fossacesia, we stopped in Lanciano, famous for the Eucharistic Miracle, and explored its fascinating historic center. Then, the blue of the Adriatic appeared on the horizon. Fossacesia welcomed us with its Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere and a spectacular dinner on a trabocco, with the sound of the waves crashing below.

The Magic of the Trabocchi Coast

The final leg was a true gift: cycling along the Greenway of the Trabocchi Coast, with the sea beside us, the scent of saltwater in the air, and the sun warming our backs. In Ortona, we had a final toast before reaching Pescara and concluding this incredible journey.

Eight days, hundreds of kilometers, countless emotions. Abruzzo won us over with its authentic beauty, intense flavors, and welcoming people. If there’s one thing we learned on the road, it’s that certain journeys stay with you forever.

This experience was shared by Silvia Donatiello , who, through her words, took us on a journey full of emotions, landscapes, and unforgettable moments that will remain in the hearts of those who live it.

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