The city of L’Aquila is an excellent base for exploring the wider Abruzzo region. This historic student oasis is hidden among the Gran Sasso Massif mountain range, which means you can go from medieval streets to rugged mountain passes in less than an hour.
Today we’ll be taking you on an adventure through this idyllic Italian region, showcasing the very best day trips from L’Aquila that students and young professionals should fill their weekends with. From summitting climbs to discovering ancient ruins, you’ll leave L’Aquila with some fantastic experiences under your belt.
The ‘Little Tibet’ Experience: Campo Imperatore
If there is one definitive day trip from L’Aquila you need to embark on, this is it. Campo Imperatore is a huge alpine meadow that’s often referred to as Italy’s ‘Little Tibet’. The vibe is that of high altitude beauty, stark landscapes, and total silence.
Once here, make sure to visit the hotel where Benito Mussolini was once imprisoned, stop at the famous observatory, or hike to the top of the Corno Grande.
If you’re in the mood for food, the Ristoro Mucciante at Fonte Vetica is a buchers shack where you can indulge in some of the finest arrosticini and even grill them yourself using one of the outdoor pits.
How to get there
By Car: Take the scenic SS17bis which takes around 45 minutes.
By Cable Car: Drive or take a local bus to Fonte Cerreto and ride the Funivia del Gran Sasso up for incredible views.
The Movie Sets: Santo Stefano & Rocca Calascio
These locations are very close to each other and perfect for a combined day trip.
Imagine stepping back into the 16th century. Santo Stefano is a perfectly preserved Medici era town, while Rocca Calascio features a fortress that was used in the film Ladyhawke.
You’ll need to have your walking boots on though, as the walk to Rocca Calascio can take around 20 minutes.
How to Get There
By Car: Head southeast on the SS17 for 40 minutes.
By Bus: TUA regional buses run from L’Aquila’s Collemagio station, though they are infrequent.
Underground Wonders: Grotte di Stiffe
If you need a break from the often baking Abruzzo sun, the Grotte di Stiffe are the ideal escape. Simply head underground to a natural wonder that’ll take your breath away. These caves are unique in the sense that they have a river flowing through them.
The highlight of a visit here is to watch the underground waterfalls crashing onto the rocks below. This makes for a pretty amazing social media post if we say so ourselves!
The temperature stays a near constant 9 Degrees Celsius all-year round, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.
How to Get There
By Car: A quick 20-minute drive via the SR615 and SS17.
By Bus: Local buses run toward the commune of San Demetrio ne’ Vestini, but it’s a long walk to the cave entrance from here.
Confetti and Culture in Sulmona
Another fabulous day trip from L’Aquila is to travel an hour south to Sulmona. A small, yet influential commune, Sulmona is the birthplace of the poet Ovid. Though poetry isn’t what the area is most known for! You may think of paper when I mention confetti, but you’d be wrong in this thought. Sulmona is actually famous for its almond confetti, essentially sugar-coated almonds. You can also visit the Pelino Confetti Museum to see the incredible sugar flowers, created by local artists.
Aside from sweet treats, a visit to Sulmona isn’t complete without a visit to the historic Piazza Garibaldi which sits in the shadow of a medieval aqueduct.
How to Get There
By Car: Take the A24/A25 highway (50 mins) or the SS17 for a scenic mountain pass
By Train: Direct regional trains from L’Aquila station take about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Alba Fucens: The Home of Roman Ghosts
Abrruzo’s relative proximity to Rome means the influence of the Roman Empire is never too far away. Take the towm of Alba Fucens for example, a short trip from L’Aquila that unveils the fallen might of one of the world’s foremost empires.
The town is as stunning as Pompeii, but without the crowds. Here, you can see a preserved amphitheatre that once housed gladiators and entertainers alike. Like many Abruzzo towns, you can also climb a great mountain from Alba Fucens. The Monte Velino stands tall at 2,487m and is one of the Apennines most demanding hiking routes.
By Car: About 50 minutes via the A24 highway (exit at Magliano de’ Marsi)
By Bus: You can take a bus to Avezzano, though this is better for climbing Monte Velino.
Where Will You Explore Next?
Whether you’re on the hunt for heritage or plan on venturing into the mountains, L’Aquila is the ideal place to start your next adventure. The Abruzzo region truly is one of the few places in Italy where you can feel like an explore, not a tourist.
If I had to pick one? Start with Campo Imperatore and go from there! It’s a place that stays with you long after the red wine from dinner has gone down.
Ready to make L’Aquila your new home? Explore our range of Italian student accommodation options, or see what the rest of Europe has to offer.
