Rocca di Sotto

There’s much meandering to be done in the hills around the site, taking in the lovely views and keeping eyes peeled for flocks of sheep and herds of cows along the way. Lots of local villages are worth a stop too – have a chat on site for ideas of places to visit and details of market days. Lengthier hikes can be had in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, 45 minutes’ drive away. This area, known locally as little Tibet, is frequently used as a film location because of its gorgeous backdrops; if you’re lucky you might spot wolves and bears in the distance. Around an hour away are the beaches of the Trabocchi coast, named after the wooden fishing huts on stilts along the shoreline. Hit the beach at Pineto or Roseta degli Abruzzi and then seek out those huts that have been converted into seafood restaurants.