In Abruzzo, at the foot of Gran Sasso, there is a large plateau known as “Little Tibet”. It’s Campo Imperatore, one of the most particular mountain landscapes in Italy, where nature dominates undisturbed. To the southeast of the plateau, and connected to it by a series of valleys and hills, you will find Piana di Navelli. Immersed in the nature of these two places there are also several small historic villages.
From the Piana di Navelli there are three cycling paths that reach Campo Imperatore. You always ride on the road so you have to pay attention to cars especially during the most tourist periods. You reach above 2,000 m, so you have to be prepared to face an intense cold even in the summer. It’s also very important to stock up on water and repair yourself from the sun.
EASY PATH – 28 km – max 1.298 m
The itinerary begins right uphill: from Castelnuovo you follow the signs for Calascio by pedaling between saffron fields and along narrow valleys. The climb is divided into three sections and allows you to take breath sometimes.
Approximately 8 km after departure you arrive at Castelvecchio Calvisio, then, passed the village, begins 4 km of downhill that leads to Calascio. There’s an ancient medieval fortress now in ruins, but from which you can admire a magnificent view.
Once again, you continue towards Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Take this opportunity to take a walk along the alleys of its historic center.
Later on, the road takes another short stretch uphill and then descends, along very panoramic curves, to Barisciano and close the ring.
MEDIUM PATH – 70 km – max 1632 m
After reaching Calascio continue uphill in the direction of Capo Imperatore for several kilometers. About in the middle of the climb there is the village of Castel del Monte. It’s also included among The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy and is worth a visit.
The trail continues lightly uphill with a beautiful view of Gran Sasso. Once reaching the 1,600 m turn north-east and then south-east to return to the valley passing by Santo Stefano di Sessanio.
DIFFICULT PATH – 90 km – max 2,126 m
At the junction leading to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, instead of turning to the village, you continue straight. After a few kilometers you reach a steep climb of about 8 km which allows you to reach the famous Red Hotel of Campo Imperatore at about 2,130 m. The hotel is known for the episode that happened during the Second World War when Mussolini was imprisoned. The Germans released him on September 12, 1943 with a raid in which a guard and a policeman died.
The top of Gran Sasso can be reached on foot. On the bike, however, it reconnect along the same road to Santo Stefano and then to Barisciano.