Exploring History and Nature in Abruzzo: Civitella del Tronto & Gole del Salinello

Does the idea of combining nature and history in a single day out appeal to you? If so, this itinerary is one to add to your list for your next stay at La Stradella. It's perfect for those who love a good mix of medieval charm, panoramic views, and a bit of an adventure in nature.

Civitella del Tronto

A Step Back in Time: Civitella del Tronto

On the far side of Teramo city, nestled into the northern reaches of the province, lies a medieval hilltop village not to be missed. Civitella del Tronto isn’t just another charming Italian borgo, although it is that also, it was the very last Bourbon stronghold to fall in 1861 before Italy officially became a single kingdom.

The Fortezza di Civitella del Tronto, perched at the very top of the village, is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Europe. It stretches impressively along the ridge, and from its ramparts, you're treated to sweeping views over the valleys and hills below. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this impressive structure so make sure you leave yourself enough time. For more information such as opening hours, tickets and tour info, check out the official website on www.fortezzacivitella.it

Getting there is straightforward and Civitella del Tronto offers free parking just outside of the historic centre about 200m from Porta Napoli, the main gateway into the village. Be aware that the streets of Civitella are narrow, steep, and paved with old stones so comfy shoes are definitely a good idea!

Civitella del Tronto is also famous for sporting Italy’s narrowest street called La Ruetta, which can only be passed on foot and by turning your shoulders sideways. Due to the steep terracing of the terrain, some of the buildings could almost take claim to this title too.

If you happen to be staying with us in July, you could tie in your visit during Civitella del Tronto’s annual week-long beer festival, Un Borgo di Birra. Here you will find a choice of over 100 artisan beers both Italian and international, speciality food stands, concerts and live music every evening. Check out their website for more information.

Into the Wild: Gole del Salinello

West of Civitella del Tronto, just a 20 minute driving away, brings you to the beautiful, wild and magical Gole del Salinello. Heading through the little hamlet of Ripe di Civitella, you’ll find the official car park for the Gole del Salinello, alongside a large family friendly picnic area complete with tables, benches, barbecues, a playground and a water fountain. It's the perfect spot to stop for a pre or post hike picnic.

On the other side of the entrance road is Eremo Grotta Sant’Angelo, which is a hermitage to Sant’Angelo set inside a cave. It’s well worth a quick look before setting off into the gorge, as the setting is quite magical.

From here, it’s about a 40-minute walk to reach the heart of the Gole del Salinello (the Salinello Gorges). The trail is fairly easygoing and suitable for most walkers, though the return journey is uphill — so decent footwear and a bottle of water are a must. As with all the walks into a gorge, as you descend the temperature is noticeable cooler which makes these walks perfect for warmer summer days.

Once you arrive, you'll find yourself surrounded by towering cliffs, moss-covered rock faces and the trickle (or rush, depending on the season) of the Salinello River, which over millennia has carved this spectacular canyon into the landscape. The gorge lies between the "twin mountains" of Monte Foltrone (1,720 m) and Monte Girella (1,814 m). It's a lush, green, peaceful oasis and a great spot to take a breather and perhaps dip your toes in the cool water.

Why Choose Just One?

One of the characteristics of Abruzzo that first won us over was how easy it is to experience such different landscapes and stories in a single day. You can start the morning immersed in centuries of history, wandering the cobbled lanes of a medieval village, and by afternoon find yourself deep in nature, surrounded by forests and waterfalls.

Abruzzo’s unique blend of mountain, hill and coast, and its slower pace of life really encourages this kind of slow, thoughtful and sustainable travel. It’s a region that rewards the curious and the unhurried. By stepping just slightly off the well-trodden path, you’ll discover places like Civitella del Tronto and the Gole del Salinello — rich in charm, culture and the kind of beauty that makes you slow down, breath deeply and feel connected to life's simple pleasures again.