Cycling the Western Majella
From Campo di Giove to Sulmona: A Circular Route Through Stunning Landscapes and Historical Treasures
Your journey begins in the picturesque village of Campo di Giove, perched over a thousand metres above sea level, making it the highest inhabited centre in the Parco Nazionale della Maiella. From here, head towards Sulmona, in the heart of the Valle Peligna. Along the way, you are accompanied by the tracks of the famous Ferrovia dei Parchi, a railway engineering masterpiece inaugurated in 1897 and often called “Transiberiana d’Italia” (Italy’s “Trans-Siberian Railway”), radiating old-world charm.
Before reaching the nearby village of Cansano, a short detour takes you to the Parco Archaeologico di Ocriticum – the perfect cultural stop along your route. Once in Sulmona, refresh yourself at the fountain beside the medieval aqueduct in Piazza Garibaldi – the city’s vibrant heart and the setting of the famous Easter Sunday ceremony, the “Madonna che scappa”. And don’t miss the chance to taste delicious confetti sweets!
The route then continues to Pacentro, one of Italy’s most picturesque villages, winding along the spectacular and panoramic hairpins of the SR 487. After ascending Passo San Leonardo, you will find yourself cycling through beech forests and open clearings, with the majestic Maiella mountains as your constant guide, before returning to Campo di Giove.
Hop on your bike and let the magic of the western Maiella offer you an unforgettable experience among Abruzzo’s mountains and villages, where every pedal stroke brings a new discovery and every stop is a moment of pure wonder.
