Campo Imperatore: How to Get There, What to Do, and What to See in Italy's Little Tibet

They call it "Italy's Little Tibet" — and one visit is all it takes to understand why. Campo Imperatore is one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in continental Europe: 18 kilometers long, 8 kilometers wide, sitting between 1,500 and 2,130 meters above sea level, completely encircled by the peaks of the Gran Sasso d'Italia — the Corno Grande (2,912 m), the Corno Piccolo (2,655 m), Monte Camicia (2,564 m), and Monte Prena (2,561 m). A high-altitude steppe suspended in the heart of the central Apennines, visually closer to Mongolia or Anatolia than to any conventional idea of Italy.

It's one of the most filmed locations in Italian cinema (spaghetti westerns, comedic westerns, and dozens of international productions have been shot here, drawn by its resemblance to non-European landscapes), one of the most beloved spots among astronomers (the Campo Imperatore Astronomical Observatory is among the most important in central Italy), and — not least — a site of precise historical memory: in September 1943, Mussolini was held under house arrest at the Hotel Campo Imperatore following his arrest on July 25, and it was from here that he was freed by German paratroopers in the famous Operation Oak.

In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know to plan a visit to Campo Imperatore: how to get there by car or historic cable car, what to do across the seasons (summer hiking, winter cross-country skiing, stargazing), what to see on the plateau and in the surrounding area — including Rocca Calascio, just a few minutes' drive away. At the end, you'll find a FAQ covering all the practical questions first-time visitors tend to ask.

What Is Campo Imperatore: Italy's "Little Tibet"

Campo Imperatore is a glacially formed karst plateau, one of the most extensive along the entire Apennine arc. Its name — recorded in Latin sources as Campus Imperatoris — dates back to medieval times and may derive from the passage of Frederick II of Swabia, who according to tradition hunted here during his stays in Abruzzo. Geographically, the plateau lies entirely within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, one of the largest national parks in Italy by area (over 141,000 hectares).

What makes it unique in Italy is the combination of three factors: high altitude (average elevation of 1,800 m, placing it among the highest flat areas in Europe outside the Alps), vast size (approximately 75 km² of total surface area), and an extreme microclimate — temperatures that can exceed 30°C in summer and drop below -25°C in winter, with daily temperature swings among the most dramatic in the country.

Historically, Campo Imperatore served for centuries as a major high-mountain pasture. The plateau was a key node in the practice of transumanza (transhumance): Apulian flocks would ascend each spring along the great drove roads (the Foggia–L'Aquila route in particular) to graze on the high-altitude meadows through summer, before returning to the Tavoliere plain in late September. To this day, from late May to late September, tens of thousands of sheep roam freely across the plateau — a constant presence during any summer visit.

How to Get to Campo Imperatore

There are two main ways to reach Campo Imperatore: by car along scenic mountain roads, or by cable car from the village of Fonte Cerreto. The two options complement each other, and the right choice depends on what you plan to do during the day.

By Car: The Scenic Routes

Driving is the most flexible way to reach Campo Imperatore and move around the plateau. Both main access roads are scenic and worth driving at least once:

• The Fonte Cerreto / Assergi road (L'Aquila side): the SS17bis climbs from the A24 motorway (Assergi exit) through a series of spectacular switchbacks up to 2,130 meters, where you'll find the historic hotel, the observatory, and the upper cable car station. This is the best-known route and the busiest on summer weekends.

• The Castel del Monte / Calascio road (southern side): approaches the plateau from the south, crossing landscapes that feel more "Tibetan" — grassy plains, free-roaming horses, panoramic views across to Rocca Calascio. More scenic than the first, but also more isolated.

Approximate driving times: about 2 hours from Rome via the A24, 1 hour 30 minutes from Pescara via the A25, 30–45 minutes from L'Aquila. The Fonte Cerreto road is generally open year-round, but in winter it requires snow chains or winter tires (mandatory from mid-November to mid-April on the SS17bis); the southern road may close during heavy snowfall.

By Cable Car from Fonte Cerreto

The Gran Sasso cable car is one of the most spectacular in Italy: in just 7 minutes it carries you from Fonte Cerreto station (1,150 m) to the Campo Imperatore plateau (2,130 m), climbing roughly 1,000 meters of elevation with breathtaking views of the plateau and the Gran Sasso peaks. It's the preferred option for those who'd rather not drive uphill, or for hikers and climbers who need to leave their car at the bottom.

Approximate schedule: departures every 30 minutes, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in high season (summer) and 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in winter. Cost: €25–30 round trip (always check the official website for up-to-date timetables before you go — they vary by season and may be suspended for maintenance or high winds).

Without a Car: Buses and Transfers

Direct public transport to Campo Imperatore is limited and mostly seasonal. In summer, some ARPA (Abruzzo Regional Public Bus) services connect L'Aquila to the lower cable car station at Fonte Cerreto. If you're arriving by train, the nearest station is L'Aquila (connected to Rome Termini), from where you'll need a private transfer or a rental car. A convenient solution is to book a guided tour from L'Aquila or Rome that includes transportation.

What to Do at Campo Imperatore: Unmissable Experiences

Campo Imperatore isn't a "quick photo stop" kind of destination. It deserves at least a full day — ideally with an overnight stay somewhere nearby — to truly soak in its atmosphere. Here are the experiences we recommend, organized by season and mountain experience level.

1. Summer Trekking on the Gran Sasso

From June through October, Campo Imperatore is one of Italy's richest destinations for high-altitude trekking. Trails are plentiful and suited to all levels:

• Easy trekking: the Pietranzoni lakes loop or a walk across the plateau to the Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi (300 m elevation gain, 3 hours round trip) — perfect for families and beginners.

• Intermediate trekking: the ascent to Monte Aquila (2,495 m), 4–5 hours round trip, with sweeping views over the entire plateau and the Corno Grande.

• Challenging trekking: the ascent of Corno Grande (2,912 m, the highest peak in the Apennines) — 8–10 hours round trip, 1,100 m elevation gain, requires mountaineering experience and — strongly recommended — an official mountain guide. This is the Gran Sasso's iconic summit climb.

For sunset treks (including Rocca Calascio, just 30 minutes by car from Campo Imperatore), check out our complete guide to sunset treks in Abruzzo.

2. Skiing and Winter Activities

Campo Imperatore is one of the Apennines' historic ski resorts: over 10 km of runs, lifts reaching up to 2,250 meters, a ski school, and equipment rental. It's not a sprawling Alpine resort, but it offers excellent slopes for beginners and intermediates, and snow that — thanks to the altitude — remains reliable from December through mid-April.

Not a skier? Try guided snowshoeing (dozens of operators run half-day outings for €25–50), cross-country skiing (5 km and 10 km loops), or dog sledding (local mushers offer experiences from €50 per person). The elevation and latitude deliver winter panoramas that rival the Alps — at a fraction of the cost.

3. Stargazing

Campo Imperatore is one of Italy's least light-polluted areas, and it's home to the Campo Imperatore Astronomical Observatory (managed by INAF — the National Institute for Astrophysics), one of the most important in central Italy for research on asteroids and near-Earth objects. The observatory periodically organizes guided nighttime visits open to the public, with telescope observation of planets, star clusters, and nebulae.

But even without a formal observatory tour, driving up to Campo Imperatore on a moonless summer night and watching the Milky Way stretch from one horizon to the other is an experience you won't forget.

4. Wildlife Watching

The plateau and surrounding areas are one of Italy's best places to observe Apennine wildlife. With a little patience you can spot: free-roaming horses and donkeys (summer), Apennine chamois (on the rocky faces around the Corno Grande, reintroduced between 1992 and 1999), golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and — on the high meadows — the rare snow finch. Mammals present in the protected area include deer, roe deer, wolves, and snow voles. Less commonly — though possible, especially in the nearby Val di Sangro and the Majella-Velino National Park — you may encounter the Marsican brown bear and the Apennine wolf.

5. Visit the Hotel Campo Imperatore (A Place of Memory)

The Hotel Campo Imperatore, built in the 1930s to a design by Piedmontese engineer Vittorio Bonadè Bottino (who also designed the Sestriere resort facilities and the Hotel Principi di Piemonte in Turin), is where Mussolini was held following his arrest on July 25, 1943 — and from where he was freed on September 12, 1943 by German paratroopers led by Otto Skorzeny in the celebrated Operation Oak. The room where he was detained (originally numbered 201, now 220) can still be visited on request — a small stop on a "memory tourism" itinerary worth making for anyone interested in twentieth-century Italian history. The building is currently being renovated and will reopen in the coming years as a luxury resort; in the meantime, hikers are welcomed by the nearby Campo Imperatore hostel.

6. The Film Sets of Campo Imperatore

Few places in Italy have a filmography as rich as Campo Imperatore. Its visual resemblance to Mongolia, Tibet, Anatolia, and — above all — the deserts of the American Far West made it a favorite location for Italian and international cinema alike. Films with scenes shot here include: the celebrated comic westerns by Enzo Barboni (E.B. Clucher) They Call Me Trinity (1970) and Trinity Is Still My Name (1971), starring Bud Spencer and Terence Hill — though much of the exterior footage from both films was actually shot on the Lazio plateau of Camposecco (Camerata Nuova). Add to that The Desert of the Tartars by Valerio Zurlini (1976), Ladyhawke by Richard Donner (1985 — selected scenes), King David with Richard Gere (1985), Raw Deal with Arnold Schwarzenegger (1986), and more recently The American (2010) with George Clooney. In the 1960s and 70s, Campo Imperatore was practically the "Cinecittà of Italian spaghetti westerns," prized for its desert-like terrain.

Coming soon on Stravagando. We're currently selecting the environmental guides, ski schools, astronomy enthusiasts, and tour operators at Campo Imperatore who will offer their experiences directly on our platform — from summer treks to winter snowshoeing, from nighttime observatory visits to film location tours. Sign up for our newsletter to be among the first to book.

What to See Around Campo Imperatore

The plateau is only part of the experience. Within 15–45 minutes by car, you'll find some of the most evocative destinations in inland Abruzzo.

Rocca Calascio (30 minutes, southern side): the highest castle in Italy, and the set of both Ladyhawke and The Name of the Rose. Reached via the southern road that crosses the plateau, it's the perfect pairing for a "Campo Imperatore + Rocca Calascio" day — especially at sunset.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio (35 minutes): a medieval borgo at 1,250 meters, one of Italy's "Most Beautiful Villages," celebrated for the Sextantio Albergo Diffuso and its Slow Food–presidium lentil.

Castel del Monte (AQ) (40 minutes): a borgo perched at 1,345 meters, famous for the historical reenactment of the "Night of the Witches" held every August. Not to be confused with Apulia's Castel del Monte, built by Frederick II.

Fonte Cerreto and L'Aquila (50 minutes): Abruzzo's regional capital, in full post-earthquake renaissance, with basilicas, fountains, and a revived cultural life. Worth a full day's visit before or after your ascent to the plateau.

Tirino Valley and Capestrano trails (45 minutes): descending from the plateau toward the southeast, you reach the valley of the Tirino River, one of Italy's cleanest, where you can canoe through crystal-clear waters (explored in detail in our guide to kayaking in Abruzzo).

When to Visit Campo Imperatore: A Seasonal Guide

Campo Imperatore is a year-round destination, but it transforms dramatically from one season to the next. Knowing what to expect makes all the difference.

Late May to late June: the thaw season. The last snows melt, the plateau bursts into wildflower bloom (wild orchids, narcissi, anemones), and the herds begin to climb from the plain. Perfect for the first treks of the year and for nature photography.

July–August: peak summer. Daytime temperatures range between 18 and 25°C (though at altitude it can be noticeably cooler), flocks graze across the meadows, and all trails are accessible. This is the busiest period, especially on August weekends: arrive early in the morning or — better still — book a night's stay nearby.

September–October: arguably the best season of all. Spectacular foliage in the forests below, pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds. Wildlife is also most visible at this time (chamois descend to lower elevations, deer are in rut).

November: a transitional month. First snow begins to dust the peaks, the plateau is nearly empty. Beautiful for photographers seeking melancholy landscapes.

December–March: winter. Ski season, snowshoeing, busy hotels on weekends and public holidays, temperatures often below freezing, and a landscape that looks almost Alpine. This is when Campo Imperatore most resembles the "Tibet" of its nickname.

April to mid-May: a tricky transitional season. Snow melts into mud, trails are often waterlogged, and the plateau isn't yet green. Least recommended time to visit.

Practical Information for Your Visit

What to Bring

Campo Imperatore sits at high altitude, and the weather can change fast: even in August, a sunny day can turn into a hailstorm in 15 minutes. Always pack: a warm layer (even in summer), a waterproof windbreaker, a hat (wool in winter, sun hat in summer), category-4 sunglasses (the light at altitude is intense), SPF 50 sunscreen, a water bottle with at least 1.5 liters, and hiking boots with a proper grip (no city sneakers).

For longer or winter hikes, add trekking poles, a headlamp, and a basic first-aid kit.

Where to Eat

Dining options on the plateau are limited but good. The Campo Imperatore Hostel and the snack bars on the main square serve traditional Abruzzo cuisine with panoramic views; the Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi (1.5 hours on foot from the plateau, ideal for a post-trek lunch in the mountains); Ristoro Mucciante (a historic butcher-rotisserie in Castel del Monte, perfect for a quick plate of arrosticini after a day on the plateau); and Il Mufflone at Fonte Cerreto (hearty mountain cooking).

Where to Stay

Your main options are: the Campo Imperatore Hostel (on the plateau, panoramic location, budget-to-mid range — the Hotel Campo Imperatore is under renovation), accommodation at Fonte Cerreto (B&Bs and hotels in the valley at the cable car base, budget range), Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Santo Stefano di Sessanio (a unique experience, upper range), and agriturismi in Castel del Monte and Calascio (home cooking, budget range). In high season (summer, Christmas holidays), book at least 4–6 weeks in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions about Campo Imperatore

How much time do you need to visit Campo Imperatore?

For a quick visit (cable car up, views, lunch, back down) you need 4–5 hours. For a full day including a moderate trek (Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi or Monte Aquila), plan the entire day. To also explore the nearby borghi (Rocca Calascio, Santo Stefano di Sessanio), 2–3 days is ideal.

Can you visit Campo Imperatore in winter?

Absolutely — and it's one of the most magical experiences you can have here. The road and cable car are normally operating in winter too. Important: winter tires or snow chains are required, proper clothing is essential, and you should always check the weather forecast (snowstorms can temporarily close the roads).

How much does it cost to visit Campo Imperatore?

Access to the plateau is free (it's a National Park — there's no entrance fee). Main costs are: cable car €25–30 round trip, parking sometimes charged in summer months, guided activities €25–90 per person depending on type (trekking, snowshoeing, stargazing, skiing).

Can you see chamois at Campo Imperatore?

Yes — especially from September to May, when Apennine chamois descend to lower elevations. The best areas to spot them are the rocky slopes around the Corno Grande and Monte Camicia. Following the reintroduction program of 1992–1999, the Gran Sasso chamois population now numbers around 500 individuals. Patience, silence, and a good pair of binoculars are your best tools.

Is it possible to sleep at high altitude?

Yes. The Campo Imperatore Hostel (at over 2,100 m elevation) is the main accommodation on the plateau. Hikers also have several CAI mountain huts within 1–3 hours on foot from the plateau (Rifugio Duca degli Abruzzi at 2,388 m, Rifugio Garibaldi at 2,231 m). Almost all are open June through September only, and require advance booking.

Can you combine Campo Imperatore with Rocca Calascio?

Absolutely — and it's one of the most popular combinations. Spend the morning on the plateau (trekking, scenery, wildlife), then drive 30 minutes to catch sunset at Rocca Calascio. It's the perfect pairing for anyone with just one day who wants to see the best of the southern Gran Sasso.

Are there any hazards at Campo Imperatore?

The plateau is a safe destination for standard tourist visits. The main things to watch out for: summer afternoon thunderstorms (seek shelter in your car or a refuge — never under an isolated tree), free-roaming livestock (herds of horses are docile but shouldn't be startled), and winter weather that can change rapidly. For more demanding activities (mountaineering on the Corno Grande), always rely on certified Alpine Guides.

Is Campo Imperatore really "Italy's Little Tibet"?

The nickname is journalistic in origin, attributed to mountaineer and anthropologist Fosco Maraini, who compared the plateau to the Indian valley of Phari Dzong. Geographically, the two places have nothing in common, of course. But the visual impression is real — vast grassy plains, grazing herds, snow-capped peaks in the background, an atmosphere of suspended silence — and one visit is enough to understand why the comparison became a classic of Italian travel writing.

Experience Campo Imperatore with Stravagando

Campo Imperatore is one of the most extraordinary and least-told places in central Italy. It brings together nature, history, sport, photography, and gastronomy in a small area that rewards weeks of exploration. It's exactly the kind of destination that Stravagando wants to put at the center of Abruzzo's tourism story.

Stravagando is currently building its catalog of experiences at Campo Imperatore and the surrounding area: guided summer treks led by certified mountain guides, winter snowshoeing outings, visits to the astronomical observatory, sunset photography tours, and food-and-wine experiences featuring products of the plateau. Every experience is vetted for quality, safety, and ethical standards.

If you're a traveler, sign up for our newsletter: we'll let you know as soon as the first experiences are bookable online.

If you're a guide, rifugio manager, ski school, or operator at Campo Imperatore and want to join our catalog, get in touch: you're exactly who we're looking for.

Safe travels.