Castel di Sangro, in the province of L'Aquila, is the most important town of the High Plains of Abruzzo (Altipiani Maggiori d'Abruzzo), located between the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and the Majella National Park. It is an elegant mountain resort that serves as a reference point for winter tourism (thanks to its proximity to the Roccaraso and Rivisondoli ski resorts) and for summer excursions. Its reputation has grown exponentially thanks to the presence of one of the most renowned restaurants in Italy, making it a luxury destination with excellent gastronomy, immersed in the unspoiled nature of the Apennines.

What Our Travel Designers Recommend to See: Nature, Skiing, and Villages

• Aufidenate Civic Museum (Museo Civico Aufidenate) – Preserves important archaeological finds of the ancient Samnite population.
• Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta – Religious building that dominates the town, with a history dating back to the medieval era.
• Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park – Ideal access point for excursions, wildlife sightings (Marsican brown bear, wolf), and trekking.
• Roccaraso and Rivisondoli – The nearby ski resorts for winter sports.

Gastronomy and Typical Products

• Fine Black Truffle (Tartufo Nero Pregiato) – The Abruzzo territory is renowned for truffle production, used in many local dishes.
• Pecora al Cotturo – Typical pastoral dish, lamb meat cooked slowly in a cauldron (cotturo), very flavorful.
• Sagne e Fagioli – Fresh homemade pasta, similar to short tagliatelle, served with a bean ragout.
• Saffron of L'Aquila DOP – A product of the highest quality from the neighboring areas.

How to Get There and Get Around

• Car – Primarily reachable via the S.S. 17 which connects it with Sulmona and L'Aquila.
• Train – Sulmona-Isernia line, also known as the Trans-Siberian of Italy (tourist route).
• Cars with chains or snow tires are essential during the winter season.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Castel di Sangro
• Official Website Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

Top 3 Recommended Accommodations by Our Local Guides

• Hotel Il Corvo E La Volpe – Welcoming structure with a focus on the charming mountain experience.
• Sporting Hotel Villa Maria – Excellent reference point for relaxation and access to the ski slopes.
• Aqua Montis Resort & Spa – A luxury option with spa and wellness services, for a totally relaxing stay.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants

• Reale (Niko Romito) – Three Michelin Stars, the restaurant is a destination for gastronomic pilgrimage, known for innovation and purity of flavor.
• Casadonna Reale – The structure that houses the Reale restaurant, also offers luxury accommodations.
• Ristorante Il Boscaiolo – More traditional Abruzzo cuisine, with local meat and mushroom dishes.