If you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to escape the crowds around Rome, the Amalfi Coast, or Lake Como, Abruzzo offers a perfect alternative: a region of wild mountains, glacial lakes, and moody medieval villages that still feel deliciously undiscovered.
June is one of the best months to visit: temperatures are warm but not scorching, the lakes are turquoise, and the hills are a deep green. This article focuses on three places that make a fantastic off‑the‑beaten‑path Abruzzo itinerary: Lago di San Domenico, Lake Scanno and the village of Scanno, and the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park (with nearby treasures like Santo Stefano di Sessanio).
If you’re looking for real things to do in Abruzzo, Italy, this is your starting point.
Why Visit Abruzzo in June?
Abruzzo sits in the heart of Italy, between the Adriatic coast and the Apennine mountains. It’s the kind of region that rewards slow, nature‑led travel rather than a rushed city checklist.
- June weather in Abruzzo is ideal: daytime highs around 22–26°C (72–79°F), cool nights, and fewer tourists than in July–August.
- The region is known for its national parks, sheep‑grazed high plateaus, and crystal‑clear lakes, making it perfect for hiking, photography, and relaxed countryside stays.
- Abruzzo is often described as a “hidden gem” compared with Tuscany or Umbria, yet it’s easy to reach from Rome or Pescara by car.
Lago di San Domenico: A Secret Lake in the Sagittario Gorge
Tucked inland near the town of Villalago, Lago di San Domenico is one of Abruzzo’s quietest natural wonders. Fed by the Sagittario River, it’s a small artificial reservoir that looks convincingly wild, framed by rock faces and chestnut woods. For international travelers asking “what to see in Abruzzo Italy,” this is a refreshingly off‑the‑beaten‑path option.
Things to do around Lago di San Domenico
- Hike the easy loop around the lake – about 1.5 km total, with pine‑shaded paths and changing views of the water. This is a classic “things to do in Abruzzo” activity for couples and solo travelers who want a gentle full‑day nature stop.
- Visit the Eremo di San Domenico – a small hermitage carved into the rock above the lake, with a simple chapel and a devotional path. It’s atmospheric rather than grand, perfect for a quiet, meditative break.
- Take sunrise or sunset photos – the lake turns a deep blue in June, and the reflections on the water make it a natural photo‑spot if you’re into travel photography.
- Pack a picnic – bring a blanket, some local cheeses, and a bottle of wine, and find a quiet spot by the shore. The lake is one of the best slow‑travel anchors in this part of Abruzzo.
Why June is the best time
- Pleasant temperatures that make walking comfortable without the mid‑July heat.
- Fewer crowds: most visitors cluster on the coast in summer, so lakes like San Domenico stay peaceful.
- Greenery at its peak, with the nearby Gole del Sagittario (Sagittario Gorge) adding a dramatic canyon backdrop if you extend your drive.
Lake Scanno & the Village of Scanno
A short drive further into the mountains, Lake Scanno is one of the most photographed lakes in central Italy. Shaped like a twisted heart, it’s surrounded by steep hills and spruce forests, with the medieval village of Scanno perched on the eastern shore.
For a “what to see in Abruzzo Italy” highlight, pairing the lake with the village is ideal.
Things to do at Lake Scanno
- Walk the lakeside loop – roughly 5 km, with benches, viewpoints, and easy access. Portions are wide‑paved and relatively flat, making it one of the best family‑friendly things to do in Abruzzo.
- Explore the village of Scanno – wander narrow cobbled streets, admire stone houses with flower‑filled balconies, and stop for coffee or gelato in the small central square.
- Look for local crafts – Scanno is known for traditional handwoven wool, woodwork, and the folkloric costume of the area, so small boutiques are great for authentic souvenirs.
- Take a short uphill hike – from the village you can climb to a higher viewpoint for a panoramic shot of the heart‑shaped lake and surrounding peaks.
Why Scanno is an authentic Abruzzo experience
- It feels like stepping into a slow‑paced, pre‑tourist Italy, with modest family‑run trattorias and B&Bs rather than big hotels.
- The lake is still popular with Italian weekend travelers, but it’s rarely overrun by international crowds, keeping its off‑the‑beaten‑path charm.
- Scanno works well as a day trip from the Adriatic coast (Pescara, Vasto) or as part of a multi‑day road trip through central Italy.
Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park: High‑Altitude Abruzzo
Further north, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park is the soul of Abruzzo’s highlands. It’s home to the highest peaks of central Italy, beech forests, and remote stone villages that feel like something from another century.
If you’re building a “Abruzzo Italy travel guide” itinerary, this park is the natural third pillar alongside the lakes.
Things to do in the Gran Sasso area
- Stay in Santo Stefano di Sessanio – a fortified medieval village built into the Altopiano delle Cinquemiglia. Its narrow stone alleys, stone churches, and mountain views make it one of Italy’s most atmospheric slow‑tourism villages.
- Drive or hike to Castel del Monte – a tiny, dramatic village perched on a rocky outcrop, with wide views over the Gran Sasso range. It’s a must‑see for photographers and solitude‑seekers.
- Follow marked hiking trails – the park offers everything from easy forest walks to challenging ridge routes. June is a great month to avoid summer crowds and enjoy fields of wildflowers, chamois, and marmots in the high pastures.
- Look for local food stops – many small trattorias serve pasta alla chitarra, sheep cheeses, and wild boar dishes sourced right from the park.
Why June is perfect for Gran Sasso
- Mild temperatures in the mountains (cooler than cities), making hiking pleasant.
- Wildflowers and greenery are at their peak, while it’s still earlier in the season than ski‑focused winter months.
- The park is large enough that you can easily find quiet corners even on a busy weekend.
Local food to try in Abruzzo
Any good Abruzzo Italy travel guide should mention the region’s hearty, pastoral cuisine. Around these three lakes and villages, keep an eye out for:
- Pasta alla chitarra – ribbon‑like pasta with a rich tomato or lamb ragù, often called “spaghetti alla chitarra” in local restaurants.
- Cheeses like pecorino and caciocavallo – often served with wild honey, walnuts, or local cold cuts.
- Lamb and goat dishes – typical in the Gran Sasso villages, usually roasted or in slow‑stewed stews.
- Wines such as Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano d’Abruzzo – excellent value reds and whites to pair with mountain food.
If you’re asking “what to see in Abruzzo Italy”, don’t forget that the food and wine are part of the attraction.
How to get to these places in Abruzzo
Abruzzo is easy to reach from both Rome and the Adriatic coast, thanks to decent road connections and a relatively compact territory.
- From Rome –
- Drive to the Gran Sasso / L’Aquila area in about 1.5–2 hours.
- From there, continue southeast toward Scanno (about 1–1.5 hours), then loop back toward Villalago / Lago di San Domenico.
- From the Adriatic coast (Pescara, Vasto) –
- Public transport –
Why these three places are perfect for slow travel in Italy
Each of these destinations fits a different mood:
- Lago di San Domenico – ideal for quiet nature lovers and photographers who want a peaceful day in the Sagittario Gorge.
- Lake Scanno and Scanno village – perfect if you want a mix of lakeside walks and a charming medieval town without the crowds.
- Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga – best for hikers and couples who love dramatic mountain views and authentic village life.
Together, they form a mini‑itinerary of hidden gems that answers the question: “What are the best things to do in Abruzzo, Italy?”
If you tell me whether you’re planning a weekend trip from Rome, a coast‑to‑mountains road trip, or a longer stay in central Italy, I can help you structure exact driving times and an ideal day‑by‑day outline.
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