Rugiadina arrives in Abruzzo with a simple, almost shy but heartfelt question: “I’m thinking about spending a week in Santo Stefano di Sessanio in August. What would you recommend I do and see around there? Is it doable to go to Campo Imperatore with my dog?” Take a look at the full post here.
It’s one of those questions that opens entire worlds. Because Santo Stefano di Sessanio is not just a village: it’s a slow, authentic experience that’s deeply rooted in the mountains and in silence.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio: Live the Village, Don’t Just Visit It
August in Santo Stefano di Sessanio means waking up to cool mountain air even in the full heat of summer, wandering its stone alleys that smell of history, and stopping often — just to take it all in. Rugiadina quickly discovers that time here moves at a different pace. Days begin with a slow breakfast, maybe overlooking the peaks of the Gran Sasso, and continue with strolls through the village, browsing artisan workshops, and quick coffee breaks at tiny bars where you’ll likely exchange a few words with someone who actually lives here year-round.
The best advice? Spend your time soaking up the village itself. Visit the Torre Medicea, lose yourself among the fortified houses, and stay into the evening when day-trippers have gone and the village starts to breathe slowly again. It’s in these quiet hours that Santo Stefano di Sessanio reveals its true magic.
What to See Nearby: Nature, Hilltowns, and Views
A week gives Rugiadina plenty of time to explore the surroundings at a relaxed pace, without rushing. First up on everyone’s list is Rocca Calascio, reachable in just a short drive and a little hike — and one of Abruzzo’s most stunning viewpoints. At sunrise or sunset, it feels like pure magic, and it’s a perfect spot even if you’re traveling with a dog.
Then there’s Castel del Monte, a proud and authentic village great for a wander and a food break. Don’t miss Calascio too: smaller and quieter, ideal if you love off-the-beaten-path places.
For walkers, the trails of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park offer routes of every level — many of which are pet-friendly so long as your dog is used to hiking and remains leashed.
Campo Imperatore with Your Dog: Yes — and It’s Incredible
In response to Rugiadina’s question about Campo Imperatore, the answer is a reassuring yes: it’s absolutely doable with a canine companion. In August, this high plain is an extraordinary natural spectacle, with huge open spaces, fresh air, and seemingly endless panoramas. It’s easy to reach by car from Santo Stefano di Sessanio; once there, you can stroll freely in the open areas — just be mindful of the sun, bring plenty of water, and respect park rules and wildlife.
Many choose to linger near the Astronomical Observatory or take short walks across the plateau. For dogs, it’s a paradise, provided you take sensible precautions.
A Vacation That Stays With You
At the end of the week, Rugiadina realizes that Santo Stefano di Sessanio wasn’t just a base camp for visiting sights — it was a different way of vacationing. Here you don’t collect attractions; you collect sensations: the wind through the long grasses of Campo Imperatore, the silence of the alleyways at dawn, and the star-filled skies we forget about in the city.
This is the kind of trip that doesn’t wear you out — it regenerates you — and leaves you already dreaming of coming back. Maybe again with your dog, because Abruzzo, at its heart, welcomes everyone: those in search of beauty, those drawn to nature, and those who simply want to slow down.
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