In the sprawling plateau of Italy’s Gran Sasso National Park in the mountainous region of Abruzzo is an incredible area known as Little Tibet. Campo Imperatore, which sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, is an ethereal expanse of rugged peaks and peaceful solitude that makes it feel more like a moonscape than anything earthly. Providing a stark contrast to the overtouristed coastlines and cities of Italy, Campo Imperatore is the perfect place to escape, retreat, and find the kind of peace and tranquillity that one might associate with Tibet.
Campo Imperatore won’t fascinate only nature enthusiasts, but history buffs as well. The landscape has been immortalized in numerous war films because it is the site of Mussolini’s prison escape during World War II, in what really was a cinematic operation.
These vast untamed expanses and cinematic history make Little Tibet one of Europe’s most unique natural landmarks. Whether you’re learning about the region’s history at Hotel Campo Imperatore, practicing your Italian, sampling some of the incredible local cuisine, or hiking through the Apennine Mountains, a trip to Campo Imperatore is both a rejuvenating and energizing way to experience a taste of Tibet among the dazzling peaks of Italy.
Campo Imperatore, where you’ll find Tibetan tranquility
With the Gran Sasso massif, the highest of the Apennine Mountains towering in the background, every inch of this landscape is set to impress. With jagged, often snow-covered peaks and rolling, dramatic plains, you’ll also see wild horses grazing alongside flocks of sheep in Campo Imperatore. The plateau itself resembles a lunar or planetary surface, a gorgeous expanse that creates an incredible backdrop for photographers, filmmakers, and hikers.
It goes without saying that this region is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Hikers will love the ascent to the Corno Grande, a route that’ll take you to an incredible viewpoint that reaches the coastline of the Adriatic Sea. This horseshoe-shaped mountain is characterized by limestone walls and small canals, making it incredibly picturesque. The challenging trail to Mount Aquila is also standout, with plenty of opportunities for birding along the way. If you’re lucky, you may spot a wild peregrine falcon, griffon vulture, or golden eagle soaring through the skies.
Horse riding trails are also an incredible way to get to know the region. There are four branches and 470 kilometers of Gran Sasso horseback riding trails. The Campo Imperatore trail is at the center of these, taking you through sites immortalized in cinema as well as fields of wild crocuses, on a journey extending 40 square kilometers at an altitude of over 5,200 feet.
Little Tibet’s clean air and cloudless skies also make it the perfect spot for stargazing. A quiet region with not much light pollution, Campo Imperatore has its own observatory, established in the 1960s, which continues to contribute to Italy’s national astronomical studies today.
Skiing through lunar landscapes
