Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Monti Sibillini
Straddling the Le Marche-Umbria border in rugged splendour, the
Parco Nazionale dei
Monti Sibillini
is always extraordinary, whether visited in winter, when its peaks are dusted
with snow, or in summer, when its meadows are carpeted with wildflowers. The
70,000-hectare national park covers some of the most dramatic landscapes in central Italy,
with glacier-carved valleys, beautifully preserved hilltop hamlets, quiet beech forests
where deer roam and mountains, 10 of which tower above 2000m.
The park is a magnet to anyone seeking outdoor adventure or a brush with wildlife,
with an expansive network of walking trails criss-crossing the area.
Rifugi
(mountain huts)
welcome hikers every few kilometres with hearty meals and warm beds; most open sum-
mer only and details are available at all local tourist offices.
There's a terrifically scenic driving loop around the mountains, which visitors can eas-
ily reach from Norcia (in Umbria) or Ascoli Piceno, Macerata or Ancona. From the south-
west, start in Norcia, heading to Castelluccio. Follow signs to Montemonaco, Monte-
fortino and Amandola. Just past
Montefortino
, take the road marked for Madonna
dell'Ambro, which will take you to the
Gola dell'Infernaccio
, Monti Sibillini's waterfall
masterpiece. Backtrack to Montefortino and continue on the circle.
Although not technically in the Monti Sibillini national park, the largest and prettiest
town is
Sarnano
, on the SS78, which leads to
Sasso Tetto
, the main ski area in Monti Si-
billini. From here, the road drops down to Lago Fiastra. To continue on an equally stun-
ning drive, circle around to the SS209 through the Valnerina in Umbria.
Activities
Perched like an eyrie on a 1452m hilltop and ringed by the mighty summits of the Appen-
ines,
Castelluccio
is a lone ranger of a village, with just 150 inhabitants admiring its jaw-
dropping backdrop on a daily basis. Technically in Umbria, although only just, it makes a
terrific base for hiking in the park. It's famous for its
lenticchie
(small, sweet lentils), and
pecorino
and ricotta cheeses, but it's the location that brings in visitors. The Casa del
Parco (
Click here
)
in Norcia has information on walking and other activities, including
paragliding, mountain biking and horse-riding, in the surrounding area.
