Sirente‑Velino Park: cycleways, trails and villages

Within the Sirente‑Velino Regional Natural Park (Province of L'Aquila), an integrated network designed for slow tourism is taking shape. The system includes more than 300 km of cycleways and over 460 km of trails connecting 22 villages, suitable for gravel bikes, hiking and e‑bikes.

The three faces of the park

• Area Marsicana: open‑air archaeology sites such as the ruins of Alba Fucens and Celano's Castello Piccolomini.
• Altopiano delle Rocche: beech woods, Apennine forests and Lake Sirente, ideal for wellness and medical forest activities.
• Valle Subequana: villages rebuilt after earthquakes, the Stiffe Caves and rich wildlife.

The 22 connected villages

• Acciano
• Aielli
• Castel di Ieri
• Castelvecchio Subequo
• Celano
• Cerchio
• Collarmele
• Fagnano Alto
• Fontecchio
• Gagliano Aterno
• Goriano Sicoli
• Magliano de' Marsi
• Massa d'Albe
• Molina Aterno
• Ocre
• Ovindoli
• Pescina
• Rocca di Cambio
• Rocca di Mezzo
• San Demetrio Né Vestini
• Secinaro
• Tione degli Abruzzi

Routes and connections

In addition to cycleways, the area is crossed by historic pilgrim routes such as the Cammino di San Francesco, the Cammino di San Tommaso and the Grande Cammino di Celestino (about 90 km in stages). Many cycling tracks run along white roads, preserving strong ties with the landscape and historic centers.

Practical tips for visitors

• Recommended gear: gravel bike, hiking gear or e‑bike for mixed terrain; expect unpaved sections.
• Planning: schedule short stages to fully explore villages and local points of interest.
• Services: check e‑bike charging points and availability of local rental and guide services in advance.
• Environmental care: follow signage, stay on marked paths and adopt Leave No Trace practices.

Location

Location: Sirente‑Velino Regional Natural Park, Province of L'Aquila, Abruzzo, Italy. Approximate coordinates: 42.1700262, 13.5899733.