Sirente Velino Park: bike routes and villages for slow tourism

In central Abruzzo, the Sirente Velino Regional Park is reshaping visitor experiences by establishing a network of more than 300 km of cycle paths and over 460 km of trails that link 22 villages. The initiative focuses on slow tourism, community involvement and European-level certifications.

What to expect on the territory

The park includes diverse environments: high-altitude beech woods, plateaus, archaeological sites and valleys rebuilt after seismic events. With commitments to the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism and recognition as a European Park of Breath Villages, the area develops integrated services in cooperation with local stakeholders.

The park's three areas

• Marsica area: historical landmarks such as the ruins of Alba Fucens and the Piccolomini Castle in Celano, ideal for open-air archaeology.
• Altopiano delle Rocche: forests and Appennine wildlife, including Lago del Sirente and high-altitude beech woods suitable for wellbeing and medical-forest initiatives.
• Subequana Valley: a territory that rethought hospitality after the earthquake, with rebuilt villages, the Stiffe Caves and a rich wildlife presence.

Trails and cycle routes

Besides cycle routes, the park hosts historic pilgrim paths: the Way of St. Francis, the Way of St. Thomas and the Great Way of Celestine (about 90 km in staged sections, including parts accessible to reduced mobility). Many cycle tracks use restored white roads and mountain tracks, enabling low-impact crossing of landscapes.

The 22 connected villages

The project links the following towns in the province of L'Aquila:

• 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

Visitor tips

Practical suggestions: break the route into short stages to explore villages, use lightweight bikes or hiking gear and check local services and e-bike charging points. The park's plan supports certified local operators and clearly marked paths for a safe, sustainable visit.