Photo Essay: Cycling in Abruzzo

Earlier this month, the brilliant photographer Daisy Wingate-Saul joined us in Abruzzo. With our team on the ground, she travelled through Italy's peaceful wilderness, discovering the dramatic national parks of Maiella and Gran Sasso. Here are some of her favourite shots she took, with words from destination manager Ellie who joined her along the way.

Sextantio Albergo Diffuso

Our journey began staying in a special hotel made up of authentically preserved village houses in the medieval fortified hill village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio. Once largely deserted, Sextantio's restoration project has bought the village back to life by restoring buildings, reviving traditional crafts and boosting local agriculture.

Rocca Calascio

A mountaintop fortress, Rocca Calascio offers incredible views of Gran Sasso National Park, especially at sunrise and sunset. Nearby is the octagonal church of Santa Maria della Pietà.

Campo Imperatore

High up in the mountains of Maiella, the Campo Imperatore plateau offers magnificent scenery. These shots were taken at sunrise, listening to wolves howling in the distance. We sat in awe watching a herd of horses with their foals waking up and stretching their morning legs, galloping in the rays of the morning sun. The cows followed with less zest but with their bells ringing added morning chorus to the performance.

Lunch at Terrae Eremis

Food is a highlight of any trip to Italy, but here we get to enjoy something truly special: mountain food that connects to the earth and preserves traditions. We met the passionate chef who loves celebrating local food. When he's not cooking, he weaves lavender balls to hang in wardrobes or harvests lavender oil for skincare and relaxation, all from plants in the restaurant garden. He's full of stories, including the time he spent six months at the restaurant during covid and befriended a wild fox.

Hermitage of Santo Spirito

A spectacular church cut into the rocks, reaching Santo Spirito was a welcome reward after a morning in the saddle.

Case Catalano

A special spot that we stay in our journeys, Case Catalano sits among meadows and woods with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Meet Christina and her parents, our amazing hosts who are so warm and welcoming. If you're lucky you may even meet the resident (and very rare!) Calabrian black squirrel.

Around Caramanico

Caramanico is nestled in the heart of Maiella National Park. A spa town dating back to the 7th century, it's still an important hub in the national park - and the perfect place to stop and chat to locals in broken Italian while stopping for a coffee and snack. These are traditional cornetto pastries with my favourite pistachio filling.

Roccacaramanico

Our cycle to the beautiful hamlet of Roccacaramanico was one of my favourites, winding through the spectacular Orta valley. And a hilltop picnic made it even better.