Campotosto: Lake, Nature and Traditions

Campotosto is a rewarding destination for travellers who want to combine landscapes, nature observation, trails and regional traditions. At the centre is Lago di Campotosto, complemented by protected areas, opportunities for special birdwatching, mountain trails and culinary specialities. This allows you to plan your stay according to your own interests: focusing on the lake and nature, hiking routes, or culture and local cuisine.

Lago di Campotosto and its landscape

Lago di Campotosto is Italy’s largest artificial lake and the second-largest in Europe. It lies in Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, between the northern slope of Gran Sasso d’Italia, the western side of the Monti della Laga and the Monti dell’Alto Aterno. This geographical setting makes the lake a defining landscape feature of a trip to Campotosto, without requiring you to commit to just one way of exploring it.

The protected area “Monti della Laga e Lago di Campotosto (S.I.C.)” includes an artificial lake that covers an ancient peatland, traces of which have been preserved. The protected area is considered to have high landscape value; it is also home to rare and endemic species. Those interested in the interplay between a shaped landscape and a natural environment will find a particularly distinctive character here.

Waterbirds and nature observation

In winter and during the spring and autumn migrations, thousands of waterbirds find shelter and food at Lago di Campotosto in its bays and in the swampy areas that form along the shores. For travellers interested in nature, this seasonal change is a specific reason to take the timing of the trip into account when planning. In the locality of “La Macchiola”, there is also a birdwatching trail created by the Reparto Carabinieri Biodiversità di L’Aquila unit.

Trails with diverse landscapes

Those who want to discover Campotosto on foot can choose between various documented trail experiences. The “(SI P14N) Campotosto - Cesacastina” route leaves Lago di Campotosto via the Apennine ridge and then leads back into the valley of the Torrente Vomano. In this way, it connects the lake with changing landscapes.

From Campotosto, Sentiero 359 leads to Monte Cardito as part of route SI P14. A 360-degree panorama can be found there near a small mountain shelter. Are you primarily looking for nature observation by the lake, would you like to include a trail over the Apennine ridge, or are you drawn to the view from Monte Cardito?

Church, procession and regional specialities

Local tradition is also part of Campotosto’s identity. The Church of Santa Maria Apparente lies outside the built-up area of Campotosto, near the present-day cemetery. According to tradition, it was built at the request of the Madonna, who appeared on 2 July 1604. During the procession through Campotosto in honour of Santa Maria Apparente, there are firecracker salutes and songs by the local women.

Mortadelle di Campotosto are also part of the region’s identity. Their traditional rural recipe has been passed down orally from generation to generation; the mortadelle are still made individually by hand. Another typical fish of Lago di Campotosto is the coregone. A fish-breeding operation is run locally for the lake, and its young fish are subsequently used to restock the waters.

Campotosto as a starting point for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Campotosto, you can therefore begin by considering the holiday experience you want. Those planning days at the lake and in the protected area should look for a location suited to this focus. Those wishing to include the “(SI P14N) Campotosto - Cesacastina” route or Sentiero 359 can align their trip planning more closely with the trails.

For further orientation, you can also look at the towns of Civita D'Antino, Pescasseroli, Introdacqua, Cagnano Amiterno, Ateleta, Sassa, Pietransieri and Cansano.

For the higher-level travel overview: L-Aquila.