Upper Vomano Valley between La Laga and Gran Sasso

Following upstream Valle del Vomano, separating Monti della Laga from Gran Sasso d'Italia, a detour leads us to the fascinating settlements of Senarica and Piano Vomano, where various trails accessible also on horseback or by mountain bike connect the area with Macchia Vomano, Crognaleto and, along the ancient via della "Tornara", with the archaeological area of Colle del Vento, characterized by the presence of a significant Italic sanctuary (6th-5th century BC), defended by walls with polygonal plan (3rd century BC).
Once you reach Nerito, a lap of "Sentiero Italia", you can leave for interesting tours on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike towards Prato Selva or Paladini, Tottea and Campotosto, or towards Mt. Cardito (1,740m).

Once you cross river Vomano in Aprati, follow upstream the valley of torrent Zingano, very narrow, where several medieval villages face, connecting one with the other by ancient trails.
From Alvi, near which you will find the small church of S. Maria Apparente (15th century) with 16th century frescoes, and from Frattoli, with the beautiful Church of St. John the Baptist, you can reach Monte di Mezzo (2,155m). Shortly after Cervaro, surrounded by a woodland, you will meet Valle Vaccaro, a cosy group of perfectly preserved stone-built houses.
In Cesacastina, the Church of the Saints Peter and Paul deserves particular attention with its Baroque altars of the 17th century and two of the most beautiful pieces of the 15th century goldsmiths’ art in Abruzzi: a precious cup and an astylar cup. Lap of "Sentiero Italia", Cesacastina offers the possibility to carry out tours towards Campotosto or Padula or, in winter also with the skis for cross-country and mountain skiing, towards the wonderful amphitheater of glacial origin of Cento Fonti and the summit of Mt. Gorzano (2,458m).
You will reach in this way Crognaleto, where some trails also accessible on horseback or by mountain bike lead to the surrounding settlements and to Piano Roseto, a gathering center for the transhumant flocks following the ancient sheep track which started here. In Crognaleto, the Church of Madonna della Tibia is worth a visit: the church is situated in a panoramic position, on a rocky spur dominating the town, and can be reached by following an easy trail.
Not far away, in S. Giorgio, it is possible to follow the sheep track, the ancient "Via de Bonano", towards Teramo and Montorio al Vomano, or the other trails leading to Casagreca, Poggio Umbricchio, and Aiello.