Piana delle Cinquemiglia, L'Aquila
Places
Park·Easy·Scenic·Hidden gem

Piana delle Cinquemiglia, L'Aquila

Abruzzo

The Piana delle Cinquemiglia (Five-Miles Plain) at 1,000–1,200 m between Castel di Sangro and Roccaraso is the highest and widest karst plateau in the Apennines — Montagu's harrier nesting (Italy's stronghold). Short-eared owl hunting in winter. Italian wolf pack regularly crosses. Marsh gentian in the wet depressions. The plateau was the route of the medieval transhumance drover road (trattura). Dogs off-leash.

Duration
2 hours
Distance
7 km
Elevation
+30 m
Best season
May – October

Highlights

  • Italy's stronghold for nesting Montagu's harrier
  • Medieval transhumance drover road (trattura) crossing the plateau
  • Short-eared owl hunting in winter, wolf pack crossing regularly

With your dog

Open plateau; dogs off-leash.