Campo Imperatore Escape
Liam Reilly
| 09-10-2026
· Travel team
Located in Italy’s Abruzzo region, Campo Imperatore lies within Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.
Surrounded by the Apennine Mountains, this expansive plateau features open grasslands, dramatic peaks, and sweeping horizons.
Its distinctive scenery makes it an appealing destination for travelers seeking a peaceful countryside escape.

Abruzzo

How to Get There

Fonte Cerreto, near Assergi, is the main departure point for the cable car to Campo Imperatore. Driving from L’Aquila generally takes 20–30 minutes, depending on road conditions.
Travelers arriving by train or coach can connect through L’Aquila and continue by local bus when services are available. Check transport schedules and cable-car operations before departure.
Estimated transportation costs:
Local bus: $2–$6 per person per journey
Taxi from L’Aquila: $30–$55 per vehicle per journey
Rental car: $45–$90 per day, excluding fuel and parking
Return-drive fuel from L’Aquila: $8–$15 per vehicle
Cable-car return ticket: Confirm the current fare before traveling.

Places to Discover

Campo Imperatore Plateau
Enjoy sweeping grasslands, distant peaks, and panoramic viewpoints ideal for photography and appreciating the mountain scenery.
Monte Aquila Viewpoints
Discover impressive views across the Apennines. Visitors planning to walk should select suitable routes and check local conditions.
Assergi Village
Explore a traditional Abruzzo village conveniently located near Fonte Cerreto and the plateau.
L’Aquila
Discover historic architecture, cultural landmarks, cafés, and restaurants in a city that also offers convenient transport connections and accommodation.

Where to Stay

Nearby communities offer accommodation for different budgets and travel preferences.
- Fonte Cerreto: Convenient for visiting the plateau. Estimated cost: $80–$150 per night.
- Assergi: Ideal for a traditional village setting. Estimated cost: $70–$130 per night.
- L’Aquila: Offers a wider selection of hotels and apartments. Estimated cost: $80–$180 per night.
Prices vary by season and availability. Check whether breakfast, parking, and applicable taxes are included.

Local Cuisine and Dining Costs

Abruzzo’s culinary heritage adds a distinctive touch to a visit to Campo Imperatore. Restaurants and cafés in nearby Assergi and L’Aquila offer regional specialties, traditional dishes, and classic Italian desserts, including lentil soup, handmade pasta, regional cheese, and ferratelle.
Estimated dining costs per person:
- Café breakfast: $5–$10
- Light lunch: $10–$18
- Restaurant lunch: $15–$25
- Restaurant dinner: $25–$40
- Coffee and a traditional sweet: $3–$7

Activities and Estimated Costs

Panoramic viewpoints: Free at publicly accessible locations.
Village exploration: Free for self-guided visits to Assergi and public areas of L’Aquila.
Countryside walks: Free, excluding transportation and equipment.
Cable-car excursion: Check the current return-ticket fare.
Guided mountain excursion: Approximately $35–$90 per person, depending on the experience.

Experience Abruzzo

Campo Imperatore brings together spectacular mountain scenery, traditional villages, and regional cuisine. Combine a visit to the plateau with stops in Assergi and L’Aquila to discover the natural beauty and cultural character of Abruzzo. Plan transportation ahead and check cable-car availability before setting out.