Campli Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Campli, Italy with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, and more.


A Comprehensive Guide to Campli, Italy

Located in the Teramo province of Abruzzo, Campli is a hidden gem in Central Italy. Rich in history and culture, this charming town boasts beautiful architecture, scenic views, and outdoor activities. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Campli.

List of Places to Visit in Campli

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

One of the main attractions of Campli is its rich historical and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the following museums and historical places:

  • The Church of Santa Maria in Platea: A beautiful Romanesque church with stunning frescoes and a serene atmosphere.
  • The Campli Castle: A medieval castle with a moat, drawbridge, and towers that offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Campli Museum: A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Campli, with exhibits ranging from archeological finds to traditional crafts and clothing.

Natural Attractions of Campli: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Campli is blessed with natural beauty and offers visitors a chance to experience the great outdoors. Some of the best natural attractions in Campli are:

  • Monti della Laga National Park: A vast protected area with breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and waterfalls.
  • Lake Campotosto: A serene lake surrounded by mountains, ideal for fishing, swimming, or boating.
  • Mount Gran Sasso: The highest peak in the Apennine Mountains, with stunning views and challenging hiking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Campli

Campli is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with many hiking and biking trails that offer different terrain and difficulty levels. Some of the best hiking and biking routes are:

  • The Cammino di San Tommaso: A pilgrim’s route that connects Campli to San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, passing through the beautiful countryside.
  • The Gran Sasso Bike Trail: A challenging mountain bike trail that takes you through the Gran Sasso National Park, with stunning views and technical sections.
  • The Tordino Bike Trail: A relaxing and easy bike trail that follows the Tordino river, passing through small villages and countryside.

Best Things to Do in Campli: Activities and Tours

Campli offers many activities and tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Wine Tasting: Campli is famous for its Montepulciano D’Abruzzo wine, and visitors can enjoy wine tasting tours at the local wineries.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Abruzzo dishes with local chefs, using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
  • Photography Tour: Explore the scenic countryside of Campli with a professional photographer, and capture the beauty of the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Campli

To fully experience Campli and its surroundings, we recommend spending at least a week in the area. Here is a suggested itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Explore Campli’s historical and cultural attractions, such as the Santa Maria in Platea church, Campli Castle, and Campli Museum.
  • Day 3-4: Discover the natural beauty of the area by hiking in Monti della Laga National Park or visiting Lake Campotosto.
  • Day 5: Take a wine tasting tour and explore the vineyards and wineries of the area.
  • Day 6: Join a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Abruzzo cuisine.
  • Day 7: End your trip with a photography tour and capture the memories of your trip.

Food and Drink Scene of Campli

Must-Try Dishes

Abruzzo cuisine is known for its simplicity and use of fresh, local ingredients. Visitors to Campli should try the following dishes:

  • Spaghetti alla Chitarra: A traditional Abruzzo pasta dish made with a guitar-shaped tool that cuts the pasta into thin strands.
  • Arrosticini: Skewers of lamb or sheep meat grilled over an open flame.
  • Scrippelle ‘mbusse: A savory crepe soup made with chicken broth, eggs, and cheese.

Local Beverages

In addition to Montepulciano D’Abruzzo wine, Campli offers other local beverages that visitors should try:

  • Caffè d’Orzo: A coffee-like drink made with roasted barley, very popular in Abruzzo.
  • Genziana: A bitter liqueur made from gentian root, often served as a digestive.
  • Limoncello: A lemon-flavored liqueur made from locally grown lemons, usually served as a digestif.

Where to Stay in Campli: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Campli offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Campli are:

  • Hotel Federico II: A luxurious hotel in the historic center of Campli, with elegant rooms, spa, and dining options.
  • B&B Il Salice: A cozy and charming bed and breakfast in the countryside, with comfortable rooms and a garden.
  • Ostello Campli: A budget hostel in the heart of Campli, ideal for backpackers and solo travelers.

What to Buy in Campli: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Campli offers many souvenir and local products that make great gifts or mementos of your trip. Some of the best products to bring home are:

  • Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Wine: A delicious and popular wine that comes in different varieties and labels.
  • Pecorino Cheese: A tangy and flavorful sheep’s milk cheese, often made in small farms and dairies.
  • Wooden Crafts: Handmade wooden products, such as bowls, spoons, and cutting boards, that showcase the local artisan tradition.

Local Culture and Customs of Campli

Campli is a friendly and welcoming town with strong ties to its cultural and historical heritage. Visitors should respect the local culture and customs, such as:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and churches.
  • Greet people with a friendly “buongiorno” or “buonasera.”
  • Be mindful of the peaceful atmosphere in the town and avoid loud or disruptive behavior.

Best Time to Visit Campli

The best time to visit Campli is from April to October, when the weather is mild and pleasant, and most attractions and activities are open. Peak tourist season is in July and August, so visitors should book in advance.

Do’s and Don’ts of Campli

Do:

  • Explore the historical and cultural heritage of the town.
  • Enjoy the natural beauty of the area by hiking or biking.
  • Try the local food and drink specialties.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.
  • Leave trash or litter in public places.
  • Be rude or dismissive to locals or other visitors.

Safety and Health

Campli is a safe and healthy town, but visitors should take some precautions:

Safety in Campli

  • Be aware of pickpockets and petty theft in crowded areas, such as train stations or markets.
  • Follow safety guidelines when hiking or biking trails, and avoid remote or secluded areas.
  • Observe traffic rules and regulations when driving or renting vehicles.

Health in Campli

  • Visitors should have basic travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies.
  • Be aware of ticks and mosquitoes when hiking or spending time outdoors, and use appropriate repellents or clothing.

Getting to Campli: Transportation Options and Logistics

Campli is easily accessible by public transportation and car.

Airports Near Campli

  • Pescara International Airport (PSR): The closest airport to Campli, with direct flights from major Italian and European cities.

Bus Stations Near Campli

  • Teramo Bus Station: bus routes from major cities in Italy and the region of Abruzzo to Teramo, with connections to Campli.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Visitors can rent a car at Pescara airport or other major cities, and drive to Campli.
  • Train: The closest train station is in Teramo, with direct connections to major Italian cities.

How to Get Around in Campli

Campli is a small town and can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Visitors can also rent a car or use public transportation to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Campli: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Campli is a great base to explore the region of Abruzzo and its attractions. Some of the best nearby destinations and excursions are:

  • Teramo: A charming town with a medieval cathedral and a picturesque historic center.
  • Gran Sasso National Park: A vast protected area with scenic views, hiking trails, and wildlife.
  • Pescara: A vibrant seaside town with a beautiful beach, a lively nightlife, and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Campli is a town with a rich history and culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Whether you are interested in art and history, food and wine, or hiking and biking, Campli is a destination worth exploring. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip and discover the best of Campli.