SCENIC MOUNTAIN ROAD TRIP
Majella-Drive to the Top
Drive to almost 1,900 metres above sea level, discover historic villages and mountain roads, and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in Abruzzo.
Around 166 km round trip · Scenic mountain drive · Optional hiking
ABOUT THE TRIP
From the Adriatic Hills to the High Majella
This scenic loop leads from the hills near the Adriatic through Guardiagrele, Bocca di Valle and Pretoro before climbing high into the Majella mountains. The main destination is the upper Blockhaus area, where you can enjoy the panoramic viewpoint, take a short walk or continue farther along the mountain trail.
THE ROUTE — STOP BY STOP
Follow the route in this order
START
Abruzzo Hills Villa
Begin your mountain trip directly from the villa.
ENI Gas Station — Navigation Waypoint
Important route waypoint — no stop required.
Use it to stay on the correct road toward Guardiagrele and the Majella. Fuel up only if needed.
Guardiagrele
Historic town · Viewpoint · Recommended stop
Your first sightseeing stop. Guardiagrele is a beautiful historic hill town at the foot of the Majella.
Park near the centre and walk toward Villa Comunale, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the surrounding hills and mountains. It is also an ideal place for a coffee and a short walk through the old town.
Bocca di Valle
Sanctuary · Nature · Optional walk
Continue into the mountains to Bocca di Valle.
Visit the historic sanctuary and cave set against the rock. You can make this a short stop or spend more time walking into the valley.
Sant’Antonino Martire / Pretoro
Navigation waypoint · Scenic mountain village
This waypoint is included deliberately so that Google Maps takes you through Pretoro, rather than around it.
Pretoro is one of the most picturesque mountain villages on the route, dramatically built into the slopes of the Majella.
The drive through the village is part of the experience, so you do not necessarily need to park.
Passolanciano
Food · Coffee · Parking · Rest stop
Passolanciano is the easiest place to stop for a break.
There are large parking areas and places to eat or have a coffee, making it a practical mountain stop before continuing .
Blockhaus / Upper Majella
Main destination · Panoramic viewpoint · Optional walking
This is the main goal of the trip.
The road climbs high into the Majella to almost 1,900 metres above sea level, bringing you into a completely different landscape of open mountain slopes and huge panoramas.
On a clear day, views stretch across Abruzzo and toward the Adriatic Sea.
You can simply reach the high point by car and enjoy the scenery, take a short panoramic walk, or continue farther along the mountain trail toward the Blockhaus area.
Blockhaus is also famous among cycling fans as one of the legendary mountain finishes of the Giro d’Italia.
Zi Camillo Restaurant
Navigation waypoint · Optional food stop
This point helps guide you onto the scenic return route toward Abruzzo Hills Villa.
It can also become your final food stop of the day if you would like grilled food or pizza before heading home.
FINISH
Abruzzo Hills Villa
Return to the villa by a different scenic road and complete the loop.