Villa Scaricamazza, 15, Montorio al Vomano

The Gran Sasso massif rises immediately west of Montorio al Vomano, with the Monti della Laga to the north-west, and the town sits in the upper Vomano valley at the foot of the Abruzzo Apennines. The river is the Vomano. The Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park begins nearby in the mountain sector above the valley. The nearest ski area is Prati di Tivo on the Gran Sasso side, roughly a 40-minute drive depending on the starting point in the comune. Teramo is the nearest town of size, with services, a cathedral and the provincial administrative functions. The wider area is known for access to Gran Sasso mountain country, hill villages on the Teramo side of the Apennines, and sheep-grazing and mountain food traditions typical of inland Abruzzo.