Contrada Melone, 70, Guardiagrele

The Maiella massif rises immediately above Guardiagrele, and the slopes around the town are part of the Maiella area. The Maiella National Park lies within this radius on the mountain side. The Foro river valley runs below the town toward the Adriatic. The nearest ski lifts are at Passolanciano on the Maiella, about a 25-minute drive, with Majelletta a little beyond on the same road. Guardiagrele itself is the main town locally, with a substantial historic centre and services; Chieti is the nearest larger provincial town within daily reach. The area is known in Abruzzo for mountain access from a hill town position and for traditional metalworking and pastry production in Guardiagrele.