{"id":26541,"date":"2026-06-01T14:37:33","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T12:37:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=26541"},"modified":"2026-10-05T07:45:02","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T07:45:02","slug":"gravel-on-the-abruzzi-on-the-way-to-villa-ferranti","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/italie\/abruzzo\/gravel-in-de-abruzzen-op-pad-met-villa-ferranti","title":{"rendered":"Gravel in the Abruzzo \u2013 a trip with Villa Ferranti and Abruzzo Trail"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ralph Ornelis went on a gravel adventure in the Abruzzi region on behalf of CyclingDestination. The region Abruzzo<\/strong> In Italy it is relatively unknown. Many of us stay for gravel in Italy in the well-known options like Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont, Trentino. But the Abruzzo<\/strong> It gives you more possibilities, not only on the race bike but also on the gravel bike. Invited by Melanie van Villa Ferranti, it was a pleasure to be there. If you want to go that way too, keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sun over the hills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The morning in Abruzzo doesn\u2019t start with an alarm clock, but with light. Delicious sunshine, in the early spring. Also nice and warm, much warmer than in the Netherlands or Belgium. Imagine that you just step out of your room into a lovely hilly landscape. Further on you see the beautiful gravel paths, olive trees and a few vines. You can\u2019t quite see them, but you can imagine them: villages clinging to the hills, as if they\u2019re about to fall off. It\u2019s wonderful days like this in Abruzzo, which begin and end at our base camp: Agriturismo Villa Ferranti. <\/a>It\u2019s a perfect start for \u2018la dolce vita in bici\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"View<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hidden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The villa is tucked away among rolling hills, between rows of olive trees. You know, that picture everyone dreams of. In the early morning, it\u2019s even more traditional and quiet. Only the clinking of cups and the sounds of the first conversations of the early birds who are eager to go for a day of cycling. Breakfast is simple but exactly what is needed: fresh fruit, hot coffee, fruit juice, fresh eggs from our own chickens, and croissants. As it should be in Italy. The sun comes out and shines over the landscape, and you know that another day of gravel awaits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Abruzzo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Abruzzo<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of gravel, that\u2019s the reason we\u2019re here. We\u2019ve had some great days together Abruzzo Trail<\/a>, Along the highlights of this region. They are organizing an event in June, the MAGS Experience. We will drive along some parts of this route. This way we get a taste of the event already. The event itself is of course unique, so we can\u2019t give a 100% review of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You could almost divide the routes into four parts. Sea, mountains, land, and the last part would be air. But for air, there would be another stretch of coast. Let me take you on a gravel trip through the Abruzzo!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1 \u2013 The sea<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first kilometers feel like a wonderful introduction. We head towards Atri. Around Atri<\/strong> The gravel tracks wind their way through the interior towards the coast. It\u2019s not a brutal climb day, but a nice rolling route: wide paths, interspersed with short, tough sections where you have to check your tires for grip. It can be a bit of a slog at times, but that\u2019s part of Italy. When the sea appears at Pineto<\/strong>, The landscape opens up completely. It is beautiful there and the view of the Torre di Cerrano, <\/strong>that makes it complete. This is what you come to this region for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Abruzzo<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After lunch we have another wonderful treat waiting for us. Civitella del Tronto<\/strong>. The climb up there is quite painful, but once you get to the top, it\u2019s pure enjoyment in the beautiful town\/fortress, built by the de Bourbon Parma family. Also further up, in Campli<\/strong> and Teramo<\/strong>, From there, it\u2019s back to \u2018basecamp\u2019 to process the first impressions of this beautiful environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Abruzzo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Abruzzo<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 2 \u2013 The mountains<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The next day the decor changes. Direction L\u2019Aquila<\/strong>, For many, especially those who were affected by the devastating earthquake a few years ago, the landscape is more rugged, quieter, and grander. The roads are less forgiving: here you find more loose stones, steeper stretches, and climbs, and beautiful views that take your breath away. That\u2019s necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It's gravel, but a bit rougher, less polished than the neat Tuscany, for example. Or the Champagne Gravel that everyone always talks about. Peltuinum<\/strong> Then you literally travel through history, while the wind has free rein over the open plains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone heading towards the Tirino Valley discovers a different Abruzzo: it is wider here, with a stream that meanders between the mountains on both sides. With greenery (at least in winter\/spring) and a different feel than on day 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 3 \u2013 The country<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Back in the hills around Montefino, cycling becomes different again. The roads here are genuinely \u2018roads\u2019. Smaller, more winding, as if they were built for us. Be careful of the cars here, though; you often hear them coming because they honk for a moment. That\u2019s local custom throughout Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Arsita<\/strong> and Bisenti<\/strong> You also find authentic Italy and the authentic Abruzzo region here. The gravel here is playful and treacherous at the same time. A descent can seem spectacular, but is still technically ugly in the end. So sometimes too much enthusiasm is punished. Well, that\u2019s what it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Castiglione Messer Raimondo<\/strong> and Castilenti<\/strong> You find more cultural impact and it flows into the other one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Abruzzo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Abruzzo<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 4 \u2013 The coast of the trabocchi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The last ride brings it all together. The Trabocchi coast<\/strong> It is a place where nature and tradition meet. The wooden fishing structures stand out like almost works of art, albeit fragile, in the sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along the bike path it feels like a party. After three days of cycling they still want to go on, but they still struggle a little bit. In Ortona<\/strong> You look out over the Adriatic Sea and realize how diverse this region is: from rugged mountains to beautiful coastlines, with villages that are almost deserted, to more bustle in the large town squares and in the places along the coast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short: gravel in the Abruzzi: four days of pure enjoyment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Playing
Playing on the beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Always
Always nice to have the bike shine a little<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Villa Ferranti \u2013 a special place<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So we are staying in Agriturismo Villa Ferranti<\/a>. What makes this place special is that you find real authenticity here. The rooms are comfortable but also functional, with views of the surroundings. It\u2019s a real base camp, where you can also enjoy the pleasant climate in the evenings. Even when the weather is bad. There\u2019s plenty of space then to relax and still make a great stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, everything has been thought of for the cyclists as well. You will find here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n