Gran Sasso, Abruzzo · Italy
Campo Imperatore
SS17bisFonte Cerreto to Campo Imperatore
The SS17bis climbs from the Gran Sasso cable-car base to over 2,000 m on the vast Campo Imperatore plateau, a treeless karst upland that earned Italy’s 'Little Tibet' nickname, with wide sweepers and uninterrupted views across Abruzzo.
From Fonte Cerreto (1,115 m) the road climbs steadily through open scrubland with views back toward L’Aquila, a consistent gradient with long arcing bends. At the top, Campo Imperatore opens into a vast plateau ringed by peaks above 2,400 m, marked by the observatory and the hotel where Mussolini was briefly imprisoned. Extend north via Castel del Monte across the plateau.
Campo Imperatore on the map15.9 mi · point to point
Navigate to the start: Apple Maps · Google Maps
Character
Corners
busiest around mile 5Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%1,123.5 – 2,128.1 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Valico di Monte CristoViewpoint7.7 mi in
- Colle del MaccioneViewpoint5.4 mi in
- Monte Fanni BianchiViewpoint5.6 mi in
Hazards
- Snow and ice October to May
- Wildlife on the plateau
- Sudden fog
- Limited fuel above Assergi
Sources
“The trees vanish, giving way to a 27-kilometer-long karst plateau. Wide-radius curves and endless straights where the only limit is the horizon.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Campo Imperatore: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Campo Imperatore?
How difficult is the Campo Imperatore to drive?
When is the best time to drive the Campo Imperatore?
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Campo Imperatore.
