7 things to know before you visit Morino, in Abruzzo, Central Italy 

When we think of Italy, it's easy for our minds to jump to the usual images: famous cities and monuments, like the fridge magnets we bring home from our travels. But Italy is also made up of small villages, the hidden gems that are truly worth experiencing too.

One of these gems is Morino, a village in the Abruzzo region. We start to leave overused phrases like “amazing views” and “crystal-clear waters” to go deeper into what you can live and feel in this part of Central Italy in Roveto Valley.

If you are looking for a not expensive and slow summer destination surrounded by mountains where you can rest and enjoy activities in contact with nature, what can you do?

Let’s start to know something about. 

Small villages can be the perfect escape for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you’re craving fresh air and a close connection with nature, visiting Morino in Abruzzo, in central Italy, is an excellent choice.

Like many villages in Abruzzo, Morino is nestled in the Apennine mountains, offering a peaceful landscape of rolling hills and natural waterfalls.

From scenic hikes to exploring a ghost town, here are 7 things you should know before planning your next adventure in this hidden corner of Italy.

It’s an Apennine valley in the Abruzzo region, specifically in the province of L'Aquila within the Marsica area on the border with Lazio region. 

To learn more about its history, flora and fauna, visit the Ecomuseum in Morino. This museum also organizes educational activities focused on nature preservation such as a lavender workshop. Check out the information since your arrival in the village. If there are children with you, they would love it!

Good to know: the Ecomuseum is open Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

It’s the highest natural waterfall of the whole apennine thanks to an 80-metre drop into the Roveto Valley. Once you arrive at the car parking, you can choose several trails to join the waterfall. Some trails are easy and they are suitable for children or if you have just started to hike. Other trails are more challenging.  

In a few words? It’s the best place for a refreshing walk in summer with family, kids and hiking experts friends. 

A little curiosity: The waterfall name comes from the local dialect “zompo” which means jump and “schioppo” mimics the sound of the water falling at the ground.

Locals call it Morino vecchio and you can recognize it thanks to the bell tower which became the symbol of this place. But why is there“old” and “new” Morino? 

In 1915, an earthquake destroyed the village of Morino that was located above the hill, so people moved around. What remains today is a ghost town where you can walk among ruins until you reach a grass field and a fountain that once were the town square.

Good to know: if you are curious about life in this area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, visit the photographic exhibition at the Ecomuseum in Morino. 

If you want an easy walk and have a different view of the Valley, go up to the giant bench in Rendinara one of the few in the Abruzzo region. It’s about a half hour walking (1,3 km) from the little square located in the village: follow the signs and you’ll arrive on the top. 

After a stop on the bench, on your way back to the village, we recommend you to have a look at house walls. You’ll see some plaques with ancient nicknames of families or local sayings in Rendinara dialect decorated with some pictures. Don’t hesitate to ask some locals to translate for you and explain it. It’s a good way to connect more with local culture. 

Tip: wear hiking shoes for better comfort. 

The Roveto Valley is a peaceful place thanks to nature, rivers, and waterfalls. And it’s not a surprise if in the Middle Age monks started to retreat here for prayer and meditation. 

That’s the reason why we find Eremo del Cauto, a little church carved into the rock. This mountain sanctuary features colorful frescoes inside depicting scenes from the life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria. 

Along your hike you can enjoy different kinds of landscapes: in summer you start among blooming brooms, kars rocks, little waterfalls and wood at the end. 

Tip: brink water, snack or fruit with you to have a picnic or a break. 

If we’d translate the name of this mountain, it would be heartbreake. And we think it’s very meaningful. Situated in the Lazio and Abruzzo border, it rises to 1,997 m and it offers a long and challenging trail because of the altitude and distance difference. So, if you love the beech forest, mystery and strong hiking experience, Monte Crepacuore is the mountain for you.

Where to start? Begin at Piano Sacramento, where you can leave your car.Take the trail 602B from the Zompo Lo Schioppo area (near the camping) and start to go up following the red and white signs. Along the way, you’ll find a statue and a scenic view point. Have a rest here and after some steps you’ll reach a fork: “Eremo del Cauto” and “Monte Crepacuore”. Go to the right for Monte Crepacuore, continue through forest until you go out and pass through a lunar landscape.

Good to know: the full hike takes about 6 hours, so plan accordingly. 

Morino is a small village of about 1,000 people, nestled among mountains in the Roveto Valley. So the best way to reach Morino is by car. 

After landing in Rome or Naples, it’s about a two-hour drive through scenic landscapes: rolling hills, quiet villages, and green valleys. Here, the time seems to slow down: there are no discos or large shopping centres, but you will find the essentials such as minimarkets, bars, small restaurants and cosy B&Bs. 

Having a car also gives you also the freedom to explore the surrounding area, including hidden gems in the area like Civita d’Antino, Capistrello, and Civitella Roveto or visit your next destination in Italy.