Monti Sibillini: Ascoli to the flowering plain
From the travertine squares of Ascoli Piceno over high passes to the Piano Grande, then through the Sibillini valleys to lakes and gorges.
- Distance
- 110 km (69 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 31 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Italy
- Updated
- September 14, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 110 km (69 mi) with 7 stops, from Ascoli Piceno to Amandola. About 1 h 31 min of driving in total.
Route description
Ascoli Piceno is built of pale travertine around the arcaded Piazza del Popolo; try the stuffed fried olives it is famous for. Follow the SS4 Salaria up the Tronto valley to Arquata, then climb over Forca di Presta to the Piano Grande of Castelluccio.
The plain flowers in late June and early July, when crowds and traffic build at weekends. The area was badly hit by the 2016 earthquakes: Castelluccio, Norcia and Visso are still being rebuilt, and some buildings and roads may be closed, so check the current situation before setting off.
Descend to Norcia, known for its cured meats and the birthplace of St Benedict, then follow the Valnerina north to Visso. Minor roads cross to Lago di Fiastra, where a trail climbs to the red pinnacles of the Lame Rosse.
Continue via Sarnano to Montefortino for the walk into the Gola dell’Infernaccio, and end in Amandola. The high passes can close with snow between November and April, and mountain roads here are narrow for large motorhomes.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Ascoli Piceno
Italy - 238 km
Piano Grande di Castelluccio
NatureNorcia, ItalyA vast upland plain under Monte Vettore that flowers red, blue and yellow in late June and early July. The roads over Forca di Presta and Forca Canapine can close in snow.
- 312 km
Norcia
Italy - 419 km
Visso
Italy - 518 km
Lago di Fiastra
NatureFiastra, ItalyA turquoise reservoir in the Sibillini with small beaches for summer swimming. From the dam a trail leads to the Lame Rosse, eroded red pinnacles.
- 616 km
Gola dell’Infernaccio
NatureMontefortino, ItalyA narrow limestone gorge on the Tenna river, walked on a mostly easy path to a hermitage in the beech woods. Wear shoes that can get wet in spring.
- 77 km
Amandola
Italy
