Plizio Visual Lab
Monte Camicia
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
Monte Camicia reaches an elevation of 2564 meters, standing as one of the most iconic peaks of the Gran Sasso d'Italia massif in Abruzzo. It marks the eastern end of the high ridge and is world-renowned for its massive North Face, a vertical limestone precipice over 1000 meters high that drops sharply toward the Teramo side. This face is often referred to as the 'Eiger of the Apennines' due to its scale and difficulty for climbers. Geologically, the mountain is composed of Triassic and Jurassic limestone, showing intense karstification and glacial scarring. While the north side is fearsome, the southern slopes offer a gentler gradient, allowing hikers to reach the summit and enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea and the vast Campo Imperatore plateau. The mountain is a critical sanctuary for the Abruzzo chamois and features rare alpine vegetation adapted to high-altitude rocky environments.
- Location: Italy
- Top sights: Monte Brancastello · Monte San Gregorio di Paganica · Ruderi di Sant'Egidio
- Nearby: L'Aquila (23 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 23 | 23 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 82 | 75 | 68 | 59 | 58 | 46 | 34 | 32 | 67 | 74 | 90 | 84 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Monte Camicia is best reached via the Campo Imperatore plateau in the Gran Sasso massif, which is accessible by cable car or panoramic roads. Typical starting points for the climb are parking lots near the observatory.
Best season
The best time for a climb is from July to September, when the paths are snow-free and the view of the Adriatic is often particularly clear. In early summer, there may still be snowfields in the gullies that make crossing difficult or dangerous.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is high alpine and impressive due to the northern face dropping vertically over 1,000 meters, while the southern side is accessible via steep mountain meadows and gravel paths. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential due to the dramatic drops.
What to bring
Be sure to bring robust hiking boots and plenty of water, as there are almost no springs in the karst landscape. A helmet can be useful for tours in rocky sections, and sun protection is absolutely necessary on the shadeless plateau.
Parking
There is a large parking lot directly at Hotel Campo Imperatore, which is often used as a starting point, but it fills up quickly in high season. In the surrounding valleys, there are further parking spaces from which shuttle buses or the cable car can be used.
Safety
Beware of sudden weather changes in the Gran Sasso and keep a safe distance from the edge of the northern face, as the rock can be brittle. Although paths are marked, orientation in the barren high mountain world can be very difficult in fog.
Time needed
For the hike to the summit of Monte Camicia from Campo Imperatore, you should plan for about 5 to 7 hours round trip. It is a strenuous tour, but it is rewarded with one of the most spectacular views in the entire Apennines.
Geography
Facts
- Monte Camicia reaches a total height of 2564 meters above sea level.
- The North Face is over 1000 meters high, making it a legendary climbing site.
- The mountain is located within the Gran Sasso National Park, created in 1991.
- On clear mornings, the sun can be seen rising directly from the Adriatic Sea.
- The southern approach is characterized by 'rolling' grassy slopes.
- The peak is composed of high-purity limestone and dolomite rocks.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Monte Camicia (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Which mountain group does Monte Camicia belong to?
To the Gran Sasso massif in the Abruzzen.
What is special about its north face?
It is one of the highest walls in the Apennines (over 1000 m).
How high is the summit?
It stands at 2564 m.
Where does the normal route start?
From Fonte Vetica in the Campo Imperatore plateau.
When is there snow?
Often from November until late May.
Monte Camicia: where is it located?
Monte Camicia is located in Italy.
Monte Camicia: what is there to see?
Highlights include Monte Brancastello, Monte San Gregorio di Paganica, Ruderi di Sant'Egidio.
Monte Camicia: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Monte Camicia: why is it worth visiting?
Monte Camicia reaches an elevation of 2564 meters, standing as one of the most iconic peaks of the Gran Sasso d'Italia massif in Abruzzo.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Italy →
Nearby cities
Pescara
Pescara is the largest city in the Abruzzo region and is located on the Adriatic coast.
San Silvestro
San Silvestro is a beautiful coastal stretch near Pescara in the Abruzzo region, favored for its wide sandy beaches, clear waters, and li…
Latina
Latina is located in the Lazio region, south of Rome.
Teramo
Teramo is located in Abruzzo, nestled between the Gran Sasso and the Adriatic coast.
Montesilvano
A lively coastal town in the Abruzzo region, known for its long sandy beaches and bustling seaside promenade.
Villa Canonico
Villa Canonico is a charming seaside area on the Adriatic coast of Abruzzo, Italy, known for its relaxing beach clubs and family-friendly…
Villa Verrocchio
A beautiful seaside resort in Abruzzo, near Pescara, famous for its wide sandy beaches and pine forest.
Villa Verlengia
A relaxed coastal destination on the Italian Adriatic, perfect for family holidays and sunny days by the sea.
Velletri
Velletri is located in the Alban Hills in Lazio.
Centro
The vibrant Centro coastal district offers a lively Italian seaside experience, combining sandy beaches with excellent dining and enterta…
Fontespina
Fontespina is a quiet and relaxing coastal area located in the Marche region of Italy, known for its well-maintained beaches, shallow wat…
zona industriale Est
This coastal area near Vasto in Abruzzo is the gateway to the stunning Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, featuring wild, unspoiled beaches.
zona industriale "Ovest"
The Zona Industriale Ovest near Termoli is an industrial area that surprisingly borders a fascinating stretch of the Adriatic coastline.
Vasto
A charming Adriatic town known for its medieval hilltop center, scenic coastal promenades, and the pristine Punta Aderci reserve.
Fondi
Fondi is located in Lazio.
