Civitella Casanova(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

The standout boutique hotel is Hotel Antico Castello, housed in a restored 15th-century fortress. It offers panoramic views of the Abruzzo mountains from its private terraces and features original stone walls paired with modern amenities. Guests enjoy authentic Abruzzese cuisine made with local ingredients, including handmade pasta like Maccheroni alla Chitarra. The hotel also provides guided tours to nearby Romanesque churches and hidden hilltop villages, making it ideal for travelers seeking cultural immersion and tranquility.

The historic old town center is the prime choice for lodging. Located just steps from Santa Maria Church and the town square, this area preserves 15th-century cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. Stay at family-run guesthouses like B&B La Corte Vecchia, where hosts offer personalized service and insights into daily village life. This district offers quiet evenings, easy access to local shops, and an authentic taste of traditional Abruzzese culture—perfect for slow travel enthusiasts.

Join a hands-on handmade pasta workshop hosted in a local farmhouse kitchen, where you’ll learn to prepare Chitarra-style macaroni using traditional wooden tools. Take a guided mountain hike through the Monte Rijoni Nature Park, exploring ancient monasteries and wildflower meadows. Participate in a village bonfire night, featuring live folk music and storytelling under the stars. These immersive experiences offer genuine insight into the rhythms and traditions of rural Italy’s Abruzzo region.

Don’t miss the Bianca Waterfalls within the Monte Rijoni National Park, where cascading streams plunge from limestone cliffs into emerald pools. Visit early morning for soft light and misty clarity. Another highlight is the Alpina Ridge Trail, offering sweeping views of the Apennine Mountains and the winding Liri River Valley. The area is also renowned for stargazing—minimal light pollution reveals a breathtaking Milky Way. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike.

The Festa della Assunzione in September is legendary: the entire town parades the wooden statue of the Virgin Mary through cobbled streets, accompanied by drummers and traditional dancers. Local artisans display handcrafted ceramics, wool blankets, and honey wine. The climax is the Night of Flames, when hundreds of lanterns are lit to symbolize purification and gratitude. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual and communal, creating a powerful sense of belonging and heritage.

Absolutely. The town offers child-friendly activities like nature scavenger hunts to spot squirrels and identify wildflowers. Family-friendly hotels such as Hotel Antico Castello provide themed rooms and workshops like pottery-making and sheep feeding at local farms. Safe, scenic mountain bike trails are available for all ages. Restaurants welcome kids with small portions of homemade pasta and local cheese platters, ensuring a comfortable and enriching family adventure in the heart of central Italy.

While remote, access is manageable. The nearest train station is L’Aquila, about 40 minutes away, with regional buses connecting directly to the town center. Car rental is recommended for flexibility, especially for visiting surrounding villages. Many hotels offer shuttle services, and local drivers can be booked for guided tours. Avoid peak summer months to prevent traffic on narrow mountain roads. Public transport runs less frequently, so planning ahead ensures smooth travel.

Must-try dishes include Carciofi alla Romana, tender artichokes slow-cooked with lamb, reflecting the region’s rustic culinary tradition. Try Pasta di Gragnano with wild truffle sauce—a rich, earthy delight. For dessert, savor Sfogliatella di Cilento, a flaky pastry filled with sweet ricotta and candied fruit. All ingredients come from organic farms and highland pastures, ensuring freshness. Dining at Trattoria Vecchia Mura offers a true family-style meal experience, where guests share tables and stories with locals.

Enjoy a stargazing tour from the ancient castle terrace, using telescopes to view constellations and planets. Some hotels host candlelit meditation sessions set among pine trees, blending sound healing with mountain air. On weekends, the town square transforms into an open-air cinema, screening classic Italian films under the stars. Guests gather on blankets with warm mulled wine and roasted corn—creating a cozy, intimate evening vibe perfect for relaxation and connection.

The Santa Maria Church with its Gothic spire and stained-glass windows creates dramatic silhouettes at golden hour. The ruins of the old castle, draped in ivy and overlooking the valley, offer a hauntingly beautiful backdrop. Hidden frescoes in narrow alleyways await discovery by curious explorers. At dawn, the village bell tower emerges from mist, framed by smoke from farm chimneys—perfect for capturing timeless Italian countryside scenes. These spots are ideal for both professional and casual photography.