Camping Maiella

Now largely in ruins, the temples, theatre and assorted structures at Iuvanum Parco e Museo Archeologico (five minutes’ drive or a 50-minute hike) date from as far back as the second century BC. Exhibits in the on-site museum include funerary stones and ancient cult objects. The waterfalls at the Riserva Naturale Regionale Cascate del Verde (45 minutes' drive) are the tallest in the Apennines, tumbling down three dramatic tiers into the Sangro river. The surrounding forest combines both mountainous tree species and Mediterranean vegetation, plus wild orchids, and you might be able to spot birds of prey flying overhead. Need a change from the mountains? The Costa dei Trabocchi (50 minutes) is a 40-kilometre stretch lapped by the Adriatic Sea and dotted with wooden fishing structures (the ‘trabocchi’ of the name). In addition to sandy and pebbly beaches, there’s also the Via Verde cycling route – and plenty of restaurants where you can stop for freshly caught seafood.