Lama  dei  Peligni​

Latest page update: 21 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Lama dei Peligni
Lama dei Peligni has limited hotel accommodation within the village, as most stays are small agriturismi and mountain lodges catering to visitors of the Majella National Park. For established hotels with full facilities and strong reviews, the best options are found nearby in Guardiagrele and Fara San Martino.
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Villa Maiella (Guardiagrele, approx. 20 kilometres) is a well-regarded hotel offering elegant rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant, praised for excellent service and cuisine (€€€). Hotel Del Camerlengo (Fara San Martino, approx. 15 kilometres) provides comfortable rooms, a pool, restaurant and strong guest feedback for hospitality and mountain views (€€). For a relaxed countryside stay, Hotel Al Duca (Atessa, approx. 25 kilometres) offers modern accommodation, a restaurant and consistently positive reviews for value and service (€€).

Where is

Where is Lama dei Peligni?
​The town of Lama dei Peligni is situated within the Province of Chieti in the central region of Abruzzo. On 1 January 2022 it had a  total population of 1,102 inhabitants. It stands at an elevation of 669 metres above sea level and covers 31 square kilometres.

Lama dei Peligni is located at the fringes of Abruzzo's Majella National Park and has an attractive but small historic centre. 
The main square in Lama dei Peligini is Piazza Umberto I which is also home to the pretty Chiesa dei Santi Nicola e Clemente. On the main road that leads into the town there's also a natural archaeological museum and botanical garden whose exhibits and specimens help to tell the story of the nearby Majella National Park. 

Lama dei Peligni has been included in Touring Club Italia's list of Bandiera Arancione or Orange Flag towns since October 2016, one of half a dozen in Abruzzo to have earned the award. 
Comune di Lama dei Peligni
Province: Chieti

Region: Abruzzo

Population: 1,043 (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 31 km²

​Elevation: 669 metres

Highlights: Chiesa dei Santi Nicola e Clemente, Piazza Umberto

​Close by: Palena, Gessopalena, Torricella Peligna, Roccascalegna​

Recommended accommodation: Hotel Nido delle Rondine (30 km)
Awarded the Bandiera Arancione (Orange Flag)

Listing date: 11th October 2015

1 of 6 in Abruzzo listed by Touring Club Italiano

What People Ask About Lama dei Peligni

Is Lama dei Peligni worth visiting?
Yes, Lama dei Peligni is worth visiting for its location on the slopes of the Majella massif, its caves, archaeological remains, and the chance to see the Abruzzo chamois in its natural environment. It combines nature, history, and traditional mountain life.
What are the main attractions in Lama dei Peligni?
The Grotta del Cavallone, reached by cable car, is one of the highlights, along with the Grotta Sant’Angelo and its ancient hermitage. The Naturalistic and Archaeological Museum and the Michele Tenore Botanical Garden provide insight into the area’s wildlife, flora, and cultural heritage.
How do I get to Lama dei Peligni?
Lama dei Peligni can be reached by car from Rome in around two and a half hours, with the nearest motorway exit at Casoli. Public buses connect the town with Sulmona and other parts of Abruzzo. The closest airport is Pescara, less than an hour’s drive away.
When is the best time to visit Lama dei Peligni?
The best months are from May to September, when the weather is warm, trails are accessible, and caves and gardens are open to visitors. July and August are busiest, while late spring and early autumn are quieter and pleasant for hiking.
What local food is Lama dei Peligni known for?
Lama dei Peligni is famous for “taralli dolci,” traditional sweet biscuits often flavoured with lemon, and for local cheeses and cured meats. Being part of the Majella area, it also features rustic mountain dishes such as lamb, lentils, and wild herbs.
Related links

Discover

Discover Lama dei Peligni
Set on a terrace along the eastern slopes of the Maiella Mountains, Lama dei Peligni is a mountain village in the Abruzzo region, overlooking the valleys of the Aventino and Sangro Rivers. The settlement is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, forests, and high pastures that form part of the Maiella National Park. Its position between the mountain slopes and the cultivated plains below gives it a strong connection to both the natural environment and the rural traditions of the central Apennines.
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The village is home to the Grotta del Cavallone, one of the most famous caves in the Maiella, and the Maiella Wildlife Visitor Centre, dedicated to the conservation of the Apennine chamois. The Church of San Nicola di Bari and the Sanctuary of Madonna della Misericordia reflect its deep-rooted religious heritage. With walking trails leading into the high mountain valleys and panoramic views towards the Adriatic, Lama dei Peligni stands as one of the key access points to the natural and cultural heritage of the Maiella area.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Lama dei Peligni
  • Centro Storico di Lama dei Peligni nestles at the base of steep mountain slopes, its streets winding among stone houses and narrow lanes shaded by arches. The village retains a strong mountain identity, with rustic balconies, carved portals, and cobbled paths opening onto small piazzas. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and lush forests, Lama dei Peligni blends natural beauty with traditional architecture. Walking through the centre reveals a quiet life shaped by centuries of mountain tradition.
  • Grotta del Cavallone lies just above the village, a spectacular cave known for its vast chambers, stalactites, and stalagmites. A cable car ride or mountain path leads visitors to its dramatic entrance carved into a sheer cliff. Inside, winding paths and illuminated rock formations create an otherworldly atmosphere. The cave has inspired poets and travellers for generations and remains one of Abruzzo’s natural marvels.
  • Chiesa di San Nicola di Bari stands modestly in the village, its stone façade and bell tower blending seamlessly with the surrounding mountainscape. Inside, wooden altars, sacred paintings, and subtle architectural details reflect centuries of devotion. The church remains central to religious festivals and village gatherings. It’s a symbol of both faith and community life in Lama dei Peligni.
  • Piazza Umberto I serves as the village’s main social space, bordered by historic buildings and shaded spots for conversation. Locals gather here for markets, traditional festivals, and everyday meetings that fill the square with life. Cobblestone paving and views of rugged slopes add a mountain charm. It’s an inviting place to pause and enjoy the gentle rhythms of daily life.
  • Guided nature and wildlife tours from Lama dei Peligni venture into the Majella National Park, exploring forest trails, high mountain pastures, and the habitats of rare species like the Apennine chamois. Local guides share knowledge of the region’s flora, fauna, and geological wonders. Tours often include tastings of regional specialities such as cheeses, honey, and traditional pastries. Exploring with a guide reveals both the wild natural beauty and cultural richness that define Lama dei Peligni.

Tours and Activities

Lama dei Peligni Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Abruzzo Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Abruzzo

1. ​Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
2. Rocca Calascio
3. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park 
4. Campo Imperatore
5. Majella National Park 
6. Roccascalegna
7. Vasto 
8. Barrea 
9. Sulmona
10. Ortona ​

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Lama dei Peligni
By Rail: The nearest train station to Lama dei Peligni is in Lanciano, approximately 40 kilometres away. The station lies on the Adriatic coastal line operated by Trenitalia, with regular regional services. Trains from Lanciano reach Pescara in about 1 hour and Termoli in roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Local buses and taxis provide onward travel from Lanciano to Lama dei Peligni and other towns within the Maiella National Park.

By Road: Lama dei Peligni is located in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo, on the eastern slopes of the Maiella mountains. From Chieti, the drive is around 60 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes via the SS81 and SP164. From Pescara, it is approximately 85 kilometres and takes roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes by car. Parking is available near the town centre and at the entrances to local hiking routes.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Pescara Abruzzo Airport: Approximately 80 kilometres from Lama dei Peligni, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A14 and SS81. It is the nearest airport, offering domestic and short-haul European flights.
  • Naples Capodichino Airport: Located about 190 kilometres southwest, taking roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes by car via the A1 and SS652. Convenient for travellers arriving from southern Italy or abroad.
  • Rome Ciampino Airport: Around 220 kilometres west, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours via the A24 and A25. Suitable for visitors from across Europe.

Private Transfers

Lama dei Peligni Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a convenient and comfortable way to reach Lama dei Peligni or continue your journey from the village to other destinations in Abruzzo and nearby regions. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a smooth and relaxed journey without the need for public transport or car hire.

Private transfers can be arranged to and from Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, providing the most straightforward access for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Lama dei Peligni generally takes around 1 hour 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Fara San Martino, Casoli, and Torricella Peligna, or to nearby destinations such as Bomba, Roccascalegna, and Guardiagrele.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

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