Introduction
Monti Sibillini is superlatively enchanting. In the summertime a fine cloth of snow still remains on its pointed summits. Its highest peak Mt Vettore reaches 2476m. In the spring the landscape is lined with wildflowers on the plain Piano Grande and animals move freely around while its streams meander along this beautiful scenery. In the medieval times Monti Sibillini was known for being home to demons, necromancers, fairies and Sibyl, a fortune-teller who was said to live in a cave. At present peregrine falcons, royal eagles and porcupines and 1800 botanical species grow in the area. There is a wide range of activities to do in the area which embraces strolling paths, circling the mountain range among many others. All the information about availability of activities can be found in Casa del Parco in Norcia, which includes information about Castelluccio.
Castelluccio lies on top of a hill surrounded by Piano Grande which makes it seem unreachable. In the wintertime with temperatures of -30º the geography makes it hard to get to other villages over the mountain passes even when they are about 12 km. Castellucio has always remained quite detached from other villages and towns. The village has increased the number of little restaurants and its accommodation. However, Castelluccio has become known for its little, thin skin legumes and its pecorino and ricotta cheeses. Around the village there are many spots to go hiking, skiing, hang gliding or experiencing the area from the saddle.
Pro Delta, a known and reputable authority on hang gliding and paragliding offers courses for different levels of expertise and budgets. Fly Castelluccio located in Le Marche, a nearby area, also has courses for elementary levels in paragliding, hang gliding and para-motoring ranging from 5 to 10 days. The Associazione Sportive Pianigrande organizes horseback tours, day treks and bicycle excursions through the mountains. For mountain bikers there are brochures at Casa del Parco.
Where to Eat
Taverna di Castelluccio is unattractive on the outside yet appealing for its good menu: lentil soup, truffle frittatas and spelt soup are musts here.
How to Get to Monti Sibillini
BY BUS: from Norcia (twice on Thursday returning on the same day). This journey is ideal to admire the mountainous region and the plain.
