SCANNO HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Dal Sentiero del Cuore al Lago Pio: un giorno sospeso tra i due laghi di Scanno
A full-day, 12 km loop through Alta Valle del Sagittario that links the heart-shaped belvedere above Lago di Scanno with hermitages, panoramic observatories and a lunch stop at tranquil Lago Pio.
Dal Sentiero del Cuore al Lago Pio: un giorno sospeso tra i due laghi di Scanno.
The Trekking dei due Laghi threads a single high-valley day through the Alta Valle del Sagittario, beginning at the famed Sentiero del Cuore above Lago di Scanno, passing the secluded Eremo di Sant'Egidio and an observatory with sweeping lake views, and descending along the Frontone trail to a lunch at the quiet Lago Pio before returning to the Scanno shore.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
The Sentiero del Cuore: an iconic start
The route begins at the celebrated belvedere over Lago di Scanno, whose heart-shaped outline has made it one of Abruzzo's most photographed scenes — a postcard-perfect opening that sets the tone for the day.
Eremo di Sant'Egidio: a moment of silence
Tucked into the woods, the ancient Eremo di Sant'Egidio offers a contemplative waypoint on the trail — a site of quiet and spiritual atmosphere that invites a slower pace amid the hike.
Lago Pio and the Frontone passage
After panoramic views from the observatory and a climb through wooded trails, the route follows the Sentiero del Frontone down to Lago Pio at the foot of Villalago, a tranquil place for a packed lunch and a reflective pause between two lakes.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
This is a day loop that alternates focused climbs and open viewpoints with hushed woodlands and lakeside calm — a 12 km, roughly 5½-hour excursion that moves from the dramatic heart-shaped belvedere to hermitage ruins and an elevated observatory, then follows the Frontone trail down to Lago Pio for a midday stop before returning to the shores of Lago di Scanno.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this hike suits — and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a packed lunch: the itinerary includes a scheduled pranzo al sacco stop at Lago Pio.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Trekking dei due Laghi?
The hike lasts about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Where and when do participants meet?
Meeting takes place at the trailhead of the Sentiero del Cuore at Lago di Scanno, with departures listed at 09:30 or 15:00.
What is the route distance and elevation gain?
The route is approximately 12 km long with about 400 m of positive elevation gain.
Is lunch provided during the hike?
No — the itinerary specifies a packed-lunch (pranzo al sacco) stop at Lago Pio.
Are pets allowed on the hike?
Animals are not admitted on this excursion.
What level of difficulty is the hike?
The trek is rated E — Escursionistico — appropriate for hikers accustomed to full-day, mixed-terrain walks.