Organising a simple, undemanding trip into nature at the foot of the Monti della Laga with family and children.
At the foot of the Laga mountains there are many interesting little villages, some of them on the way to being abandoned. We're talking about places such as Preta, Capricchia, Voceto and Sommati, which, especially in winter, are cut off by snow.
At Voceto (a hamlet of Amatrice) you can visit the little church of San Martino.
Near the little church you can stop for a pleasant open-air picnic. It's wonderful and relaxing to let yourself go on pleasant walks along the local lanes linking the hamlets.
The view of the Monti della Laga is interesting in spring, when nature puts on its most exuberant show, but also in winter, when snow covers the mountain tops and makes the landscape very evocative.
The picnic area, set up partly to support the patronal feast of San Martino, is in good condition. The upkeep of the church and the surrounding area doesn't amount to much (undoubtedly done with little but very precious money) and, as far as we could gather, is left to a kind elderly lady from the village.
The presence of water is undoubtedly a welcome refreshment point, especially on summer hikes.
A short trip suitable for children and for older people who can't walk too many kilometres. The picnic area is close to the road, right by the little church of San Martino.

Fact sheet
- Apennine area
- Central Apennines
- Italian region
- Abruzzo
- Getting there
- To get there from Amatrice you have to venture onto the local lanes, and finding your way isn't always easy. Go right through Amatrice and follow the signs for Retrosi; past Retrosi carry on keeping right as far as the hamlets of Cossara and Ferrazza. Past the hamlet you reach a junction where the little church of San Martino stands; here, by a dirt road, you can leave the car. The Pic Nic area is less than 10 metres from the little church.
- Suggested season
- Spring and autumn
- Tables available
- 3
- Water available
- Drinkable
- Fires allowed
- No
- Location
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