Orrido di Botri is a rocky gorge with steep walls, dug by the cold waters of the Rio Pelago torrent in the Apennines. Some of the walls are as high as 200 metres and it is one of the few natural canyons in Italy. It is open to walkers in summer. You need to be accompanied by a guide and to wear protective clothing and a helmet as the walk is a bit dangerous in parts.

I haven’t been, but I have been to the restaurant at the entrance to the Orrido di Botri. We were there on a cool, slightly damp spring evening and the area is lovely. I can imagine that it would be even better on a hot summer day.

There are outdoor tables near the little rocky stream that runs beside the restaurant.

Because it was a cool evening we sat inside.

The food was delicious and very reasonably priced.

The restaurant is very close to the entrance to Orrido di Botri, which clearly needs a visit.

There are also picnic grounds nearby and if you are really lucky you might see the local goats coming down from their foraging areas in the mountains.

…or cheese being made in the little farmhouse beside the entrance.

Whenever you go I’m sure you will enjoy it. The restaurant has wood fired ovens for pizza…a good reason to return on a sunny day.

The only way into the area right now is via Montefegatesi as the road on the other side of the valley is being repaired, hopefully before summer.

Il Nido dell’Aquila, Localita Ponte a Gaio, 11
http://www.ilnidodell-aquila.com

Telephone…0583 800022

Email…info@ilnidodell-aquila.com