The best walks and hikes around Poggio Bustone
4.6
(923)
4,721
hikers
12
hikes
Hiking around Poggio Bustone offers diverse landscapes in Italy's Rieti province. The area is situated on the slopes of Monte Rosato, providing views of the Rieti Plain and Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile. The region, part of the "Valle Santa," features lush beech forests and varied terrain, from gentle woodland paths to challenging ascents. Natural springs and historical paths, including sections of the "Way of Saint Francis" and "Way of Saint Benedict," characterize the hiking experience.
Best hiking trails around Poggio…
Last updated: July 5, 2026
4.4
(20)
65
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(3)
22
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.0
(3)
10
hikers
2.89km
01:06
190m
190m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
13.7km
04:36
680m
680m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
11.7km
03:53
530m
530m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Poggio Bustone
Tips from the Community
From the sanctuary going down to the centre of the town
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One of the few saints who is highly valued outside of Christianity is San Francesco, known in German-speaking countries as Francis of Assisi. Francis was born in Assisi in 1181/82 and died in 1226. In his youth, as the son of wealthy parents, he was more of a bon vivant, but later he turned to Christ. One day he was praying in the half-ruined church of San Damiano, located on a hillside outside the city walls of Assisi, and heard the voice of Christ from the cross, calling on him to "rebuild his church". At first he took this request literally and restored the church building, but later he came to the realization that this was primarily about the church as the community of believers. Francis became a role model for many people, they joined him and the "Order of the Minor Brothers" (Ordo Fratrum Minorum) of Francis of Assisi was founded. Today, there are three male branches in the vast Franciscan order: the Franciscans, the Minorites and the Capuchins; and two female branches: the Franciscan sisters and the Poor Clares. In addition, there is the "Third" or "Secular" Order, which can be joined by women and men who do not take the classic religious vows (poverty, chastity and obedience) and continue to live in their families and professions.
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The Sacro Speco is one of the caves loved by the Poverello of Assisi. Here, in fact, St. Francis retired in prayer. The Sacro Speco is a truly suggestive place nestled between the rocks.
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The Franciscan Sanctuary of Poggio Bustone, or Convent of San Giacomo, is one of the four Franciscan sanctuaries that are located on the path of San Francesco in the Santa Rieti Valley.
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downstream of Poggio Bustone
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large lawn with vegetation that creates some shaded areas. there is no water
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I was very impressed by the Francis pilgrimage route, above all by the hospitality of the people, but also by the great poverty that prevails in the countryside, but they in particular give everything they have. I was traveling in winter and therefore dependent on private accommodation because the hostels were closed
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One of the few saints who is also highly valued outside of Christianity is San Francesco, known in the German-speaking world as Francis of Assisi. Francis was born in Assisi in 1181/82 and died in 1226. In his youth as the son of wealthy parents he was a bon vivant, but later he turned to Christ. In the half-ruined little church of San Damiano, on the hillside outside the city walls of Assisi, he was praying one day and heard the voice of Christ coming down from the cross, urging him to “rebuild his church”. At first he took this request literally and restored the church building, later he came to realize that this is primarily about the church as the community of believers. Francis became a role model for many people, they joined him and the "Order of the Friars Minor" (Ordo Fratrum Minorum) of Francis of Assisi came into being. Today in the broad Franciscan religious family there are three male branches: the Franciscans, the Minorites and the Capuchins; and two females: the Franciscans and the Poor Clares. In addition, there is the "Third" or "Secular" order, which women and men who do not take the classic vows of the order (poverty, chastity and obedience) and continue to live in their family and their profession can join.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for families in Poggio Bustone?
Yes, Poggio Bustone offers several easy trails perfect for families or those seeking a relaxed walk. For instance, the Sacro Speco – Sacro Speco of Saint Francis loop from Poggio Bustone is a short, easy path through woodlands, often completed in under an hour. Another accessible option is the Sacro Speco of Saint Francis loop from Poggio Bustone, which is about 2.9 km long.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking around Poggio Bustone?
The hiking trails around Poggio Bustone showcase diverse landscapes. You'll experience lush beech forests, varied terrain from gentle slopes to more challenging ascents, and panoramic views of the Rieti Plain and the serene Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile. The region is also characterized by natural springs and the spiritual paths of the 'Valle Santa'.
Are there any circular hiking routes available in Poggio Bustone?
Yes, many trails in Poggio Bustone are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular option is the Ring tour from Poggio Bustone on the paths of St. Francis and St. Benedict, which offers a comprehensive experience of the area's spiritual and natural beauty.
What historical or spiritual sites can I visit along the trails?
Poggio Bustone is rich in historical and spiritual significance. You can visit the 13th-century Sanctuary of San Giacomo. A path through oak and maple forests leads to the evocative Sacro Speco (Grotta delle Rivelazioni), where Saint Francis is said to have had a vision. Six 17th-century chapels line this path, commemorating events from his life. The area is also part of the 'Way of Saint Francis' and the 'Way of Saint Benedict'.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Poggio Bustone?
The hiking routes in Poggio Bustone are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 800 reviews. Hikers often praise the immersive experience in the region's rich vegetation, the stunning panoramic views, and the spiritual atmosphere of the Franciscan paths.
Are there any challenging hikes for experienced trekkers?
Absolutely. For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, routes like the Sacro Speco of Saint Francis – Cima a Pane loop from Poggio Bustone offer significant elevation gains and immersive experiences. This difficult 13.8 km path leads through oak and maple forests to the historic Sacro Speco and beyond.
Can I find scenic viewpoints along the hiking trails?
Yes, the trails around Poggio Bustone are known for their breathtaking scenic viewpoints. Perched on the slopes of Monte Rosato, the area offers expansive panoramic views of the Rieti Plain and the tranquil Lakes Lungo and Ripasottile. You can find specific viewpoints like the Scenic Viewpoint Over the Valley.
What natural attractions are near the hiking areas?
Beyond the trails, the region boasts several natural attractions. You can explore the Lungo and Ripa Sottile Lakes Nature Reserve, offering serene waterscapes. The area is also close to Piediluco Village and Lake, providing additional opportunities for nature appreciation.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Poggio Bustone?
Poggio Bustone offers enjoyable hiking experiences throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, with mild temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, but the beech forests provide shade. While winter hiking is possible, some higher routes might require appropriate gear due to snow or colder conditions.
Are there opportunities for other outdoor activities besides hiking?
Yes, Poggio Bustone is renowned for its favorable ascending air currents, making it a popular spot for free-flight activities such as paragliding and hang-gliding. This adds another exciting dimension to the outdoor appeal of the region.
How many hiking trails are there in Poggio Bustone?
There are over 10 hiking routes available around Poggio Bustone, catering to various fitness levels. These include easy walks, moderate excursions, and more challenging ascents, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Are there any specific landmarks within Poggio Bustone village itself?
The village of Poggio Bustone features a charming medieval layout with narrow streets and stairways that seamlessly transition into mountain paths. A notable landmark is the 'Porta del Buongiorno' (Good Morning Gate), where Saint Francis is traditionally believed to have greeted the locals.
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