The village itself is the main attraction in Santo Stefano di Sessanio -- wandering its medieval lanes, ducking under arched passageways, and looking out over the Gran Sasso from the old tower. Beyond the village, the national park opens up for serious hiking, including the highest peak in the Apennines. The local lentil culture is worth engaging with too: the fields on the surrounding terraces produce one of Italy's most distinctive IGP products.