Location and surroundings
Monte Arrestino belongs to the Lepini Mountains, a subrange of the Lazio Anti-Apennines within the Anti-Apennines of the Italian Peninsula. Administratively, the peak is located in Italy, specifically in the region of Lazio, district of Latina, and municipality of Cori. Among the 97 named peaks in the Lepini Mountains, Monte Arrestino holds the 52nd position by elevation at 845 metres. The surrounding landscape consists of rugged limestone terrain typical of the pre-Apennine mountain ranges overlooking lower-lying valleys and nearby towns.
Neighbouring peaks
The summit is surrounded by several nearby peaks and passes:
- Monte Della Noce (peak), 1,212 m, 3.2 km NE
- Monte Ardigheta (peak), 1,237 m, 3.8 km NE
- Monte Lupone (peak), 1,378 m, 4.7 km NE
- Monte Puzzo (peak), 1,170 m, 5.0 km NE
- Monte Rinzaturo (peak), 1,166 m, 5.2 km N
- Monte La Croce (peak), 1,112 m, 5.4 km NE
- Monte Gorgoglione (peak), 931 m, 5.5 km E
- Monte Locino (peak), 1,082 m, 5.5 km N
Compared to these surrounding elevations, which frequently exceed 1,000 or 1,300 metres, Monte Arrestino is a lower summit. Its nearest higher neighbour is Monte Della Noce, located 3.2 kilometres to the northeast at 1,212 metres.
The view from the summit
From the top of Monte Arrestino, visitors look out across the wider range toward several major regional summits within a 25-kilometre radius. The highest peaks within this distance include Monte Semprevisa at 1,536 metres, situated 13.2 kilometres to the southeast. To the east and southeast stand several other prominent heights: Monte Malaina at 1,482 metres (17.1 km E), Monte Gemma at 1,457 metres (20.1 km E), Monte Alto at 1,416 metres (18.2 km E), Monte Erdigheta at 1,336 metres (15.5 km SE), and Monte Favitozzo at 1,283 metres (17.6 km E).
The range
Monte Arrestino is part of the Lepini Mountains, a limestone mountain group within the Lazio Anti-Apennines, part of the Anti-Apennines of the Italian Peninsula. The highest peak of the Lepini Mountains is Monte Semprevisa at 1,536 metres, located 13 kilometres southeast of Monte Arrestino. The range contains 97 named peaks in total, with Monte Arrestino ranking as the 52nd highest by elevation.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlements to the summit are the town of Cori, situated 3.9 kilometres to the northwest, and the village of Norma, located 4.1 kilometres to the southeast. A wilderness hut known as Casetta forestale lies 1.1 kilometres north of the top. Based on distance and height gain from Cori (which sits at about 400 metres), a rough walking time using Naismith's rule for the 5.1-kilometre route and 440 metres of elevation gain is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Climate and weather
Climate data based on NASA POWER estimates from 2001 to 2020, adjusted to the summit elevation of Monte Arrestino, indicate that the warmest month is July with a mean temperature of about 22 °C, while the coldest is January at about 5 °C. The mean temperature remains above freezing at the summit throughout all twelve months of the year. Precipitation in the surrounding area averages about 800 mm annually, with November being the wettest month at about 120 mm of precipitation, and July the driest at about 25 mm. Mountain weather can shift rapidly, bringing sudden wind gusts, low cloud cover, and rapid drops in temperature.
Best time to visit
The best period to visit Monte Arrestino typically spans the drier and milder months when temperatures at the summit remain well above freezing. Mean monthly temperatures stay above 0 °C year-round, but spring, summer, and autumn offer the most favorable conditions for walking and exploring. July is the driest month, making it popular for clear days, though visitors should remain prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Nature and wildlife
The terrain around Monte Arrestino features typical pre-Apennine limestone characteristics, supporting Mediterranean scrub, oak woods, and diverse shrubs adapted to rocky soils and seasonal precipitation patterns. Wildlife in the region includes various small mammals, birds of prey such as hawks and kestrels, reptiles, and occasional wild ungulates inhabiting the more secluded slopes of the Lepini Mountains.
Guides and organised ascents
While lower peaks like Monte Arrestino do not strictly require a guide for experienced walkers in good weather, hiring a certified professional is advisable for unfamiliar visitors, complex weather conditions, or challenging terrain. In Italy, mountain guiding is overseen by the National College of Italian Alpine Guides (Collegio Nazionale Guide Alpine Italiane), which is a member of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA/UIAGM). The national mountaineering federation is the Club Alpino Italiano (CAI). Established guiding companies operating within the mountains of the country include Società Guide Alpine Courmayeur based in Courmayeur and Società Guide Alpine del Cervino based in Breuil-Cervinia. Guided ascents typically cover navigation, safety instruction, and equipment support, with prices varying according to the duration, group size, and season.
Safety and preparation
Walking in the Lepini Mountains demands adequate preparation, sturdy footwear, windproof and waterproof layers, and sufficient water, as natural springs can be scarce on the ridges. In the event of an emergency, the single European emergency number is 112. Callers should ask for Soccorso Alpino (CNSAS), the national mountain rescue service in Italy.
Interesting facts
Monte Arrestino ranks as the 52nd highest among the 97 named peaks in the Lepini Mountains. Its nearest higher neighbour is Monte Della Noce at 1,212 metres, located 3.2 kilometres to the northeast. The high point of the entire range is Monte Semprevisa, situated 13 kilometres to the southeast.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Monte Arrestino? It rises to an elevation of 845 metres.Where is Monte Arrestino located? It is located in Italy, in the region of Lazio, district of Latina, and municipality of Cori.
Which mountain range does Monte Arrestino belong to? It belongs to the Lepini Mountains, part of the Lazio Anti-Apennines and the Anti-Apennines of the Italian Peninsula.
What are the nearest peaks to Monte Arrestino? The nearest peaks include Monte Della Noce (1,212 m, 3.2 km NE), Monte Ardigheta (1,237 m, 3.8 km NE), and Monte Lupone (1,378 m, 4.7 km NE).
How long does it take to walk up Monte Arrestino? Using Naismith's rule as an estimate from distance and height gain, the walk from Cori (3.9 km NW of the top, at about 400 m) takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours over about 5.1 kilometres on foot and 440 metres up; the real path may be longer.
Is there water on the way to Monte Arrestino? Natural water sources along the route are limited, so visitors should carry between 1.5 and 3 litres of water per person depending on the weather and length of the outing.
Are there huts on Monte Arrestino? Yes, the Casetta forestale wilderness hut is located 1.1 kilometres north of the summit.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Monte Arrestino? There are 11 mobile phone and communication masts mapped within 10 kilometres, with the nearest located 2.2 kilometres south. On open sections of the mountain a signal is likely, but coverage can fail in deep depressions and behind ridges; maps should be downloaded before setting out, and 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.