Abruzzo

Abruzzo: Where Nature Meets Authenticity

Abruzzo is one of Italy's most underrated regions, and precisely for this reason, one of the most authentic. Far from mass tourism, this land preserves natural, cultural, and gastronomic treasures that are winning over travelers seeking genuine experiences.

Wild Nature and National Parks

With Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, and Majella National Park, Abruzzo boasts the title of "green region of Europe." Here you can spot Marsican brown bears, Apennine wolves, chamois, and golden eagles in their natural habitat.

Hiking enthusiasts find hundreds of trails: from climbing Corno Grande (2,912 m, the highest peak in the Apennines) to more accessible routes through ancient beech forests and high-altitude meadows. In winter, the ski resorts of Roccaraso, Campo Imperatore, and Ovindoli offer slopes for all levels and postcard-perfect landscapes.

Medieval Villages and Hidden Treasures

Abruzzo preserves some of Italy's most beautiful villages: Santo Stefano di Sessanio, with its restored stone houses and timeless atmosphere; Scanno, famous for its heart-shaped lake and traditional costumes; Civitella del Tronto, with its imposing Bourbon fortress; Pacentro, where you can still witness the race of the zingari.

Cultural tours through these villages let you discover Romanesque churches, medieval castles, artisan workshops where copper, wrought iron, lace, and ceramics are still crafted using centuries-old techniques.

Trabocchi Coast and Adriatic Sea

The Trabocchi Coast is a unique stretch of coastline: ancient wooden fishing machines jutting out over the Adriatic Sea, many transformed into restaurants where you can taste the freshest fish with a view of the waves. From Ortona to San Salvo, the Adriatic bike path lets you explore this coast by bicycle or e-bike, between coves, sandy beaches, and the scent of sea salt.

Seaside resorts like Vasto, Giulianova, Alba Adriatica, and Pineto offer equipped beaches as well as free beach areas for those seeking tranquility.

Food and Wine: Strong and Genuine Flavors

Abruzzo cuisine is as straightforward as its people's character. Arrosticini (lamb skewers cooked over charcoal) are the regional symbol, accompanied by DOC wines like Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, Trebbiano, and Cerasuolo.

Food and wine tours include visits to historic wineries, olive mills producing extra virgin olive oil DOP Colline Teatine and Aprutino Pescarese, tastings of Farindola pecorino cheese, Sulmona confetti (masterpieces of confectionery craftsmanship), L'Aquila saffron DOP, and typical cured meats like ventricina and Campotosto mortadella.

Cooking classes at farmhouses teach you how to prepare pasta alla chitarra, scrippelle 'mbusse, agnello cacio e ova, and desserts like bocconotti.

Active Experiences and Adventure

Abruzzo is paradise for outdoor lovers: rafting on the Tirino and Aventino rivers, canyoning in the gorges of Fara San Martino, sport climbing, mountain biking on enduro and all-mountain routes, horseback riding along ancient tratturi used by shepherds during transhumance.

In summer, boat excursions depart from the ports of Pescara, Ortona, and Vasto to explore the coast from a different perspective, with opportunities for snorkeling and swimming in hidden coves.

Art, Culture and Spirituality

L'Aquila, the regional capital, preserves Renaissance masterpieces in the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio and in the Spanish Fort. Sulmona, birthplace of Ovid, charms with Piazza Garibaldi and the medieval aqueduct.

Sanctuaries like that of San Gabriele dell'Addolorata (one of Italy's most visited) and the Hermitage of Celestine V at Santo Spirito al Morrone offer moments of spirituality immersed in nature.

When to Visit Abruzzo

Every season has its charm: spring and summer are ideal for sea, hiking, and village festivals; autumn offers spectacular foliage and food festivals; winter transforms the mountains into a paradise for skiers and snowshoe hikers.

How to Get Around

Abruzzo is easily accessible from Pescara Airport and well connected to the A25 and A14 highways. To explore villages and parks, car rental or organized tours with guide are the best solutions. NCC services provide convenient transfers between main tourist locations.

Discover Abruzzo with Expitalia: select the experiences you want to live and build your tailor-made trip in Italy's most authentic region. Nature, culture, flavors, and adventure await you.