Snow-capped mountains rise over 2,500 meters even in summer, towering above postcard-perfect medieval villages. This is a true paradise for lovers of nature, tranquility, and hiking. But Abruzzo is also an ideal destination for sea enthusiasts: its 130 km of sandy, sun-drenched coastline draw crowds in high season. Then there are the art and history cities like Sulmona, L’Aquila, Vasto, Chieti, and Teramo.
Let’s not forget the villages—Abruzzo boasts 23 listed among the most beautiful in Italy. Places like Castel del Monte, Opi, Pacentro, Scanno, Villalago, Anversa Degli Abruzzi, Civitella del Tronto, Castelli, Pietracamela, and Rocca San Giovanni are genuine gems you can’t miss.
The local cuisine is the icing on the cake, and the famous lamb arrosticini from Abruzzo have become a national culinary symbol.
In January 2016, HuffingtonPost ranked Abruzzo among its “12 Best Places in the World to Live or Retire.” If you’re just planning a holiday for now, here are the must-see places in Abruzzo.
Mountains and Ecotourism
With around twenty ski resorts, Abruzzo is a top choice for outdoor vacations.
As one of Europe’s greenest regions, Abruzzo boasts three national parks: the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise; Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park; and Majella National Park. Many other areas offer opportunities for cycling, trekking, horse riding, canoeing, rafting, and birdwatching, such as the Sirente Velino Regional Park, plus dozens of protected areas.
Explore destinations like Scanno, Ovindoli, Pescasseroli, Tagliacozzo, Roccaraso, Campo Imperatore, Campo Felice, Rivisondoli, Pescocostanzo, or Prati di Tivo—over 1,000 meters above sea level—for alpine skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, or hiking the Apennines. Abruzzo delivers spectacular scenery and thrills just like any region near the Alps. The imposing Gran Sasso is a favorite with mountain lovers, who can summit the breathtaking Corno Grande (2,912 meters above sea level). Also noteworthy: the man-made Lake Campotosto (1,313 meters) and the vast Campo Imperatore plateau at 1,800 meters.
Besides its ski areas, destinations like San Giacomo (Valle Castellana), Passolanciano-Majelletta, Prato Selva, Marsia, Campo Rotondo, Campo di Giove, Passo San Leonardo, Passo Godi, Pizzoferrato, and Gamberale are renowned for their hiking trails.
Along the Adriatic Coast
Spread across 130 kilometers of coastline, many Abruzzo beach resorts are famous nationwide: highlights include Montesilvano north of Pescara, Pineto, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Giulianova, Alba Adriatica, Tortoreto, Francavilla al Mare, Ortona, Vasto, Martinsicuro, and Silvi Marina.
Yet, it’s further south before reaching Molise that the landscape becomes even wilder and more picturesque. The trabocchi coast in Chieti province stretches for 70 km from Ortona to San Salvo. Here, you’ll find the distinctive trabocchi—historic fishing platforms that tell the story of local tradition. Some are still in use, while others have been transformed into seafood restaurants. One thing’s certain: the Abruzzo coastline is far less developed than further north in Emilia-Romagna.
Art, History, and Religion
Civitella Fortress is the region’s most important and visited historical monument. Chieti is also worth mentioning for its superb Roman ruins, churches, and museums (like the Museo Archeologico Nazionale d’Abruzzo—don’t leave without seeing the Capestrano Warrior). Other must-sees: Teramo, Vasto, Lanciano, Manoppello, Ortona, Atri, Giulianova, Sulmona, L’Aquila, and many towns with fascinating castles, churches, and museums. Loreto Aprutino still retains its authentic medieval charm, with notable architectural gems. Near Loreto, the church of Santa Maria in Piano holds the region’s most significant artistic heritage, a prime example of 15th-century art in Abruzzo.
Abruzzo’s wealth of history and faith brings a vibrant calendar of religious festivals and events year-round. Every month, celebrations take place across the region, with stunning natural scenery as the backdrop.
