10 Best Things to Do in Abruzzo
What is Abruzzo Most Famous For?
Abruzzo has been a popular winter destination with Europeans for decades. Thanks to its untouched natural landscapes, medieval villages, quaint beach resorts and unique cuisine, this Italian region is on the brink of an international tourism boom. Whether you’re a trailblazer, history buff or extreme sports fan, there’s something that will tickle your fancy in Abruzzo.
Located just 2 hours from Rome by car, Abruzzo feels like it’s in a different world compared to the rest of Italy. Read our list of the best things to do in the region, and you’ll soon see why its tourist appeal is rising quickly.
What are the best things to do in Abruzzo?
1. Montesilvano Colle
Marvel at the historic hamlets surrounding the mountains
Phù hợp với: Lịch sử, Ảnh
Montesilvano Colle is one of the most charming medieval villages in the mountainous region of Abruzzo. While you meander the narrow hillside streets, you can enjoy views of the Gran Sasso mountain range, the Adriatic Coast and the town of Pescara.
Around 22 villages with medieval structures surround the bases of mountains such as the Apennines (a range along the length of peninsular Italy) and Corno Grande – the largest Abruzzian mountain. Some hamlets line the hills and have defensive walls. Fortified towns with historic homes and structures include Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Prezza.
Địa điểm: 65015, Province of Pescara, Italy
Montesilvano Colle
2. Maiella National Park
Explore the ‘Green Region of Europe’
Phù hợp với: Ảnh, Mạo hiểm
You’ll find some of the best trails at the Maiella National Park. Around 55% of the park is over 2,000 metres above sea level, with over 500 km of hiking trails. While you’re here, view the cave paintings in Grotta del Cavallone (one of the deepest public caves in Europe) and Grotta Sant’Angelo.
National parks cover about 1/3 of Abruzzo, which is why the region is nicknamed the ‘Green Region of Europe.’ During summer, hikers often ascend the mountains of the National Park of Abruzzo, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, and Lake Barrea.
Địa điểm: 67039 Sulmona, Province of L’Aquila, Italy
Maiella National Park
3. Abruzzo beaches
Swim in the pristine waters of Chieti
Phù hợp với: Cặp đôi, Gia đình, Giá rẻ, Nhóm
The beaches in Abruzzo may not enjoy the same reputation as the sandy stretches of Sardinia or Sicily, but they’re excellent destinations for beachgoers who want to escape the crowds. The region’s best beaches are within the provinces of Teramo and Chieti. The pristine waters consistently receive the Blue Flag rating, an award reserved for the cleanest and greenest beaches.
If you want to work on your tan, head to Pineto, a small town that’s named after the pine trees that shade the sand. In Chieti, Ortona is a popular resort town with locals. Here, you can enjoy cocktails at beach clubs and visit the Ortona Cathedral, which famously contains the relics of Saint Thomas the Apostle.
4. Lake Bomba
Abruzzo is home to 7 of Italy’s best lakes
Phù hợp với: Cặp đôi, Gia đình, Ảnh, Mạo hiểm
Abruzzo is one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, largely thanks to its mountain ranges and medieval villages. If you’re a nature lover and don’t mind sleeping outdoors, you can camp at sites that surround the region’s 7 lakes.
Lake Barrea and Lake Scanno are 2 of the prettiest bodies of water in Abruzzo. If you’re staying near Popoli, pay a visit to the Sorgenti del Pescara, a natural reserve with crystal clear springs. One of the most popular lakeside tourist destinations is Lake Bomba, where you can observe the mountains from below and partake in water sports like canoeing and rafting. Be prepared to tackle winding roads to get there.
Địa điểm: Lago di Bomba, Province of Chieti, Italy
Lake Bomba
5. Gran Sasso
Enjoy an affordable winter getaway
Phù hợp với: Mạo hiểm, Du lịch một mình, Nhóm
Abruzzo transforms into a ski resort during winter, attracting extreme sports fans from across Europe. The region may not be as popular as the French Alps, but accommodation is competitively priced, and you’ll find 246 km of slopes for skiers of all experience levels.
With an altitude of 2,403 metres, the Campo di Giove – Majella Occidentale ski resort is the highest in the region. If you want to holiday on a budget, consider staying at the Gran Sasso – Campo Imperatore resort, which is served by 4 aerial lifts. Beginners can fine-tune their skills by gliding down 3.6 km of ‘easy’ slopes. If you consider yourself a pro, you’ll prefer the 5 km of ‘black’ slopes.
Địa điểm: 64047 Pietracamela, Province of Teramo, Italy
Gran Sasso
6. Rocca Calascio castle
More than 50 castles are scattered across Abruzzo
Phù hợp với: Cặp đôi, Lịch sử, Ảnh
Gain an insight into the defensive history of Abruzzo by exploring its 50+ castles, many of which sit atop the mountains of nearby villages. One of the best-preserved castles is the Castello Piccolomini, which was restored to its 15th-century appearance between the 1940s and 1960s. The refurbished interior is open to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays between 9am and 7pm.
If you’re a history buff, we recommend heading to the Rocca Calascio, which still has its original 10th-century watchtower. At almost 1,500 metres above sea level, the Rocca Calascio is the highest fortification in Italy. You can’t go inside this castle, but you can explore its impressive ruins.
Địa điểm: 67020 Calascio, Province of L’Aquila, Italy
Giờ mở cửa: 24/7
Điện thoại: +39 086 2930132
Rocca Calascio castle
7. L’Aquila flea markets
Stock up on souvenirs
Phù hợp với: Tín đồ mua sắm
As a region that still honours many centuries-old traditions, Abruzzo is a fantastic place to purchase unique gifts, antiques and souvenirs. The L’Aquila province is home to dozens of seasonal outdoor flea markets, where bargaining is an accepted custom.
Sulmona, a historical city that’s situated in a UNESCO-protected valley, boasts some of the province’s best open-air markets, which takes over the beautiful Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi square every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Sulmona is also the unofficial capital of sugared almonds, known as confetti in Italy. These sweet treat bouquets come in flavours such as tiramisu, ricotta, hazelnut and Nutella.
Địa điểm: Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, 67039 Sulmona AQ, Italy
Giờ mở cửa: Wednesday and Saturday (hours vary)
L’Aquila flea markets
8. National Museum of Abruzzo
Learn about the history and culture of the region
Phù hợp với: Gia đình, Lịch sử
There are about 10 museums scattered across Abruzzo where you can learn about military campaigns, religion, the local culture and the region’s history. The impressive Fortezza Museo delle Armi Civitella del Tronto dates back to the 12th century and details the marvel of medieval military engineering. Other popular museums include the Abbey of Saint Clemente, the National Archeologic Museum and the Birthplace Museum of Gabriele d’Annunzio.
One of best places to get a sense of Abruzzian life through the ages is the National Museum of Abruzzo. Housed in the 16th-century Forte Spagnolo of L’Aquila, the museum displays works of art, Roman artefacts, and even a skeleton of a prehistoric elephant.
Địa điểm: Largo Tornimparte, 67100, L’Aquila AQ, Italy
Giờ mở cửa: Tuesday–Sunday from 8.30 am to 7 pm (closed on Mondays)
Điện thoại: +39 086 228420
National Museum of Abruzzo
9. Learn to cook like a local
Turn your trip into a culinary course
Phù hợp với: Ẩm thực
In Abruzzo, you can find out how your favourite pasta is made, taste seafood delights and feast on some of the most delicious pork and mutton in the nation. If you want to go one step further, you can take a cooking class. Abruzzian chefs share recipes for traditional dishes such as Cicoria, cacio e uova (a vegetable and pork soup with a chicken base) and Zuppa di cardi (a combination of cardoons, tomatoes and pork).
You can become a connoisseur of Abruzzian cuisine by booking a cooking vacation with renowned chef, Ezio Gentile. Stay in Prezza to learn how to cook like a local for either 3 days or a full week.
Địa điểm: 41 Via Giovanucci Nazareno, Prezza, 67030, Italy
Điện thoại: +39 366 9713214
Learn to cook like a local
10. Abruzzian cuisine
Visit a historic pasta production house
Phù hợp với: Ẩm thực
Surrounded by mountains and bordered by the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo’s typical inland dishes consist of legumes and meat, usually pork or mutton. Head to the coast, and you can dine on local seafood favourites like anchovies and brodetti, a fish broth that’s popular in the Vasto province.
Besides farming and fishing, Abruzzo has a long history of pasta making. Spaghetti alla chitarra has been produced in the region for over 200 years. If you’d like to find out how pasta is made, visit the Antico Pastificio Rosetano. This 19th-century pasta production house makes the popular Verrigni brand and offers guided tours.
Địa điểm: Via Salara, 9, 64026 Roseto degli Abruzzi TE, Italy
Giờ mở cửa: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)
Điện thoại: +39 085 899 3219
Abruzzian cuisine
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