Abruzzo is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy and enjoys some of the wildest countryside and most breathtaking views. It is bordered by Marche in the North, Lazio in the West, Molise in the South and the Adriatic Sea in the East. Abruzzo comprises the four provinces of L’Aquila, Chieti, Pescara and Teramo.

A mountainous region made up of 261 comuni (parishes), only 23 of which are below 500 metres, the area rises up quickly from the Adriatic coast into 3 distinct groups of mountains: the Laga, the Gran Sasso and the Maiella.

The Gran Sasso is the highest peak in central Italy at around 2,920 metres and dominates the largest of the national parks in the region which are largely made up of forests of beech, pine, fir, oak, yew, ash, maple and other trees. The parks are home to a number of formerly endangered species: the Apennine wolf, Marsican bear, the fox, mountain goat and Apennine lynx.

The higher parts of the region is characterized by deep gorges and large expanses of high plateaux, fortified medieval villages, churches and castles dot the hillsides, with fishing villages and beach resorts lining the coast.

Abruzzo is proudly known as the ‘Region of Parks’, as one third of Abruzzo’s territory is subject to environmental protection, including the Abruzzo, Majella and Gran Sasso-Laga national parks.

Gran Sasso National Park

The largest national park in the Abruzzo region, and one of the largest in Italy, the 1,600 sq km National Park of Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga is truly impressive. The landscape consists of mountains, rivers, lakes and waterfalls and is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the region’s clear light accentuate the vibrant colours of the forests and fields. The park also enjoys its fair share of castles, hermitages and stone villages and leaves a lasting impression with its sheer scale and size generating an exhilarating atmosphere. The park’s contrasting mountain formations are its most characteristic feature. Three mountain groups define the area: the Monti Gemelli chain in the north of the park, and the central Monti della Laga range which connects with the vast Gran Sasso d’Italia massif, itself dominating the remainder of the territory.

Abruzzo National Park Abruzzo

Italy’s first national park which was established in 1922 in an attempt to preserve the unique but rapidly diminishing environment that is typical of the Apennine chain. Three main massifs shape the park’s outline with its southern zone extending into the regions of Lazio and Molise. High peaks include Monte Petroso (2,249m), Monte Marsicano (2,245m) and La Meta (2,242m). Nowadays, the park covers 500 sq km – two thirds of which are covered by forests.

Majella National Park

Majella is one of Italy’s newest national parks. Founded in 1993, it stretches over 740 sq km between the provinces of Pescara, L’Aquila and Chieti. Majella offers some excellent walks in four main areas: the Morrone mountains in the north-west; the Pizzi mountains in the south-east; Monte Porrara and its surrounding area to the south; and the wide Majella massif in the centre of the park. Majella is famous for its concentration of summits, over thirty of which reach above 2,000m. The main peak is Monte Amaro, the second tallest in the Apennines at 2,793m. It rises up out of the middle of the main massif, with its characteristic outline dominating the surrounding countryside.

Food and Wine

As well as the beautiful mountain scenery, stunning walks and easy access to beaches visitors to Abruzzo can enjoy wonderful food, wine and Italian hospitality. The region is known for a number of particularly ‘Abruzzese’ dishes, several types of pasta and a host of other gastronomic delights.

The red wine, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo is well known outside of Italy but you may not be surprised to learn that they keep the really good stuff for themselves. Many of the producers of the best wines produce such small quantities that there is simply not enough to export.

Things to do in Abruzzo

Below are just a few ideas of some of the things you can do in Abruzzo but it is by no means comprehensive. Abruzzo is a great place for lovers of the outdoors. Walkers, climbers, mountain bikers, skiers or beach lovers will find plenty to keep them busy, whilst those that ride horses can find the longest bridleway in Europe in this region.

We hope to add to this section over the coming weeks. If you have been somewhere in Abruzzo you want to share with others let us know the details by using our contact form. We will then post the details on this page for others to enjoy.

Places to Visit

Santa Stefano di Sessanio – A must see town with a boutique style hotel if you can afford it!
www.sextantio.it

Rocca Calacsio – Near to Santa Stefano, go there on a nice day and eat in the restaurant by the crumbling castle.
www.rifugiodellarocca.it

Campo Imperatore – Also known as ‘The Little Tibet’ due to the stunning and rugged scenery in the area.

Scanno – The town that captivated Henri Cartier-Bresson the famous photographer.

Castelli – Home of Italian Ceramics

L’Aquila – The capital town of Abruzzo

Penne – A lovely medieval walled town and where Escape to Abruzzo are based!

On the Water

Cataeuropa – Catamaran for daily / weekly charter. Owned by a Frenchman with an Italian wife this 12m Catermeran can cater for up to 10 people for day sailing in and around Pescara or longer trips.
www.cataeuropa.com

Beaches

Plenty of areas to choose from all along the Abruzzo coastline.

Golf

9 and 18 holes of golf can be played at the course in Miglianico.

Restaurants

There are just too many great restaurants to list here but you can be sure to find recommendations in the property information packs when you come to stay with us.

Lago di Penne – Nature Reserve

The reserve covers an area of about 150 hectares and is located on the outskirts of Penne. Lago di Penne is an artificial lake created by a dam over the River Tavo. Within the reserve is an educational centre which organizes camps for young students, a nature path with bird watching facilities, a centre for injured animals, a small shop and a botanical garden.

Skiing and Winter Activities

Winter brings to Abruzzo some of the most dramatic scenery found in Europe and there are plenty of ski resorts from downhill to cross country to choose from.

Museums

The ‘Genti D’Abruzzo Museum
Via della Caserme, 24. Pescara. Tel. 085 451 0026 / 085 451 1562
The history of the people of the Abruzzo region.

Villa Urania
Via Piave 139. Pescara. Tel. 085 422 3426
Liberty Villa – Treccia Barons

Media Museum
Via Colle Marino, 73. Pescara. Tel. 085 451 0812 / 085 205 8323
Multimedia exhibits from the past and present day.

‘P.Barrasso’ Naturalistic and Archaeological Museum
Via del Vivaio. Caramanico Terme. Tel. 085 922 343
Archaeological finds from the Majella Park.

The Contemporary Art Laboratory Museum
Vico Lupinato, 1. Città S. Angelo. Tel. 085 960 555
An ex-tabacco factory and meeting and working place for many artists.

Historical and Archaeological Museum
Via del Baio. Loreto Aprutino. Tel. 085 829 1589
Archaeological finds from pre historical to the middle ages.

Arts Museum – The Nocciano Castle
Largo Madonna del Piano. Nocciano. Tel. 085 847 135
A kingdom of images, sounds and words.

‘G.B.Leopardi’ Archaeological Museum
Piazza Duomo,7. Penne. Tel. 085 821 1727
History of the ‘vestino’ territory from the Paleolithic to the Middle Ages.

Diocesan Civic Museum
Piazza Duomo,7. Penne. Tel. 085 821 0525
Silverware, sculptures, paintings and frescos.

‘Nicola da Leone’ Naturalistic Museum
Contrada Collalto 1. Penne. Tel. 085 821 5003
Situated at the lake of Penne, enjoy also the walk around the lake in a sunny day.

Folk Traditions and Arts Museum
Viale dei Pini 17. Picciano. Tel. 085 828 5452
Showcasing the agricultural way of life in the region dating back to the end of the eighteenth century. While you are in Piccano be sure to try the restaurant in the square – Fonte Vecchio.

Genoa Castle – Bourbon Medieval Museum
Via Salle Vecchia, 1. Salle. Tel. 085 928 265
Exhibition of medieval finds, suits of armour paintings and prints.

‘Diana and Tamara’ – Ethnographic Museum of the Maiella National Park
Piazza Garibaldi. Roccacaramanico. Sant’ Eufemia a Maiella. Tel. 085 421 3386
Handcraft works, agricultural and pastoral activities.

‘Fortunato Bellonzi’ Dantesque Museum
Via della Carrozza. Torre de’ Passeri. Tel. 085 888 4220
Graphics works and paintings describing ‘The Divine Comedy’ produced by Italian and foreign artists of the nineteenth and twentieth century.

For all of the above museums it is possible to buy a weekly or annual card. Ask for details at any of the museums.