Why Abruzzo?
- Abruzzo is hidden gem offering an authentic Italian experience away from crowded popular spots
- This region is commited to preserve natural landscapes
- Castelli ceramics known worldwide
- Coast beaching or Apenine hiking – wide range of tourism
- Coastline has Mediterranean climate with mild winters, and Apenine mountains experience climate change and offers snowfalls during winters.
Outside of our guide, check out our facebook page! We post there places worth visiting and little bit of history as well!
Theres also magazine dedicated to Abruzzo region, and we highly recommend to check it out! You can find there a lot of unique places hidden all around Abruzzo.
Adventure
Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park: This park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and the third largest national park in Italy. It offers numerous trails for hiking, opportunities for wildlife spotting, and stunning views of the Apennine Mountains. The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the Apennine chamois. Additionally, it provides a range of activities like rock climbing and mountain biking.
Majella National Park: Known for its rugged beauty, Majella National Park offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, rock climbing, and caving. The park is rich in historical and archaeological sites, such as ancient hermitages and monasteries. Visitors can explore dense forests, high-altitude meadows, and deep canyons. It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Lake Campotosto: This artificial lake, located in the heart of the Abruzzo mountains, is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and windsurfing. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, it offers peaceful settings for picnics and relaxation. The lake is also a starting point for several hiking and biking trails that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. In winter, it becomes a serene spot for snowshoeing and ice fishing.
Roccaraso Ski Resort: Roccaraso is one of the most famous ski resorts in Italy, offering extensive slopes and modern facilities. It features a variety of runs suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Besides skiing, visitors can enjoy snowboarding, ice skating, and other winter sports. In summer, the area transforms into a hub for hiking, mountain biking, and golf.
Relax
Terme di Caramanico: Nestled in the Maiella National Park, Terme di Caramanico is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and wellness centers. The spa offers a range of treatments including thermal baths, mud therapy, and massages, all aimed at promoting relaxation and health. The surrounding natural beauty adds to the serene atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those looking to unwind and rejuvenate.
Vasto Marina: This charming coastal town boasts beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for a relaxing seaside vacation. Vasto Marina offers numerous beach resorts, restaurants, and cafes where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and fresh seafood. The town’s historic center, with its medieval architecture and vibrant market, provides a delightful contrast to the tranquil beach setting.
Silvi Marina: Known for its long, golden beaches, Silvi Marina is a peaceful destination ideal for families and those seeking a quiet escape. The town offers various beachfront accommodations, from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the promenade, explore local shops, and dine at waterfront restaurants offering delicious Italian cuisine.
Cuisine
Anyone who is on holiday in Abruzzo, therefore, must absolutely taste at least one of the following dishes:
- Arrosticini: prepared with sheep meat and cooked on the grill, are among the most popular street food throughout southern Italy;
- cheese and egg pallotte: these are egg and cheese balls, prepared in the past in the absence of meat;
- ventricina: a typical sausage of fermented raw pork with long maturing that is cut with a knife tip;
- pipindune and ove: a snack based on fry (red peppers) cooked in a pan with a little oil and mixed with lightly beaten eggs;
- spaghetti alla chitarra: prepared with durum wheat flour and water, a dough that allows you to get a pasta always al dente;
- scrippelle ‘nbusse: consist of traditional crispelle based on eggs, milk, salt and flour, sprinkled with plenty of grated cheese, rolled, cooked and served in chicken broth;
- sagne e fasciul: a sort of maltagliati prepared with only water and flour, perfect to accompany with beans;
- cicerchiata: a mountain of small balls of dough first fried and then sprinkled with honey and sugar, very similar to Neapolitan struffoli;
- Fiadoni: a kind of ravioli filled with flour, eggs, oil and white wine stuffed with hard cheese.
And to not miss anything, the advice is to accompany these super delicious dishes with an excellent local wine; the best ones to choose from are undoubtedly Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo and Pecorino.
Al Metrò: Found in San Salvo Marina, Al Metrò is a one-star Michelin restaurant that offers a delightful seafood dining experience. Led by chef Nicola Fossaceca, the restaurant emphasizes fresh, local seafood prepared with a creative and modern touch.
Bistrot 69 is a charming eatery located in Termini, Italy, offering a delightful blend of Italian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere. Known for its warm hospitality and inviting ambiance, Bistrot 69 has become a favorite spot for both locals and tourists alike. The menu features a variety of Italian classics, including seafood dishes, pizzas, and homemade pasta, all crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Fuoco 26 is a highly regarded restaurant located in Casalbordino, Italy, known for its exceptional meat dishes and traditional grill. Situated in Contrada Piana Sabelli, this restaurant offers a rustic yet elegant dining experience in a beautifully renovated farmhouse setting. Fuoco 26 specializes in high-quality, grilled meats, using both local and carefully sourced ingredients to ensure the best flavors.
