Is Abruzzo Worth Visiting? Best Things to Do and See

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Situated in central Italy and on the opposite coast of Rome is the undiscovered region of Abruzzo.

The region is sprawling with natural wonders, national parks, charming villages, an underrated gastronomy scene, and incredible beaches. What does it lack? An overwhelming scene of tourists, cheap souvenir shops, and overpriced slices of pizza.

With all it has to offer, Abruzzo just might be Italy’s best-kept secret. In this guide, discover the best things to do, places to visit and all the reasons why Abruzzo is 100% worth visiting.

❗️This post was 100% written by a human author based on real-life experiences without the use of AI-generated content or images.

Reasons Why Abruzzo is Italy’s Best Kept Secret

Abruzzo is Authentic

Comparatively, Abruzzo is one of Italy’s least influenced regions by another culture or country. For example, the northern regions of Italy are heavily influenced from neighbouring countries such as Austria and Switzerland.

In the south, Sicily was once ruled by the Arabs and remains of this time period still heavily linger among the island. Naturally, these types of fusions have impacted various Italian regions and are reflected in food, traditions, and even language.

Abruzzo is unique because it has for the most part been left untouched. Its culture is very much authentic to the quintessential Italian lifestyle that we as foreigners have heard so much about.

It’s Not Overrun by Tourists

As an entire region, Abruzzo is still considered a hidden gem when it comes to places to visit in Italy. It is rare to visit a town, historical landmark or attraction in Abruzzo and find yourself among tons of other tourists, tour buses or crappy souvenirs being sold.

Tourism in Abruzzo is not obnoxious. The integrity and experience of any place you’ll visit in the region is intact. This is something that definitely can’t be said for other popular places in Italy like Tuscany, Rome or Venice.

Of course, it is not a ghost town by any means. In the summer, many travellers begin to gather on the coastline. Still, the crowds aren’t unbearable and you will almost never sense that you are in the middle of a tourist trap.

Abruzzo is Affordable

The prices in Abruzzo are much lower than what you’d come across in popular tourist hot spots in Italy. It is not inflated to take into account mass tourism.

Pricing for accommodation, groceries, and going out to eat are incredibly reasonable. Especially when compared to any region of Italy that’s north of Rome. If you’re looking to visit Italy on a budget, Abruzzo ranks as one of the top destinations in Italy where basic necessities cost the least.

You can find a caffè (espresso) for €1 and place to stay for under €50/night.

It Has Everything You’d Want in One Region

Abruzzo is guaranteed to impress any type of traveler because it simply has everything. This is a bold statement but it’s true!

Picturesque rolling hills filled with vineyards and farmland? Check. Epic mountain ranges and national parks? Multiple. A long stretch of coastline with sandy beaches? Yes!

One of Abruzzo’s most intriguing features is the number of fairytale-like hilltop towns you’ll come across without even trying. Abruzzo is severely underrated for its medieval ruins and well-preserved historic villages.

Let’s not forget about the foodies and wine lovers who will also easily fall in love with Abruzzo at first sight. Ever heard of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and arrosticini? Oh, you will now!

What more could you ask for from a trip to Italy?

What Is Abruzzo Known For?

There are a few places and symbols of Abruzzo that the region is most known for (both within Italy and worldwide). If you’re short on time or just want the overview, stop here for the best of the best.

National Parks

The Abruzzo National Park is among the most well-preserved conservation and wildlife areas in Italy. It is home to various animal species including bears, wolves, foxes, deer and more. Outdoor lovers flock to the Abruzzo National Park for hiking, mountaineering, biking, and its ski resorts for winter sports.

Throughout Abruzzo, you’ll also find additional national parks including the Gran Sasso National Park, Maiella National Park, and the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. Abruzzo’s national parks are considered to be part of central Italy’s Apennine Mountains.

Frequently known as the “green lung of Europe,” Abruzzo is home to 75% of the living species found throughout Europe, all in one concentrated region. Nearly half of the entire region is dedicated to wildlife and nature reservation.

The Trabocchi Coast

Alongside the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo’s famous Trabocchi Coast extends 54 km (33 miles) long. This is where you’ll find the region’s best beaches. It is also renowned for the historic fishing structures (known as the trabucco) which still stand today and define the coastline’s landscape.

Many tourists zone in on the Trabocchi Coast as a unique dining destination. A handful of trabucco structures are now converted into incredible seafood restaurants which allow diners to enjoy a meal directly out on the water.

→ Read More: Best Beaches and Restaurants on the Trabocchi Coast ←

Rocca Calascio

Each region of Italy has a symbol to its name and Rocca Calascio is definitely Abruzzo’s. At 1,500 meters above sea level, the castle is among the highest fortifications in Italy. More famously, it’s also been used as a film set in the movie Ladyhawke.

The fortress is believed to have been constructed in the 10th century and overlooks into the distance of the region as well as the mountain peaks of the Gran Sasso. The Rocca Calascio has undoubtedly become the most picture perfect “must see” attraction in Abruzzo.

→ 🏰 Book a tour to Rocca Calascio ←

Medieval Villages

The large number of medieval villages (borghi medievali in Italian) are a reason alone why Abruzzo is worth visiting.

While tourists overrun the small streets of Tuscan towns, the historic communities in Abruzzo are just as impressive, ancient and picturesque. Best of all, they’re not touristy.

Given the mountainous landscape of Abruzzo, a majority of the historic towns are also constructed on hilltops and cliffsides for that extra dramatic touch.

→ Read More: The Best Towns in Abruzzo, Italy ←

Abruzzesi Food & Wine

Like each region in Italy, Abruzzo has a staple cuisine and distinct products that are worth traveling to Abruzzo for. First, the type of wine for which Abruzzo is famous is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

It is primarily defined by its very dark red, almost burgundy, color and hints of fruit. The beloved Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is among the top red wines consumed in all of Italy.

You’ll find a handful of unique dishes for which Abruzzo is known, but without a doubt, arrosticini is the most favored.

Derived from centuries-old tradition, arrosticini is more than just skewered lamb meat that you won’t be able to get enough of. It is sold fresh at nearly every butcher shop and frequently found at town events or cooked at home for parties.

Abruzzo is the birthplace of Maccheroni alla Chitarra (also known as spaghetti alla chitarra), a type of pasta shape. However, this pasta goes beyond just the shape and is more about how it’s made.

This pasta is produced on a specific tool with a component that resembles the strings of a guitar, hence the name of the pasta.

→ 🍝 Book a home cooking demonstration of Abruzzesi cuisine ←

11 Best Things to Do in Abruzzo, Italy

1. Hit the Bike Path Along the Adriatic Coast

Known as the Via Verde della Costa dei Trabocchi, this epic bike path stretches almost 50 km along the Adriatic Coast. It is among the most beautiful scenic bike paths in all of Italy and runs in parallel with the best beaches in Abruzzo.

There are plans to continue the extension of the Via Verde Bike Path but for now, you can seamlessly ride from Ortona to San Salvo Marina.

2. Dine at a Trabucco for a Unique Seafood Experience

The Trabocchi Coast received its name thanks to the historic fishing huts that are posted up and down the coast of Abruzzo. A trabucco is built out of wood with various pulley systems that were originally intended for fishing, a method that is centuries old.

They are located offshore, directly within the sea water and constructed to withstand even the harshest of storms.

Today, a majority of the trabucco sites have been converted into seafood restaurants and allow diners to have one of the most unique and immersive gastronomy experiences. This memorable novelty is among the most popular reasons why Abruzzo is worth visiting.

3. Visit the Bear and Wolf Wildlife Sanctuaries

Endangered bears and wolves are protected within the Abruzzo National Park. Although wild sightings are increasingly rare throughout the region, there are places in Abruzzo where you can intentionally go to see wildlife.

The Area Faunistica dell’Orso Bruno is a conservation area for bears that have been rescued and are now kept in semi-free captivity. The preservation area is open to the public with guided tours and located at the base of the Maiella Mountain.

Near Lake Barrea is where a similar wildlife conservation is located, but for wolves. The Area Faunistica del Lupo includes a museum in addition to a vast outdoor area where you can witness the wolves in their natural habitat.

For any wildlife enthusiasts or travelers with kids, these are a must-do activity while visiting Abruzzo.

4. Tour the Charming Hilltop Towns and Villages of Abruzzo

Towns and villages with origins as early as the 11th century are not difficult to find in the region of Abruzzo. In fact, these historic communities are one of the most intriguing reasons that make visiting Abruzzo worth it.

Visiting the old towns of Abruzzo is the closest experience to stepping back in time because much of the exterior infrastructure in town centres has not changed.

Not only are the comunes full of history, a great majority of them are interestingly constructed in the most striking locations. You’ll see countless villages built on top of hillsides, rocky mountains and into cliffs.

5. Swim in the Sangro River

The Sangro River is among the longest rivers in the Abruzzo region and drains into the Adriatic Sea. Historically, it is also famous for being a battleground during World War II, defined by a prominent clash between the British Army and German forces established along the Gustav Line.

Today, the river is drama-free and one of the most beautiful places to cool off during the summer.

The Sangro River runs through many towns within Abruzzo, but one of the most breathtaking natural pools is located in the town of Villa Santa Maria. If you’re looking to take a break from the beach or go where the locals do, this is a must-see spot in Abruzzo.

6. Spend the Day at the Beach

Among the most renowned reasons why Abruzzo is worth visiting is the Trabocchi Coast and its gorgeous beaches. With a combination of hidden coves, pebble beaches, and even sandy beaches, there is no shortage of places to spend the day under the sun.

If you’re the type who enjoys a good beach club, you’ll find an abundance of them in one of Abruzzo’s more popular beach towns like Fossacesia Marina and Marina di Vasto.

The beaches in Abruzzo are also commonly blocked by wave barriers made out of stones. This means the water is kept relatively calm and shallow, ideal for families with young children.

7. Explore the Gran Sasso and the Maiella National Park

The Gran Sasso National Park is enormous, covering three different provinces of the Abruzzo region and is the third largest national park in Italy.

The highest peak among the Gran Sasso massif is the Corno Grande, which sits just over 2,900 meters above sea level and is the tallest summit in the Apennines Mountains. Within the heart of the national park is Campo Imperatore, an incredibly beautiful plateau that reaches 1,900 meters.

Largely located in the Chieti province, the Maiella National Park is comprised of peaks, more than half of which are over 2,000 meters tall.

It is a paradise for hikers, trail runners, and horseback riding with almost 130 various trailheads. Over 2,200 different types of flora and fauna grow within the Maiella National Park.

8. Hike to Rocca Calascio

As one of the most celebrated symbols of the region, Abruzzo’s Rocca Calascio has been deemed so picturesque that it’s even featured as a film setting in a handful of productions.

The medieval fortress is located about the nearly abandoned village of Calascio and is known to have origins from the 10th century. Reaching the fortress requires a short trek because the path to the top is only accessible on foot.

Rocca Calascio is free to visit and offers panoramic views of Abruzzo’s valleys and the surrounding mountain peaks of the Gran Sasso. Without question, it’s one of the most picture-perfect sceneries in the entire country.

9. Ride the Italian Trans-Siberian Railway

Beginning in the town of Sulmona, travelers can jump on a historic train from the 1930s and ride through the scenic landscape of the Maiella National Park. The dreamy ride takes you through mountains, tunnels, around lakes and through forests.

The Italian Trans-Siberian Railway journey first made its debut in the late 1800s but is not a novelty experience for riders looking to step back in time. It is one of the highest train rides in Italy, reaching an altitude of 1,269 meters at the Pescocostanzo station.

The historic train is one of the most unique reasons that make Abruzzo worth visiting. To view the upcoming dates of the Italian Trans-Siberian Railway, head here.

10. Visit the Capital of Pasta

The unassuming town of Fara San Martino is often known as the Capital of Pasta. Nestled at the base of the Maiella Mountain, the town is home to one of the most prominent pasta factories which produces world-known brands like De Cecco and Delverde.

Both of these pasta companies share the same secret when it comes to their production – the water.

The town of Fara San Martino is located on the bed of the Sorgenti del Fiume Verde (green river) which is a source of spring water. This particular water is used in the manufacturing process at the nearby pasta factories, which clearly, makes a world of difference!

11. Book a Wine Tasting Tour

Abruzzo’s native wine is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, which is typically grown in the vineyards along the Adriatic Sea. It is described by its bold and deep red color, dry and non-acidic taste, and high alcoholic flavor.

Although it is one of the most common red wines consumed throughout Italy, it is not a fancy type of wine, which rightly reflects the Abruzzo region in its personality. It’s a dependable wine, wholesome, modest, and well-rounded.

If you’re a wine lover, make sure to book a wine tasting and vineyard tour at one of the top rated wineries in Abruzzo.

• Vini Naviganti
• Dora Sarchese
• Tenuta Ferrante
• Azienda Agricola La Vinarte
• Cantina Orsogna
• Il Feuduccio
• Contesa Azienda Agricola

How to Get to Abruzzo Italy

By Plane

Although the main city of the Abruzzo region is L’Aquila, the only international airport is in the city of Pescara.

The Abruzzo Airport serves flights to Abruzzo from major cities within Europe and can be super cost effective with low budget airlines like Wizz Air and Vueling. However, flying to the Abruzzo Airport is unfortunately only beneficial during the summer and flights are often not even available during the winter.

→ ✈️ Find flights to Pescara Airport ←

Alternatively, you can much more easily find flights to Rome or Naples in order to reach Abruzzo. Rome and Naples both have larger international airports which serve direct flights from outside Europe, like the U.S.

By Train and Bus

L’Aquila and the western side of Abruzzo is easily accessed from Rome or even Naples by train. The capital of L’Aquila can be reached by railway in less than two hours from Rome. From Naples, there is a direct train ride to Isernia (Molise region) that only takes 1.5 hours.

→ 🚉 Find routes and train tickets to L’Aquila from Rome ←

On the east side of Abruzzo, the train tracks run along the entirety of the Adriatic coastline. This means, reaching Abruzzo from northern or southern Italy is straightforward. You can even catch a direct train to Venice from Pescara!

Bus transportation throughout the region is widely taken advantage of by locals who are simply commuting on a regular basis. For long-haul bus rides that get you to Abruzzo from other parts of Italy, search for routes through Flixbus.

Getting Around Abruzzo

Getting to Abruzzo by train or bus is the easy part. Once you are there, then comes the challenge of efficiently getting around the region, which frankly, isn’t easy with the use of public transportation.

To make Abruzzo worth visiting, it’s recommended you tour the region by car. Driving around Abruzzo will ensure you’re able to visit the region’s national parks, outdoor attractions, hidden gems, and remote villages.

Abruzzo is unfortunately not at the point where traveling around without a car is convenient (unless you’re open to a lot of bicycling).

→ 🚙 Find an inexpensive rental car for your Abruzzo trip ←

Guided Tour

Abruzzo’s popularity is growing, and there are now guided tours you can book which include transportation. This is a great solution for those who are perhaps visiting Rome but want to include a bit of Abruzzo into their existing itinerary.

For anyone who is particularly set on not renting a car, a guided tour is the best possible solution for exploring Abruzzo with the least amount of effort.

→ 🚐 Book a multi-day tour of Abruzzo from Rome ←

The Best Time to Visit Abruzzo, Italy

A large majority of the Abruzzo region is located at high altitude. During the winter season, it can get very cold and snowfall is typical. Unless you are specifically interested in winter sports and visiting Abruzzo’s ski resorts, winter in Abruzzo can be limited for travel.

To take advantage of nature at its fullest, Abruzzo is most worth visiting during the summer season. Temperatures are not uncomfortably high which makes spending time outdoors in the sun very pleasant.

The summer months are the ideal time to visit Abruzzo’s national parks, the beaches, lakes and hiking trails.

For experiencing art, culture, and festivals, it’s advised to visit Abruzzo in the month of August. It is guaranteed that you’ll find an event to attend each day of the week, located in a different town or village throughout the region.

Unquestionably, August in Abruzzo is the time of year that the region feels the most alive.

→ ☀️ Search for summer flights to Abruzzo Airport ←

Final Thoughts: Is Abruzzo Worth Visiting?

Whether it’s your first time in Italy or your tenth, the answer is YES, Abruzzo is worth a visit. These are the top reasons why you should begin planning your trip to Abruzzo.

• The region is comprised of everything that makes for the perfect travel destination. Mountains, beaches, medieval villages, vineyards and coastal cities – all in one place!
• The Gran Sasso National Park, Abruzzo National Park, and Maiella National Park are among the most beautiful in Italy and favored among outdoor lovers.
• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine and arrosticini are alone some of the top reasons why Abruzzo is worth visiting.
• Comparatively, Abruzzo is not a tourist destination, which makes it feel enormously more genuine and enjoyable.
• Hotels, vacation rentals, groceries, and restaurant prices are affordable and make Abruzzo a fantastic choice for anyone looking to visit Italy on a budget.

Abruzzo, Italy Travel Resources

☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

✈️ FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

🚊 TRAINS & BUSES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

🛳 FERRIES: Direct Ferries

🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

☎️ ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

📸 TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator