Where to Stay in the Abruzzo Region (Best Cities & Villages)

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Deciding on where to stay in Italy’s unspoiled region of Abruzzo? As both residents and admirers of Abruzzo, we got you covered!

Choosing where to stay within the entire region of Abruzzo can be challenging. It’s not exactly the same process as choosing where to stay in a condensed destination like Rome or Venice, where you know you’ll want to be in the heart of it all.

On top of this, Abruzzo isn’t particularly a small unvarying region, but instead, a bit of a mixed bag with many different shades to it.

From rolling hills, alpine pastures, medieval villages, and mountain peaks to pristine beaches, Abruzzo is a blend of many different features. In this guide, we’ve included the various cities, towns, and areas of Abruzzo that are the best places to stay depending on your interest.

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

QUICK LIST: Where to Stay in Abruzzo

The Essentials for Where to Stay in Abruzzo

✈️ To initially reach Abruzzo, you can search for flights to Pescara (Abruzzo Airport) or Rome. From either airport, rent a car to explore Abruzzo because public transportation is comparatively limited throughout the mountainous terrain.

🚉 If you do not plan on renting a car, choose to stay somewhere that is accessible by train. L’Aquila is the easiest to reach from Rome by train on the west side of Abruzzo. On the east coast of Abruzzo, there are many train stations in various coastal towns because the railway runs in parallel with the shoreline.

🗓 Take into consideration the time of year in which you are visiting in order to decide which area or town will suit you best.

🥾 For nature and enjoying the outdoors, choose a place to stay inland and near the Gran Sasso or Maiella National Park.

⛱ Beachgoers who are seeking a proper summer holiday should consider staying along the Trabocchi Coast, which also doubles down as the best place in Abruzzo for seafood.

🛌 Travellers who enjoy one-of-a-kind places to stay will highly appreciate the stunning Sextantio Albergo Diffuso hotel in the medieval village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio.

Where is Abruzzo Located & How to Get There?

The region of Abruzzo sits east of Lazio, the region in which Rome is located. While L’Aquila is the capital city of the region, Pescara is larger in size and also the location of Abruzzo’s international airport.

Abruzzo is considered to be part of central Italy and is blessed with a beautiful section of the Adriatic Sea coastline.

Although the region is not terribly far from the capital of Italy, it still remains an underrated and lesser-known destination for most non-Italian tourists. In other words, it’s one of the best hidden gems in Italy and an entire region that largely doesn’t experience unbearable crowds.

Many sections of Abruzzo are left in a natural state, meaning a large coverage area of the region is home to national parks and nature reserves.

The western half of Abruzzo consists of rugged terrain with towering peaks of the Apennine Mountains, dense forests, and hilltop towns dating back to the Medieval Ages.

Closer to the coastline, the landscape begins to mellow out, where you’ll find the famous Trabocchi Coast with its stunning beaches and rows of vineyards.

What is Abruzzo Known For?

Like every region in Italy, Abruzzo has its specialties and unique characteristics. Commonly known as the “Green Lung of Europe,” Abruzzo is widely recognized for its unspoiled nature.

Nearly half of its surface area is dedicated to national parks such as the Gran Sasso and Maiella, in addition to numerous nature reserves. Around 75% of all the flora and fauna that is native to the European continent can be found in this one region of Abruzzo.

👍 Read More: Is Abruzzo Worth Visiting?

The Great Outdoors

To understand Abruzzo, it’s easiest to look at the region as two halves. First, you have the mountain ranges situated inland and on the west side of the region.

This rugged landscape consists of the tallest peak in Abruzzo (Corno Grande), a picturesque alpine pasture (Campo Imperatore), and one of the highest-located castles in the country (Rocca Calascio).

Abruzzo is a beloved place for mountaineering, trekking, biking, and admiring the great outdoors.

The east coast is made up of a beautiful and unique shoreline called the Trabocchi Coast along the Adriatic Sea. The Trabocchi Coast is well-known for its historic fishing structures, which are rarely found anywhere else in Italy.

Naturally, the coast is dotted with coastal beach towns and an endless supply of gorgeous (and often sandy) beaches. Beaches are abundant, and crowds are in short supply when compared to other “must-see” places in Italy.

Both halves of Abruzzo are the perfect destination for travelers who are ready to get off the beaten path in Italy and dive into a more genuine experience.

Authenticity & Local Products

Abruzzo is often said to be one of the most authentic regions in Italy, due to little influence from other cultures over the course of history. Traditions, crafts, festivals and tasks from decades past are still practiced and celebrated in the many proud towns of Abruzzo.

Products including Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (red wine), arrosticini (lamb skewers), and spaghetti alla chitarra (pasta) are just a few notable contributions from the Abruzzo region in the culinary category.

🛵 Fun Fact: The inventor of Italy’s world renowned Vespa brand and scooter was born in Popoli, a small town in Abruzzo.

The Best Time to Visit Abruzzo

Depending on what you’re most interested in experiencing, Abruzzo can easily be a year-round place to visit. Still, based on our own observations while residing in the Abruzzo region, we’ve noticed a couple of trends surrounding tourism.

Summer

Summers are consistently hot, which means Abruzzo’s beaches are in full effect. However, for an idyllic beach vacation, you do not have to plan a trip to the Trabocchi Coast only in the summer.

Abruzzo’s waterfront destinations still remain pleasantly warm during the month of September or as early as May. This is typically when we find ourselves to be completely alone at the beaches in Abruzzo!

NOTE: If you’re visiting the coast of Abruzzo from June to August, it doesn’t guarantee that all restaurants and beach clubs will be open. Many establishments are seasonal and closed from October to April.

July and August are the absolute best times to tour Abruzzo and visit historic towns or villages. While many of the lesser populated towns are sleepy throughout the rest of the year, they all seem to come to life during these two summer months.

There are countless events, festivals, and street fairs which provide the best energy and atmosphere for anyone visiting.

During July and August is also when most Italians travel or take time off work. You will commonly see many Italians who live in larger cities, come back to quieter areas of Abruzzo to visit their families.

Winter

The various national parks, mountain massifs, and ski resorts are undoubtedly clear reasons to visit Abruzzo in the winter time. Mountain villages are often covered in a blanket of fresh snow, and the slopes are abundant for both experienced skiers or kids learning for the first time.

During the winter time, you’ll also regularly come across many Christmas markets and holiday traditions within Abruzzo, which makes December one of the most enchanting times to experience the region.

Where to Stay in Abruzzo in the Winter

If you’re searching for where to stay in Abruzzo during the winter months, skiing may likely be part of your itinerary. Although there aren’t a ton of Abruzzo ski resorts, compared to a destination like the Dolomites, there are a few places in Abruzzo that are fantastic for a winter getaway.

These are the best places to stay in Abruzzo for the some holiday magic in December or in prime snowy conditions.

Pescocostanzo

The charming community of Pescocostanzo has been granted admission to Italy’s “most beautiful villages” club. Pescocostanzo is a small town located nearly 1,400 meters above sea level and within the Maiella National Park.

The town is located at the base of a modest set of ski lifts (Vallefura). Whether you’re hitting the slopes or not, this picture-perfect village makes for one cozy holiday.

Roccaraso

Roccaraso is the closest winter resort town to the ski area of Aremogna and its surroundings. Consisting of several ski lifts and runs, it’s even a popular choice for Italians traveling from nearby Naples or Rome looking for winter sports.

The admiration for Roccaraso as a destination has caused a bit of a boom in accommodation, which means there’s no shortage of newly constructed or renovated vacation apartments, hotels, and chalets to enjoy a winter in Abruzzo.

In addition to the ski slopes, Roccaraso is only home to an ice rink and Christmas market which is regularly open during the winter season.

Assergi

Nestled at the base below the highest peak in Abruzzo is the village of Assergi. If you’re particularly interested in visiting the Gran Sasso National Park and riding the funicular up for skiing, Assergi is the best base due to its proximity to the mountains.

Assergi is a sleepy quintessential old town filled with cobblestone streets and stone buildings.

The cable car departs from the lower town of Fonte Cerreto and takes visitors to Campo Imperatore, arguably the most scenic mountain landscape of the Apennine range. For lift information, it’s recommended to check the Gran Sasso website as a direct resource.

The Best Places to Stay In Abruzzo for Nature & History

Lago di Barrea

The artificial lake of Lago di Barrea makes for one of the most recognized sceneries in Abruzzo. You’ll find two charming towns on either end of the lake with mountain views in nearly every direction.

Hiking trails that lead through forests and to waterfalls, alpine pastures, and mountain ridgelines are abundant. In the hillside town of Civitella Alfedena, you can also visit a sanctuary for regional wolves.

The picture-perfect town of Barrea is a hidden gem and among the best places to unwind while enjoying Abruzzo’s nature.

Pacentro

Pacentro is often shown as the “poster child” for the Abruzzo region. With that being said, it’s no surprise that it’s considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and possibly the most photogenic in Abruzzo.

While the village is home to fewer than 1,500 residents, the medieval town centre is impeccably taken care of, maintained, and preserved for travelers who enjoy stepping back in time.

The backdrop of Pacentro features surrounding mountain peaks, as the town itself is squeezed into the hillside.

Throughout the village, there are art exhibits, historic narrow pathways and a castle at the top.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio

The sleepy and quiet village of Santo Stefano di Sessanio is located within the Gran Sasso National Park and feels like an open-air museum.

Each corner of Santo Stefano di Sessanio is reminiscent of a simpler time, with medieval tunnel passageways, petite storefronts, and impressive stonework on every building. The entire center of this village looks like a movie set.

While Santo Stefano di Sessanio is off the radar for many tourists, it’s surprisingly home to some of the most incredibly unique and beautiful hotels in Abruzzo.

Designers and architects have harnessed the rustic character of the village and created spaces for visitors to have a one-of-a-kind experience while visiting this fairytale town.

Where to Stay for the Best Beaches in Abruzzo

The beaches in Abruzzo are nowhere near as widely known as those of the Sorrento Peninsula, the island of Sardinia, or the coastline of Genoa. Thanks to this, Abruzzo’s beaches are one of the region’s biggest secrets and a point of interest for those who either know about it or are ready to escape mass tourism in Italy.

While the entirety of Abruzzo’s coastline is worth seeing, the most iconic and picturesque area is the Trabocchi Coast. The coastline stretches over 40 km between the cities of Ortona and Vasto.

Dotted along the Trabocchi Coast are the historic fishing huts which the coastline is named after – a trabucco. A majority of them are no longer used for fishing purposes, but instead have been transformed into seafood restaurants.

The fishing structures are built out of wood and on stilts within the sea, creating one of the most atmospheric and unique places to dine in Italy.

The Trabocchi Coast primarily consists of beaches with sand or small pebbles. What really makes the coastline stand out is the shallow water and rock barriers in place to minimize waves for a pleasant swimming experience.

It is ideal for anyone visiting the beach with young kids.

The best towns to stay in along the Trabocchi Coast include Marina di San Vito, Fossacesia Marina and Marina di Vasto.

🛌 Where to Stay on the Trabocchi Coast

Marina di Vasto

ALKIMIA – Best Boutique Hotel

Residenza Borgo degli Ulivi – Best Pool and View

VILLA ACTEA – Best Room in a Traditional Villa

Fossacesia Marina

All’altezza del Mare – Best 2-Bedroom Apartment

Villa Marinella – Best Guest House

Terrazza sul Golfo di Venere – Best Seaview Terrace

Marina di San Vito

Terrazza sui Trabocchi – Best Apartment with Seaview

Il Rifugio del Pescatore – Best Place to Stay for Families

Case Vacanze I Trabocchi – Best Access to Waterfront Bike Path

The Best Abruzzo Cities and Big Towns to Stay In

Vasto

As quite possibly one of the most overlooked coastal cities in Italy, Vasto is a delightful treat for anyone who enjoys staying in the historic centers of Italian towns. Vasto is as historic as it is picturesque, with roots dating back to the Roman era.

Ancient architecture and aristocratic buildings still remain for visitors to enjoy to this day, all while serving as a balcony with a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea below.

Vasto lacks any sense of commercial feel and has no shortage of places to shop, landmarks to visit and places to eat.

Sulmona

The medieval town of Sulmona is located on the site of a prehistoric lake, which has since disappeared. Once a thriving hub for central Italy, a colossal aqueduct was constructed in the 1200s and still stands in the center of Sulmona.

Sulmona is classically good-looking, offering an excellent mix of culture, art, and nature, given its close proximity to the Maiella National Park and National Park of Abruzzo. One of Sulmona’s most known contributions to the rest of Italy is the art ofconfetti candy.

L’Aquila

L’Aquila is both a province and a city in Abruzzo. History runs very deep through this town where you’ll find Roman amphitheaters, Medieval water fountains, and a fossil skeleton of a mammoth housed in the Forte Spagnolo fortress.

If you’re choosing an overall base for where to stay in Abruzzo and want to be near Rome, L’Aquila is one of the most convenient choices.

Rome and L’Aquila are connected by a short 1.5-hour train ride, while getting to the Adriatic Sea from L’Aquila takes roughly the same amount of time.

L’Aquila is also the gateway to the Gran Sasso National Park, an excellent playground for outdoor lovers.

Where to Stay in Abruzzo for Wine & Food

Fara San Martino

The unassuming town of Fara San Martino is located within the Maiella National Park. It is also home to a manufacturer of several pasta brands known all over the world, such as De Cecco and Delverde, which has earned the town the nickname of the “capital of pasta.”

What is particularly striking about Fara San Martino’s pasta history is that the pasta produced in this location uses the spring water from the “green river,” which flows through this beautiful town.

For connoisseurs of pasta or anyone looking to go straight to the source, Fara San Martino is a must visit.

Chieti & Lanciano

Both of these towns are located inland and consist of lovely historic centers. Chieti and Lanciano both manage to offer a “big city feel” without actually being an overwhelmingly large city with little character.

They’re vibrant, youthful, full of exciting restaurants and bars, some of which even dare to innovate. If you’re searching for where to stay in Abruzzo where you’ll have a ton of options for where to eat regional cuisine, Chieti and Lanciano easily hit the mark!

Vallevò

Situated along the Trabocchi Coast, Vallevò is a neighborhood within close proximity to many seafood restaurants located in historic trabucco (or trabocco) fishing huts. The combination of the sensational quality of seafood along with the experience of dining (quite literally) out at sea, is unmissable for any food-centric traveler.

The top rated trabucco restaurants near Vallevò include:

Sasso della Cajana Trabocco

Punta Tufano Trabocco

Valle Grotte Trabocco

Abruzzo 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

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