Abruzzo
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Latest page update: 22 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Abruzzo
Abruzzo offers a strong selection of highly rated hotels that reflect the region’s contrasting landscapes, from its Adriatic coastline to the mountain towns of the Apennines. In Pescara, Hotel Victoria provides a central base close to the beach and main shopping streets, with contemporary interiors, attentive service and a well-regarded breakfast. Also in the city, G Hotel Pescara is a modern property near the railway station, appreciated for its spacious rooms, parking facilities and convenient location for exploring both the city and surrounding coast. Further along the shore, Hotel Villa Maria in Francavilla al Mare offers sea views, a spa and swimming pool within landscaped gardens overlooking the Adriatic.
In the mountains, Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Santo Stefano di Sessanio is one of Abruzzo’s most distinctive hotels, featuring restored stone houses that preserve the character of the medieval village while providing modern comfort. Nearby, Hotel Campo Imperatore in the Gran Sasso area is a historic mountain lodge known for its role in wartime history, attracting visitors interested in hiking, skiing and panoramic alpine scenery. In Roccaraso, Hotel Garnì Astoria offers a comfortable base for the ski slopes, with mountain views and a family-run atmosphere.
In L’Aquila, Hotel Federico II is a well-established city hotel, combining traditional design with a central position for visiting the city’s historic core. Hotel Castello di Septe near Lanciano provides a countryside setting within a restored castle, featuring gardens, a restaurant and facilities for weddings and events.
On the coast near Vasto, Palazzo Florio offers boutique accommodation in a 19th-century palazzo with elegant interiors and proximity to the beaches. Completing the selection, Villa Maiella in Guardiagrele is known for its culinary focus, combining a Michelin-starred restaurant with comfortable rooms, attracting visitors interested in food, tradition and the nearby Maiella National Park.
In the mountains, Sextantio Albergo Diffuso in Santo Stefano di Sessanio is one of Abruzzo’s most distinctive hotels, featuring restored stone houses that preserve the character of the medieval village while providing modern comfort. Nearby, Hotel Campo Imperatore in the Gran Sasso area is a historic mountain lodge known for its role in wartime history, attracting visitors interested in hiking, skiing and panoramic alpine scenery. In Roccaraso, Hotel Garnì Astoria offers a comfortable base for the ski slopes, with mountain views and a family-run atmosphere.
In L’Aquila, Hotel Federico II is a well-established city hotel, combining traditional design with a central position for visiting the city’s historic core. Hotel Castello di Septe near Lanciano provides a countryside setting within a restored castle, featuring gardens, a restaurant and facilities for weddings and events.
On the coast near Vasto, Palazzo Florio offers boutique accommodation in a 19th-century palazzo with elegant interiors and proximity to the beaches. Completing the selection, Villa Maiella in Guardiagrele is known for its culinary focus, combining a Michelin-starred restaurant with comfortable rooms, attracting visitors interested in food, tradition and the nearby Maiella National Park.
Where is
Where is Abruzzo?
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Situated between a stretch of the Adriatic coast to the east and the Apennines to the west, Abruzzo is a region of diverse landscapes from rugged mountain plateaus to sunny seaside towns. With a population of under 1.5 million, Abruzzo is one of the least populous regions of Italy.
It shares borders with three other Italian regions: Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and Molise to the south. Until 1963, Abruzzo and Molise were joined together as one region known as the Abruzzi. |
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Regione Abruzzo
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Regional capital: L'Aquila
Population: 1,269,963 (in 2024 - source) Size: 10,763 km² Provinces: 4 Highlights: Gran Sasso, Rocca Calascio, Campo Imperatore |
What People Ask About Abruzzo
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Discover Abruzzo
Abruzzo's four provinces
Abruzzo's capital city is L'Aquila which suffered a devastating earthquake in 2009, but work on rebuilding the city to its former glories continues apace. L'Aquila is also the name of one of the four provinces of Abruzzo, with the other three taking the name of the region's other major cities: Pescara, Teramo and Chieti.
Pescara is an important travel hub of Abruzzo: from here you can take a ferry across the Adriatic to Croatia, while Pescara Abruzzo International Airport is the region's only airport.
Pescara is an important travel hub of Abruzzo: from here you can take a ferry across the Adriatic to Croatia, while Pescara Abruzzo International Airport is the region's only airport.
The Adriatic coastline of Abruzzo
During the summer, it's Abruzzo's coastline that attracts most visitors; a series of seaside towns and beach resorts are spaced out at regular intervals with the highlights including the town of Vasto and its beach equivalent, Marina di Vasto.
The towns of Giulianova and Ortona offer a mixture of history and coastline, while the resorts of Silvi Marina and Marina di San Vito have long stretches of sandy beach
The towns of Giulianova and Ortona offer a mixture of history and coastline, while the resorts of Silvi Marina and Marina di San Vito have long stretches of sandy beach
The three national parks of Abruzzo
However, what really sets Abruzzo apart from other Italian regions is its rugged hinterland. Three of Italy's national parks are in Abruzzo, including the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, Majella National Park and the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park which it shares with those two neighbouring regions.
The national parks along with smaller regional parks such as Sirente Velino offer a range of opportunities from skiing in the winter to all-year-round activity holidays. Abruzzo's top ski resorts include the towns of Roccaraso and nearby Rivisondoli as well as Assergi which is close to L'Aquila.
The national parks along with smaller regional parks such as Sirente Velino offer a range of opportunities from skiing in the winter to all-year-round activity holidays. Abruzzo's top ski resorts include the towns of Roccaraso and nearby Rivisondoli as well as Assergi which is close to L'Aquila.
The Gran Sasso
Some of the most spectacular scenery in the region can be found at Campo Imperatore, 30 kilometres east of L'Aquila and part of the Gran Sasso area. The deserted mountain plateau offers peace and quiet as well as a series of fascinating diversions close by.
If you have a car, this is one of the best places in Italy to drive and it's just a short distance to one of the most iconic locations in Abruzzo: Rocca Calascio. The tiny village of Calascio sits at the bottom of a steep hill, at the top of which you'll find the ruins of a medieval fortress. At some 1,460 metres above sea level, this is the highest point of the Apennines and offers unparalleled panoramas across the region.
If you have a car, this is one of the best places in Italy to drive and it's just a short distance to one of the most iconic locations in Abruzzo: Rocca Calascio. The tiny village of Calascio sits at the bottom of a steep hill, at the top of which you'll find the ruins of a medieval fortress. At some 1,460 metres above sea level, this is the highest point of the Apennines and offers unparalleled panoramas across the region.
Off the beaten path and back in time
The vast territories of Abruzzo conceal fascinating histories; for years it was faster/safer to travel to the Italian capital of Rome by sea as the Apennine passes were so treacherous before roads were built.
This meant the likes of Abruzzo and Molise were somewhat cut off from the modern world and there are still many places within the region that make you feel as though you're stepping back in time. The town of Roccascalegna is one such place; its own hilltop fortress must have seemed impregnable in years past and now in modern times makes for a fascinating day out.
This meant the likes of Abruzzo and Molise were somewhat cut off from the modern world and there are still many places within the region that make you feel as though you're stepping back in time. The town of Roccascalegna is one such place; its own hilltop fortress must have seemed impregnable in years past and now in modern times makes for a fascinating day out.
Sulmona and around
One of the most historic and beautiful towns in Abruzzo is Sulmona which also acts as a great base from which to explore the nearby Majella National Park. Sulmona sits at the northern tip of a roughly circular driving route; 60 kilometres south brings you to the lakeside town of Barrea with some breathtaking scenery along the way at towns such as Anversa degli Abruzzi, Opi and Scanno.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Abruzzo
- L’Aquila and the Spanish Fort reflect the city’s mix of medieval history and post-earthquake restoration. The 16th-century Forte Spagnolo houses the National Museum of Abruzzo, while the city centre includes the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, Renaissance palaces, and mountain views from nearby lookout points.
- Gran Sasso and Campo Imperatore form the heart of the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, with alpine meadows, peaks, and hiking trails. Campo Imperatore, known as “Little Tibet,” sits on a high plateau beneath Corno Grande and is also a winter ski area with a historic mountain hotel.
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Rocca Calascio showcase Abruzzo’s fortified hill towns and mountain landscapes. Santo Stefano is a restored medieval village with stone houses and narrow streets, while Rocca Calascio, one of the highest fortresses in Italy, offers panoramic views over the Apennines.
- Sulmona and the Piazza Garibaldi are set at the foot of the Majella mountains, known for Baroque churches, aqueduct arches, and traditional confetti (sugar-coated almonds). The town hosts historical festivals and is a base for exploring the gorges and trails of Majella National Park.
- Costa dei Trabocchi and the Wooden Fishing Piers run along the Adriatic coast south of Ortona, with traditional fishing machines set on stilts above the sea. Some trabocchi have been converted into seafood restaurants, and a coastal cycle path now follows the old railway line beside beaches and cliffs.
- Pescara and the Museo Casa Natale di Gabriele D’Annunzio blend a modern seaside city with literary history. The museum preserves the birthplace of the poet and nationalist figure, while Pescara also offers sandy beaches, a marina, and a lively seafront promenade lined with cafés and bars.
- Scanno and the Heart-Shaped Lake lie within the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, surrounded by forests and high mountain ridges. The historic town is known for lace-making and traditional dress, while the lake below is popular for swimming and walking, with a viewpoint showing its heart shape.
- Chieti and the National Archaeological Museum feature Roman remains, a cathedral with panoramic views, and one of Italy’s most important archaeological collections. The museum, located in the neoclassical Villa Frigerj, includes artefacts from the ancient Marrucini and Roman periods.
- Atri and the Calanchi Landscape include a historic town with a Romanesque cathedral, Renaissance cloisters, and views over the Adriatic. Just outside the town, the calanchi—deep gullies formed by erosion—create a unique clay landscape protected within a regional nature reserve.
- Civitella del Tronto and the Bourbon Fortress are located near the Marche border, with one of the largest fortified complexes in Italy. The ramparts and underground tunnels can be visited, and the hilltop town below retains its medieval layout with stone alleys and distant views of the Gran Sasso.
Tours and Activities
Abruzzo Tours and Activities
What to Eat
What to Eat in Abruzzo
- Arrosticini – Small skewers of mutton or lamb, grilled over charcoal and sprinkled with salt, often served with rustic bread and red wine. Originating from shepherding traditions in the Apennines, they are now one of Abruzzo’s most iconic street foods.
- Maccheroni alla chitarra – Square-edged spaghetti made by pressing pasta dough through a stringed wooden frame called a chitarra. Typically served with lamb or beef ragù, it is the most traditional pasta shape in the region, especially around Teramo.
- Scrippelle 'mbusse – Thin crepes rolled and served in hot meat broth with grated pecorino, typical of the Teramo area. A comforting first course, it is often eaten at family gatherings and Sunday lunches, especially in colder months.
- Timballo abruzzese – A layered pasta bake made with thin crepes, ragù, meatballs, hard-boiled eggs, and cheese, similar to a lasagne. It is prepared for special occasions such as Easter or weddings and reflects the region’s love of rich, celebratory dishes.
- Pallotte cace e ove – Fried balls made from cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg, simmered in tomato sauce and served as a meatless main or starter. This is a classic example of cucina povera, traditionally eaten during Lent or by families avoiding meat.
- Agnello cacio e ova – Lamb cooked with beaten eggs, lemon juice, and grated pecorino, creating a rich sauce that thickens as it simmers. Eaten especially at Easter, it is one of the region’s oldest recipes, combining meat with sharp, savoury flavours.
- Brodetto alla vastese – A seafood stew made with a mix of Adriatic fish, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, usually served with toasted bread. It originates from Vasto and varies slightly between coastal towns depending on the local catch.
- Spaghetti alla chitarra con pallottine – A traditional Sunday dish of handmade pasta served with miniature meatballs in tomato sauce. Especially popular in the province of Teramo, it blends fine home cooking with festive tradition.
- Ferratelle – Thin waffle-like biscuits made using an iron press, flavoured with lemon zest or anise, and sometimes filled with jam or chocolate. Known by different names across the region, they are made during holidays and family celebrations.
- Parrozzo – A dome-shaped cake from Pescara made with semolina, almonds, and orange zest, usually coated in dark chocolate. Created in the 20th century, it has become one of Abruzzo’s best-known sweets, often gifted during Christmas.
Photo Gallery
Abruzzo Photo Gallery
Abruzzo Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Abruzzo
1. Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
2. Rocca Calascio
3. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
4. Campo Imperatore
5. Majella National Park
6. Roccascalegna
7. Vasto
8. Barrea
9. Sulmona
10. Ortona
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo
1. Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
2. Rocca Calascio
3. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
4. Campo Imperatore
5. Majella National Park
6. Roccascalegna
7. Vasto
8. Barrea
9. Sulmona
10. Ortona
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Abruzzo
By Rail: Abruzzo is served by Trenitalia regional, Intercity, and long-distance trains, with key stations in Pescara, Chieti, Teramo, Sulmona, and Avezzano. The Adriatic railway line runs north–south along the coast, while inland routes connect to Rome via Sulmona and Avezzano. Journey times are approximately 2 hours from Rome to Pescara and around 1 hour from Pescara to Teramo. Rail services also link Abruzzo with Marche, Molise, and Apulia.
By Road: Abruzzo is accessible by several major roads, including the A14 (Adriatic motorway), A24 (Rome–Teramo), and A25 (Rome–Pescara). The drive from Rome to Pescara takes about 2 hours via the A25, from Ancona around 2 hours via the A14, and from Naples approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes via the A1 and A25. Parking is widely available in towns and cities, including seafront areas, historic centres, and ski resorts.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Abruzzo is accessible by several major roads, including the A14 (Adriatic motorway), A24 (Rome–Teramo), and A25 (Rome–Pescara). The drive from Rome to Pescara takes about 2 hours via the A25, from Ancona around 2 hours via the A14, and from Naples approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes via the A1 and A25. Parking is widely available in towns and cities, including seafront areas, historic centres, and ski resorts.
Nearest International Airports:
- Pescara Airport (Aeroporto di Pescara Abruzzo): Located just outside the city, it is the region’s main airport, offering domestic flights and several routes to European cities.
- Rome Ciampino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma Ciampino G. B. Pastine): Approximately 180 kilometres west of Pescara, reachable in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. It mainly serves low-cost European airlines.
- Rome Fiumicino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci): About 200 kilometres west, the drive takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. It offers a full range of international and long-haul connections.
Private Transfers
Abruzzo Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and efficient way to travel to or within Abruzzo, connecting you easily with towns, cities, and coastal areas across the region. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a smooth and relaxed journey without the need for public transport or car hire.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, which serves as the region’s main air gateway and provides convenient access to nearby destinations. Transfers are also available to major cities such as L’Aquila, Chieti, Teramo, and Sulmona, or to coastal resorts including Francavilla al Mare, Vasto, and Giulianova. For those travelling further afield, connections to Rome, Naples, and Ancona can also be arranged.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Abruzzo Airport in Pescara, which serves as the region’s main air gateway and provides convenient access to nearby destinations. Transfers are also available to major cities such as L’Aquila, Chieti, Teramo, and Sulmona, or to coastal resorts including Francavilla al Mare, Vasto, and Giulianova. For those travelling further afield, connections to Rome, Naples, and Ancona can also be arranged.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
L'Aquila Province
Lake Scanno, l'Aquila Province
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Chieti Province
Roccascalegna, Chieti Province
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Pescara Province
Loreto Aprutino, Pescara Province
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Teramo Province
Silvi Paese, Teramo Province
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Abruzzo by Category
Abruzzo's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Beach Resorts of Abruzzo
Blue Flag Locations in Abruzzo
Hill Towns of Abruzzo
Lakes of Abruzzo
Lakeside Towns of Abruzzo
Major Cities and Towns of Abruzzo
Orange Flag Towns of Abruzzo
Parks of Abruzzo
Pretty Villages of Abruzzo
Scenic Towns of Abruzzo
Seaside Towns of Abruzzo
Ski Resorts of Abruzzo
Things to see in Abruzzo
Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo
Beach Resorts of Abruzzo
Blue Flag Locations in Abruzzo
Hill Towns of Abruzzo
Lakes of Abruzzo
Lakeside Towns of Abruzzo
Major Cities and Towns of Abruzzo
Orange Flag Towns of Abruzzo
Parks of Abruzzo
Pretty Villages of Abruzzo
Scenic Towns of Abruzzo
Seaside Towns of Abruzzo
Ski Resorts of Abruzzo
Things to see in Abruzzo
Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo
Abruzzo Destinations A-Z
Abbateggio
Abruzzo Lazio & Molise National Park
Alba Adriatica
Anversa degli Abruzzi
Assergi
Atri
Avezzano
Barrea
Bomba
Bugnara
Calascio
Caldari di Ortona
Campo Imperatore
Caporciano
Caramanico Terme
Casoli
Castel del Monte
Castel di Sangro
Castelli
Castello Aragonese
Castelvecchio Calvisio
Celano
Chieti
Città Sant'Angelo
Civitella Alfedena
Civitella del Tronto
Collecorvino
Collelongo
Cologna Spiaggia
Fallascoso
Fara San Martino
Farindola
Fossacesia Marina
Francavilla al Mare
Free Wine Fountain in Abruzzo
Gessopalena
Giulianova
Guardiagrele
Introdacqua
L'Aquila
Lake Barrea
Lake Bomba
Lake Casoli
Lake San Domenico
Lake Scanno
Lama dei Peligni
Lanciano
Loreto Aprutino
Magliano de Marsi
Marina di San Vito
Marina di Vasto
Martinsicuro
Montesilvano
Navelli
Opi
Ornano Grande
Ortona
Ovindoli
Pacentro
Palena
Penne
Pescara
Pescasseroli
Pescina
Pescocostanzo
Pettorano sul Gizio
Pietracamela
Pineto degli Abruzzi
Pizzoferrato
Popoli
Pretoro
Rivisondoli
Rocca Calascio
Rocca San Giovanni
Roccaraso
Roccascalegna
Roseto degli Abruzzi
San Salvo Marina
Sante Marie
Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Scanno
Scerne
Silvi Marina
Silvi Paese
Sirente Velino Regional Park
Sulmona
Tagliacozzo
Teramo
Torricella Peligna
Tortoreto Lido
Tossicia
Vasto
Villa Rosa
Villalago
Villavallelonga
Abruzzo Lazio & Molise National Park
Alba Adriatica
Anversa degli Abruzzi
Assergi
Atri
Avezzano
Barrea
Bomba
Bugnara
Calascio
Caldari di Ortona
Campo Imperatore
Caporciano
Caramanico Terme
Casoli
Castel del Monte
Castel di Sangro
Castelli
Castello Aragonese
Castelvecchio Calvisio
Celano
Chieti
Città Sant'Angelo
Civitella Alfedena
Civitella del Tronto
Collecorvino
Collelongo
Cologna Spiaggia
Fallascoso
Fara San Martino
Farindola
Fossacesia Marina
Francavilla al Mare
Free Wine Fountain in Abruzzo
Gessopalena
Giulianova
Guardiagrele
Introdacqua
L'Aquila
Lake Barrea
Lake Bomba
Lake Casoli
Lake San Domenico
Lake Scanno
Lama dei Peligni
Lanciano
Loreto Aprutino
Magliano de Marsi
Marina di San Vito
Marina di Vasto
Martinsicuro
Montesilvano
Navelli
Opi
Ornano Grande
Ortona
Ovindoli
Pacentro
Palena
Penne
Pescara
Pescasseroli
Pescina
Pescocostanzo
Pettorano sul Gizio
Pietracamela
Pineto degli Abruzzi
Pizzoferrato
Popoli
Pretoro
Rivisondoli
Rocca Calascio
Rocca San Giovanni
Roccaraso
Roccascalegna
Roseto degli Abruzzi
San Salvo Marina
Sante Marie
Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Scanno
Scerne
Silvi Marina
Silvi Paese
Sirente Velino Regional Park
Sulmona
Tagliacozzo
Teramo
Torricella Peligna
Tortoreto Lido
Tossicia
Vasto
Villa Rosa
Villalago
Villavallelonga
