Things to see in Abruzzo
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 1 December 2023
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Abruzzo offers a combination of seaside and mountain locations, with the latter providing its most memorable highlights.
Three of Italy's national parks are in the region, two of which are entirely within Abruzzo. The Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park offers some surreal landscapes such as the Campo Imperatore plain; one of the best places to witness nature at first hand with its snow-peaked mountains rolling endlessly towards the horizon. This is a place of silence where nature rules amid the majesty of wide open spaces. |
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Abruzzo's national parks
Just like the Gran Sasso National Park, the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park is set among the Apennine mountains. Here you can wander up and down the mountain valleys, visiting the charming little towns, beautiful lakes and witness its rich wildlife.
Among the animals that call the park home is the Marsican Bear of which there are around 40 in total. The bear is the symbol of the park and to many people, Abruzzo itself, but there are many more species such as Apennine Wolves, chamois, deer and Golden Eagles living here.
The third national park in Abruzzo is the Majella National Park; it covers an area of 628 km² of mountains and plains where you can enjoy hiking or exploring the vast forests, wetlands and caves.
Among the animals that call the park home is the Marsican Bear of which there are around 40 in total. The bear is the symbol of the park and to many people, Abruzzo itself, but there are many more species such as Apennine Wolves, chamois, deer and Golden Eagles living here.
The third national park in Abruzzo is the Majella National Park; it covers an area of 628 km² of mountains and plains where you can enjoy hiking or exploring the vast forests, wetlands and caves.
All-year-round tourism
Abruzzo is a summer and winter destination; during the winter it's a favourite destination for skiers with resorts such as Roccaraso ever-popular while other notable locations include Ovindoli which lies next to the Sirente Velino Regional Park which can be enjoyed all year round.
Another characteristic of Abruzzo's interior are the mountain towns and villages. Even from a purely aesthetic point of view, there are some incredible locations such as Roccascalegna, a hilltop fortress built at a gravity-defying angle, or the village of Pizzoferrato which is built around a rock that it gives its name to.
Another characteristic of Abruzzo's interior are the mountain towns and villages. Even from a purely aesthetic point of view, there are some incredible locations such as Roccascalegna, a hilltop fortress built at a gravity-defying angle, or the village of Pizzoferrato which is built around a rock that it gives its name to.
Dramatic scenery
A great base for visiting Abruzzo's interior from is the charming town of Sulmona; characterised by its Gothic aqueduct but also, well-equipped with hotels, shops and restaurants. Heading south from Sulmona you can take a circular tour passing through dramatic scenery close to the Majella National Park before returning via the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park where you'll take in the towns of Barrea and Scanno, each of which have their own lakes which are among the finest in the region.
The Province of L'Aquila
The capital city of Abruzzo is L'Aquila; in 2009 the city was devastated by an earthquake and much work is still ongoing to restore it to its former glories. This is though, another great base from which to explore the region, particularly the Gran Sasso area.
On your way to the aforementioned Campo Imperatore you'll pass another major sight: Rocca Calascio. From this 10th century mountain fortress you get one of the best views of Abruzzo's mountainous landscape, which perhaps best typifies the region.
On your way to the aforementioned Campo Imperatore you'll pass another major sight: Rocca Calascio. From this 10th century mountain fortress you get one of the best views of Abruzzo's mountainous landscape, which perhaps best typifies the region.
Beach resorts on the Adriatic Coast
The other side to Abruzzo is its seemingly endless stretch of sandy beach on the Adriatic Coast. Here you'll find the provincial capital of Pescara which is the biggest city in the region and the location of its only international airport.
From Pescara you can head north or south and take your pick of the dozens of seaside towns and beach resorts. Among my personal favourites are Giulianova, Ortona and Silvi Marina but there are many more besides.
Importantly, many of Abruzzo's beaches have earned Blue Flag status, an international award given annually to beaches that pass certain criteria around water quality, environment and tourism facilities.
From Pescara you can head north or south and take your pick of the dozens of seaside towns and beach resorts. Among my personal favourites are Giulianova, Ortona and Silvi Marina but there are many more besides.
Importantly, many of Abruzzo's beaches have earned Blue Flag status, an international award given annually to beaches that pass certain criteria around water quality, environment and tourism facilities.
Main towns and cities
The Major Cities & Towns section below deals with the provincial capitals of l'Aquila, Pescara, Teramo and Chieti along with the slightly smaller Avezzano and Montesilvano. There are so many towns and villages to see that I've put them under one heading; Scenic Towns of Abruzzo, which then contains the sub-headings of Hill Towns, Orange Flag Towns, Lakeside Towns and Pretty Villages.
You may be wondering what Borghi Più Belli d'Italia means; it's an association that created a list of Italy's most beautiful villages, of which there are now around 300. Abruzzo accounts for more than twenty of those villages with some of the highlights including Pacentro, Tagliacozzo and Civitella del Tronto.
You may be wondering what Borghi Più Belli d'Italia means; it's an association that created a list of Italy's most beautiful villages, of which there are now around 300. Abruzzo accounts for more than twenty of those villages with some of the highlights including Pacentro, Tagliacozzo and Civitella del Tronto.
Major Cities and Towns of Abruzzo
Teramo, Abruzzo
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Scenic Towns of Abruzzo
Pizzoferrato, Abruzzo
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Abruzzo's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Opi, Abruzzo
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Seaside Towns of Abruzzo
Francavilla al Mare, Abruzzo
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Beach Resorts of Abruzzo
Cologna Spiaggia, Abruzzo
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Lakes of Abruzzo
Lake Casoli, Abruzzo
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Parks of Abruzzo
Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, Abruzzo
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Ski Resorts of Abruzzo
Campo Imperatore, Abruzzo
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Rocca Calascio
Rocca Calascio, Abruzzo
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Provinces of Abruzzo
Roccascalegna, Chieti Province
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