Top 10 Places to Visit in Abruzzo
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This top ten list focuses on the mountains, parks and historic towns that give Abruzzo its distinct identity. The region is home to three national parks, high alpine plateaus and hilltop fortresses with some of the most dramatic views in Italy. You’ll also find medieval villages like Roccascalegna and historic towns such as Sulmona and Vasto.
It’s a region made for outdoor exploration, with walking trails, remote valleys and coastal viewpoints. Abruzzo combines wild scenery with a strong sense of place and tradition. |
Roccascalegna, Abruzzo
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Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park
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Covering more than 2,000 square kilometres, this park is one of Italy’s largest and most varied protected areas. It stretches across high peaks, gorges, plateaus and wild valleys.
Corno Grande, the highest mountain in the Apennines, and the Calderone Glacier dominate the Gran Sasso range. Wildlife includes chamois, wolves and golden eagles. There are hundreds of marked trails for hiking and cycling. Scenic roads pass through historic villages, alpine lakes and panoramic viewpoints across the central Apennines. |
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Rocca Calascio
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Rocca Calascio is one of Italy’s most photographed castles, perched high in the Apennines at 1,460 metres above sea level. The views from the ramparts are extraordinary.
The ruined fortress has appeared in several films, including The Name of the Rose. It’s a short hike from the nearby village of Calascio through rocky terrain. The surrounding area is dotted with shepherds’ huts, wildflowers and open skies. It’s best visited at sunset or sunrise when the light softens the mountain scenery. |
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Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
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This is Italy’s oldest national park, established in 1923 to protect the unique wildlife and landscapes of the central Apennines. It spans three regions.
The park is home to Marsican brown bears, Apennine wolves and chamois, with thick forests and mountain peaks rising above quiet valleys. Charming villages such as Pescasseroli serve as entry points to marked trails. It’s ideal for spotting wildlife, walking and learning about conservation history. |
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Campo Imperatore
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Often called the “Little Tibet” of Italy, Campo Imperatore is a vast plateau located at 1,800 metres in the Gran Sasso range. Its sweeping landscapes are truly dramatic.
The plain is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with herds of sheep grazing and narrow roads crossing open meadows and valleys. In summer, it’s a haven for hikers and cyclists; in winter, a ski station operates. The plateau is also linked to Italy’s wartime history via a remote mountain hotel. |
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Majella National Park
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The Majella range rises steeply from the hills of eastern Abruzzo, with its peaks and valleys forming the core of this wild and lesser-known national park.
The area is rich in hermitages carved into the rock, old shepherd trails, and deep gorges, with flora and fauna unique to the central Apennines. Villages like Caramanico Terme offer spa treatments and access to hiking paths. The park is great for walkers, nature lovers and those seeking peace. |
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Roccascalegna
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This spectacular clifftop village is dominated by its medieval castle, perched on a high ridge with sheer drops on either side. The setting is incredibly dramatic.
The castle can be reached on foot via a steep climb from the village centre and offers views over valleys, olive groves and wooded hills. Roccascalegna is small but atmospheric, with cobbled lanes and a quiet charm. It’s a rewarding detour for travellers seeking something off the beaten track. |
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Vasto
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Vasto is one of Abruzzo’s best seaside towns, with a historic centre above a long stretch of sandy coastline and nature reserves.
Its old town features Renaissance palaces, a castle, and a panoramic balcony with views over the Gulf of Vasto. The fishing harbour adds a working feel. Beaches range from developed lidos to wilder stretches near Punta Aderci. It’s a great base for combining history, nature and time by the sea. |
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Barrea
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Barrea lies beside a lake of the same name in the heart of Abruzzo’s national parks. The medieval village is built on a slope overlooking water and mountains.
Its compact centre has stone houses, viewpoints and peaceful lanes. The lake is ideal for swimming, kayaking and relaxing by the shore. Barrea is surrounded by nature, with hiking paths leading into the mountains. It’s one of the region’s most scenic and peaceful destinations. |
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Sulmona
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Famous for sugared almonds, Sulmona is also one of Abruzzo’s most elegant towns. It sits in a broad valley beneath the Majella mountains.
The town’s centre is filled with Baroque churches, noble palaces and one of Italy’s longest medieval aqueducts, which still stretches across the main square. Sulmona hosts colourful festivals and markets throughout the year. It’s easy to reach by train and makes a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside. |
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Ortona
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Ortona is a coastal town with a mix of history, sea views and sandy beaches. It was the site of one of WWII’s fiercest battles and has a Canadian war cemetery.
The Aragonese Castle offers sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. The promenade leads to sandy stretches and the start of the Costa dei Trabocchi cycle path. Ortona is on the railway line and accessible from Pescara. It’s a blend of seaside town and historic stop, with fewer crowds than nearby resorts. |
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