Abruzzo Travel Guide

Rugged mountain ranges, three national parks, and an Adriatic coastline dotted with historic fishing platforms: Abruzzo lies east of Rome between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea—covering an area of approximately 10,800 km² with a population of about 1.27 million; its capital is L’Aquila. About one-third of the region is protected as nature reserves, which is why it is considered „Europe’s greenest region.“ At 2,912 meters, Corno Grande in the Gran Sasso massif is the highest peak in the Apennines.

On this page, you'll find an overview of all the articles about Abruzzo from italien.news: from the mountain village Scanno, with its heart-shaped lake about the Cocullo Snake Festival to Confetti City Sulmona. You'll also find key facts, accommodation options, and answers to frequently asked questions—all updated regularly.

Which places in Abruzzo are worth visiting?

The short version: The most exciting destinations are in the mountains of the hinterland—and don't forget the Trabocchi Coast on the Adriatic Sea.

• L'Aquila: The capital of Abruzzo lies at the foot of the Gran Sasso massif and is the best starting point for hikes to Corno Grande and Campo Imperatore.
• Sulmona: The town in the Peligna Valley is famous for its confetti, the artfully packaged sugared almonds—read more about them in our profile on Sulmona, the City of Sweet Confetti.
• Scanno: The mountain village, perched at 1,050 meters, overlooks the heart-shaped Lago di Scanno—our article on the Sights in Scanno.
• Santo Stefano di Sessanio & Rocca Calascio: The restored mountain village and the castle ruins, located at an altitude of about 1,400 meters, are among the most photographed sights in the Apennines.
• Campo Imperatore: The vast plateau in the Gran Sasso massif is nicknamed „Little Tibet“—a hiking destination in the summer and a ski resort in the winter.
• Trabocchi Coast: On the Adriatic Sea, south of Pescara, stand the historic fishing platforms (trabocchi) on stilts in the ocean.

What makes Abruzzo so special?

The Abruzzo region is home to the wildest mountain landscape in central Italy—and yet it’s only about an hour’s drive from Rome. About one-third of the region is protected, spread across three national parks: Gran Sasso, Majella, and the Abruzzo National Park, home to the rare Marsican brown bears. Wolves also roam the forests—nowhere else in Italy can you get this close to large wild animals.

Then there are mountain villages that look as if time has stood still: Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Scanno mit seiner traditionellen schwarzen Tracht oder die Burgruine Rocca Calascio auf 1.400 Metern. Wer nach der Bergluft Meer will, fährt an die Trabocchi-Küste – Berge und Adria trennen hier nur wenige Kilometer. Welche Buchten, Fischerplattformen und Radweg-Etappen dich dort erwarten, zeigt unser Guide zur Costa dei Trabocchi mit ihren Trabocchi und der Via Verde.

What are some worthwhile activities to do in Abruzzo?

Hikers can choose between two mountain ranges: In the Gran Sasso, trails lead toward Corno Grande—at 2,912 meters, the highest peak in the Apennines—and in the Majella, through deeply carved gorges. Cyclists take the Via Verde, the bike path along the Trabocchi Coast on the Adriatic Sea. In winter, the region belongs to skiers: Roccaraso is the best-known ski resort, with the season running from December through March—and then there’s Campo Imperatore, the „Little Tibet“ of Abruzzo.

What should you eat and drink in Abruzzo?

The classics are arrosticini, thin lamb skewers grilled over charcoal and ordered by the dozen. They go well with a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the region’s full-bodied red wine, or a Trebbiano white wine. The Navelli Plateau produces one of the world’s finest saffrans, and in Sulmona Why don't you try the famous confetti – Sugared almonds, which have been made there for centuries.

What events are worth attending in Abruzzo?

Italy's most unusual festival takes place on May 1 in Cocullo: At the Festa dei Serpari Residents carry a statue of a saint covered in live snakes through the alleys—you can read more about the background and history in our article on the Cocullo Snake Festival.

The Abruzzo region has something to offer in every season: mountains and the coast in summer, and skiing in Roccaraso in winter. Browse through the article overview above—or continue planning right away with our neighboring guides for Lazio and the Marche.

Note: Disclaimer – Italien.news is not the owner or organizer of the attractions, accommodations, and events listed here and is therefore not responsible for changes to the program, event cancellations, or any incorrect information. The editorial team at Italien.news always endeavors to provide detailed and accurate information. However, it is possible that events, attractions, etc. may be changed and not updated promptly. Exact details of dates, times and programs can be obtained directly from the owner of the attractions and accommodation.

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