Abruzzo’s surf-and-turf topography stretches from the beach resorts along the Adriatic coastline to the snow-blanketed peaks of the Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains National Park. Between these two extremes lies a grand swathe of rolling countryside dotted with historic hill towns, medieval castles, olive oil farms, and wineries. Hiking and biking excursions through the mountains and along the Costa dei Trabocchi top the to-do list in this region, alongside wine and olive oil tastings, cooking classes and food tours, and visits to villages and citadels that seem frozen in time.
Abruzzo’s combination of soaring mountains and breezy coastline make it an ideal place to escape the heat that swamps much of Italy in the summer. Hiking and cycling enthusiasts can take advantage of sunny days to explore the region’s three national parks, while those who prefer sand and water can make a beeline for the Adriatic. To experience Abruzzo’s unique local festivals, visit in the spring for the Festa dei Serpari (Festival of the Snake Catchers) and/or the Festa dei Narcissi (Daffodil Festival).
With the exception of the region’s largest city, Pescara, Abruzzo is made up of small towns and villages scattered along the coast and across the inland mountains. Most are not well-served by public transportation, so (unless you’re sticking to only the seaside towns that are linked by FS TrenItalia train lines) plan on renting a car. Passionate cyclists can also opt to get around on two wheels; the region’s mountainous terrain is considered some of the best biking in Italy.
Abruzzo’s coastline is known as La Costa dei Trabocchi because much of it is dotted with picturesque fishing piers known as trabocchi or trabucchi. These piers were specifically designed for a particular kind of fishing: the fishermen sat inside a small building surrounded by a complicated system of nets that could be lifted on pulleys when fish swam by. Today these trabocchi have mostly been retrofitted as romantic over-water restaurants. Book a table in one for a scenic dining experience.
