Abruzzo: The Ten Unmissables
Region of incredible landscapes: medieval villages with narrow lanes, fortresses looking over endless panoramas, cities of art to discover. Sea, marine reserves and coastline embroidered by “trabocchi.” National parks that offer forests, lakes, unspoiled nature that is home to flora and fauna such as wolves, bears, chamois, deer and eagles… And if that’s still not enough for you read on, we point you to the must-see destinations in Abruzzo:
1) Stiffe Caves
If you have never entered the heart of a mountain in San Demetrio Neither Vestini you will find the experience for you.
The Stiffe Caves were formed geologically about 600,00 years ago and feature an equipped trail that will take you into the depths of the rocks to discover stalactites, stalagmites, ponds, and underground waterways. Well equipped in clothing, the caves have a temperature of 10 degrees all year round, you will walk immersed in a place of indescribable beauty.
Fun fact: It is one of the very few caves in Europe to contain spring waterfalls inside. The view is sensational.
2) Rocca Calascio
In the Gran sasso Monti della Laga Park there is one of the most beautiful medieval fortifications in Abruzzo and undoubtedly the highest castle in Italy.
The fortification dominates the territory of L’Aquila from a height of 1464 meters. It is reached by first passing through the medieval village and then a short mountain trail.
Upon reaching the fortress, your gaze will be lost on the Gran Sasso mountains and the striking and iconic Church of Santa Maria della Pietà. Unmissable excitement.
Fun fact: The location was chosen to shoot the most significant and scenic scenes of the films, “The Name of the Rose” and “Ladyhawke.”
3) The Trabocchi Coast
In the pristine sea stretching from Ortona to Vasto are the “TRABOCCHI,” ancient fishing machines that Gabriele D’Annunzio called “colossal spiders.”
These particular constructions embroider the Abruzzo coastline and have found new life by also transforming themselves into delicious little seafood restaurants by the sea…In fact in the sea!
For those who love the sea, enjoy the blue horizon or want to spend a romantic moment, the overflow is the ideal place for all this. Allow yourself to be conquered.
Fun fact: The current bicycle and pedestrian path that runs along more than 50 km of coastline was built on the old Adriatic railway that literally ran along the sea. In May 2023, it was the first stage of the Giro D’Italia.
4) Santo Stefano di Sessanio
A small, indeed very small village located in the Gran Sasso Monti della Laga National Park, it preserves intact its medieval urban structure, which gives it its charm and beauty.
Stroll through narrow streets and small squares, encounter artisan stores offering delicious local products such as lentils, Campotosto mortadella and pecorino cheese.
Or be tempted by lace-made jewelry and wine-dyed wool. Stop where time has stood still and relax here there is no running….
Fun fact: The ancient medieval tower that dominates the village was rebuilt after the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake, keeping the original shape and materials intact.
5) Scanno
If you wish to see a heart-shaped lake stop in Scanno, the “pearl of Abruzzo.”
In the Sagittario Valley and the lush nature of the Abruzzo National Park, the village is known for its goldsmith stores, where gold is worked in filigree, where women wear the precious ancient dress and where glimpses of the village were immortalized by Henri Cartier Bresson.
For those who love the lake even just to relax, Scanno is your destination.
Fun fact: In the lake it is not unusual to find groups of Deer bathing and relaxing on the shore.
6) The Fortress of Civitella
In Abruzzo there is a small town nestled in the 1800s: the city streets leading to the famous fortress anticipate with its museums, what has been the history of this place.
Majestic, the Fortress of Civitella is one of the most important military engineering works in Europe: it has a surface area of 25,000sq.m. and preserves intact the ramparts, parade grounds, communication trenches and bays.
The breathtaking panorama stretches all the way to the Adriatic coast.
Fun fact: When you go down to the village again, don’t forget to pass through the “Ruetta d’Italia. The narrowest street.” You will have to squeeze through to get through in two, recommended for romantics!
7) Pacentro
The village is nestled in the lush Majella National Park and overlooks the Peligna Valley.
The history of the place is very ancient, not surprisingly it preserves the oldest castle in Abruzzo. The walk to the castle is quite pleasant. We walk through the village to the beautiful square and then get lost in the alleys to reach the castle: majestic and famous for its towers, today it is one of the symbols of Abruzzo.
But there are so many things to discover and visit, for example, the House of Marlurita, crystallized in time, churches and workshops. If you are also not afraid of the dragons and ghosts that dwell here, this is the hamlet you absolutely must visit.
Fun fact: Mrs. Marlurita’s house is now a museum of objects of daily life in Abruzzo in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The woman lived until 1978 without running water or utilities, heating and cooking only with a fireplace and a donkey in the room to keep her company. Definitely worth visiting!
8) Emperor's Field
To arrive at Campo Imperatore is to visit a fairy-tale, unspoiled place.
It is the quintessential plateau where cows, sheep and horses graze placidly and undisturbed in what are vast grasslands.
It is no coincidence that Bud Spencer’s famous “spaghetti westerns,” now a cult hit, were filmed here. The plateau is located between 1,500 and 2,000 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Gran sasso d’Italia massif, coming here means immersing yourself in the green and following the winding roads up and down the valley. Magnificent place for mountain lovers.
Fun fact: It is possible to buy meat from local butchers and cook it on grills and barbecues equipped and made available free of charge to passersby.
9) San Giovanni in Venere
A beautiful abbey that stands guard over the sea from which you can enjoy breathtaking views.
Built on the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Venus, today it has Cistercian forms: the frescoes, cloister, and portal offer visitors past eras. A must-see for those who love art and faith.
Fun fact: It was formerly a temple used for pagan worship, and only later, in about the 8th century, was it replaced by Christian worship.
10) Sulmona
There are many centers rich in art in Abruzzo, and Sulmona, without a doubt, is one of the most beautiful. Pelignians, Romans, Swabians and Angevins artistically outlined the city, embellished with churches, palaces and squares.
Home of Ovid and home of Celestine V, it will offer you history, art, but also sweet temptations: the famous Sulmona confetto. Stop here to admire art, learn about the stories and legends of this beautiful town in the Morrone Mountains.
Fun fact: The film “Parenti Serpenti” by Mario Monicelli was filmed and set in this city..