The City Next Door | Abruzzo, The Hidden Gem of Italy

6 outdoor activities for an active holiday in Abruzzo

September 15, 2024

If your idea of a perfect gateway involves more than lounging on the beach or strolling through city crowded  streets, then Abruzzo might be the destination you are looking for. Abruzzo’s diverse landscapes provide a wide range of options for those eager to explore, challenge themselves and connect with nature. Whether you are scaling mountains trails, carving through snow or navigating serene rivers, Abruzzo promises an active holiday where you will be able to decompress yourself and boost your physical and mental health. 

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 6 outdoor activities for an active holiday we can do in Abruzzo. 

1.- Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing in Abruzzo are a fantastic way to explore the region’s natural beauty, particularly its rivers and coastline. One of the most beautiful places to go a for a Kayaking or a canoeing experience would be the Tirino River, which is considered the cleanest river in Italy and some would say in Europe. You would be immerse in the heart of the Tirino Valley, within the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. Waters are so clear that you will be able to see the riverbed below, with the fish darting below you. The gentle currents makes it an easy, leisurely and relaxing ride, and the surroundings around feels like a paddling trough a hidden oasis. 

In addition to the Tirino River, kayaking and canoeing along the Costa dei Trabocchi is also a unique and scenic experience. As you paddle through the coast you will see the trabocchi, a wooden fishing platform that stand over the water (some of them are turned into restaurants where you can actually have a proper lunch or dinner). The calm waters make it ideal for kayakers of all levels, allowing you to explore every detail of this beautiful part of Abruzzo’s coast.  There is one tour in particular that besides the kayaking experience, includes an “aperitivo” in one of the trabocchi, worth to check it out. (Photo credit below: Il Bosso). 

Canoeing - Tirino River
Kayak - Costa dei trabocchi

2.- Snorkeling

Snorkelling in Abruzzo offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s underwater world. There are plenty of spots for snorkelling in Abruzzo, being some of them, the beach of the Ripari di Giobbe,  Lido Riccio located in Ortona and not far from the Costa dei Trabocchi and of course the Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci. You will be able to explore hidden caves and underwater flora, while spotting schools of fish and other different forms of life. Also, the shallow and calm waters make it ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. 

3.- Cycling

We couldn’t miss this one. Cycling and Abruzzo is just the perfect combination. It does not matter if you are a casual cyclist or a seosoned rider, Abruzzo’s diverse landscapes offers something for everyone, from challenging mountain trails in the Apennines to scenic coastal routes along the Adriatic Sea. You can explore charming medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and lush nature reserves as you pedal through Abruzzo’s quiet roads. The Gran Sasso and Majella National Parks provide breathtaking mountain routes for adventure seekers, while the flat stretches of the Costa dei Trabocchi offer a more leisurely ride with stunning seaside views. (Photo credit below: Il Bosso). 

Costa dei trabocchi
Costa dei trabocchi

4.- Horse riding

Horse riding in Abruzzo offers a unique way to explore Abruzzo natural beauty. With vast landscapes ranging from the mountains of the Gran Sasso and the Maiella, to the rolling hills and coastal plains, there are numerous trails suited for riders for all levels. Also, this is a very meaningful way to get to know all Abruzzo beauties. We all know how sensitive horses can be and interacting with them can reduce stress, boots our mood and promote relaxation. Connection with animals, along with time spent in nature, will definitely enhance emotional well being and help reduce anxiety.

5.- Trekking

Abruzzo is the home of an extensive network of Trekking trails with over 500 km of marked paths across national parks, nature reserves and the coast. The region offers a variety of routes, from challenging high-altitude treks to leisurely walks along the picturesque Costa dei Trabocchi. With its diverse terrain and stunning views, trekking in Abruzzo is a perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and experience the essence of this beautiful region.

Gran Sasso d'Italia - Abruzzo
Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci

6.- Abruzzo in volo (for the most adventurous)

If being in the air is your thing then, there are few options that will allow you to have the best views ever of Abruzzo while you experience that rush of adrenaline you like so much. These options will take you to some of the most representative places in the whole region like, the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, the Costa dei Trabocchi and the Maiella, to mention a few. 

If you really feel like you want to try this, click on this link to have more information. 

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6 outdoor activities for an active holiday in Abruzzo

September 15, 2024

If your idea of a perfect gateway involves more than lounging on the beach or strolling through city crowded  streets, then Abruzzo might be the destination you are looking for. Abruzzo’s diverse landscapes provide a wide range of options for those eager to explore, challenge themselves and connect with nature. Whether you are scaling mountains trails, carving through snow or navigating serene rivers, Abruzzo promises an active holiday where you will be able to decompress yourself and boost your physical and mental health. 

Ready to dive in? Let’s explore 6 outdoor activities for an active holiday we can do in Abruzzo. 

1.- Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing in Abruzzo are a fantastic way to explore the region’s natural beauty, particularly its rivers and coastline. One of the most beautiful places to go a for a Kayaking or a canoeing experience would be the Tirino River, which is considered the cleanest river in Italy and some would say in Europe. You would be immerse in the heart of the Tirino Valley, within the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga. Waters are so clear that you will be able to see the riverbed below, with the fish darting below you. The gentle currents makes it an easy, leisurely and relaxing ride, and the surroundings around feels like a paddling trough a hidden oasis. 

In addition to the Tirino River, kayaking and canoeing along the Costa dei Trabocchi is also a unique and scenic experience. As you paddle through the coast you will see the trabocchi, a wooden fishing platform that stand over the water (some of them are turned into restaurants where you can actually have a proper lunch or dinner). The calm waters make it ideal for kayakers of all levels, allowing you to explore every detail of this beautiful part of Abruzzo’s coast.  There is one tour in particular that besides the kayaking experience, includes an “aperitivo” in one of the trabocchi, worth to check it out. (Photo credit below: Il Bosso). 

Canoeing - Tirino River
Kayak - Costa dei trabocchi

2.- Snorkeling

Snorkelling in Abruzzo offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s underwater world. There are plenty of spots for snorkelling in Abruzzo, being some of them, the beach of the Ripari di Giobbe,  Lido Riccio located in Ortona and not far from the Costa dei Trabocchi and of course the Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci. You will be able to explore hidden caves and underwater flora, while spotting schools of fish and other different forms of life. Also, the shallow and calm waters make it ideal for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

3.- Cycling

We couldn’t miss this one. Cycling and Abruzzo is just the perfect combination. It does not matter if you are a casual cyclist or a seosoned rider, Abruzzo’s diverse landscapes offers something for everyone, from challenging mountain trails in the Apennines to scenic coastal routes along the Adriatic Sea. You can explore charming medieval villages, rolling vineyards, and lush nature reserves as you pedal through Abruzzo’s quiet roads. The Gran Sasso and Majella National Parks provide breathtaking mountain routes for adventure seekers, while the flat stretches of the Costa dei Trabocchi offer a more leisurely ride with stunning seaside views. (Photo credit below: Il Bosso). 

Costa dei trabocchi
Costa dei trabocchi

4.- Horse riding

Horse riding in Abruzzo offers a unique way to explore Abruzzo natural beauty. With vast landscapes ranging from the mountains of the Gran Sasso and the Maiella, to the rolling hills and coastal plains, there are numerous trails suited for riders for all levels. Also, this is a very meaningful way to get to know all Abruzzo beauties. We all know how sensitive horses can be and interacting with them can reduce stress, boots our mood and promote relaxation. Connection with animals, along with time spent in nature, will definitely enhance emotional well being and help reduce anxiety.

5.- Trekking

Abruzzo is the home of an extensive network of Trekking trails with over 500 km of marked paths across national parks, nature reserves and the coast. The region offers a variety of routes, from challenging high-altitude treks to leisurely walks along the picturesque Costa dei Trabocchi. With its diverse terrain and stunning views, trekking in Abruzzo is a perfect way to immerse yourself in nature and experience the essence of this beautiful region.

Gran Sasso Italy
Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci

6.- Abruzzo in volo (for the most adventurous)

If being in the air is your thing then, there are few options that will allow you to have the best views ever of Abruzzo while you experience that rush of adrenaline you like so much. These options will take you to some of the most representative places in the whole region like, the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, the Costa dei Trabocchi and the Maiella, to mention a few. 

If you really feel like you want to try this, click on this link to have more information.