Ironically, Abruzzo is one of the 20 regions that are part of one of the most visited countries in the world such as Italy, and additionally it is located right next door to one of the most renowned cities on the planet such as Rome. Now, when we plan a vacation trip, what leads us to choose a particular country or city? Well, the answers can be infinite, we all have different needs and tastes.
The truth is that when we have to choose where to go, Abruzzo is not on the radar, it is not the first, not second and not even the third option that comes to your mind. If what you are looking for are large cities, monuments or skyscrapers, then this region may not be the most appropriate place. Also, if you don’t drive, it will be difficult to move around, since its public transport network is not the best. On the other hand, if your intention is to do a different type of tourism, one that actual has meaning or simply disconnect and recharge your batteries, then Abruzzo with all its beauties and wonders will welcome you with open arms!
At this point you may be wondering, is Abruzzo the ideal place for me to go on holidays? Based on our experience, we can give you some points that can help you answer this question.
If what you are looking for is . . .
1.- If you look for stillness . . .
Then yes, Abruzzo is for you! This region, in addition to not being on the radar of the vast majority of travelers, is also one of the least populated regions in the country, as evidenced by its just over 1.2 million inhabitants, which represents only 2.1% of the total population. It is a quiet place where crowds are hardly seen and due to the nature of its territory, which is dominated mainly by protected green areas and small towns (also known as borghi), the sensation is to be somehow suspended in time, where pause and silence are the rule.
🙌🏻 what to do
Promontorio d'Annunziano
In most cases if not all, simplicity is synonym of beauty. On one occasion, we decided to wake up earlier than usual to see the sunrise on the Promontorio D’Annunziano, a splendid belvedere located right on the Costa dei Trabocchi. The sight of the reflection of the sun on the Adriatic Sea was amazing, but the most striking part of the experience was the silence and stillness of the moment. It was just us and the dawn.
In addition to the Promontorio and the beaches of course, the Costa dei Trabocchi is home to some of the most beautiful towns in Italy such as Rocca San Giovanni, San Vito Chietino and the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere.
📍Promontorio D'Annunziano
2.- If you look to connect with nature . . .
If you want to reconnect with nature, Abruzzo is not ideal, it is perfect! This region is the greenest in Europe, since approximately one third of its territory is set as a protected natural area, basically you will see green everywhere you go! Three national parks, a regional park, numerous nature reserves and more than 130 km. of coast, offer infinite options to connect with nature.
favourite spot
Gran Sasso d'Italia
The Gran Sasso d’Italia is one of the symbols of Abruzzo. It is located in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, specifically in an immense plateau called Campo Imperatore. Its peak, Corno Grande, is the highest in the entire Apennine chain at 2,912 meters above sea level, and is accessible via a trekking path that starts from the Observatory – Campo Imperatore Hotel.
The tranquility and serenity that emanates from this splendid place make the Gran Sasso and its Campo Imperatore plateau one of our favourite places in the whole region. Other places of interest that are nearby and worth visiting are the town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and the Castle of Rocca Calascio, the highest castle in the country.
Campo Imperatore - Gran Sasso
3.- If you are a foodie . . .
If you believe that eating is one of life’s unmissable pleasures, then Abruzzo is the place for you! For many, one of the best ways to get to know a place is through its culinary tradition, and Abruzzo’s cuisine is a festival of flavours that you cannot miss. There is high range of dishes, and they vary according to where you are in the region. Some of the most traditional ones are spaghetti alla chitarra, brodo alla vastese, pallotte cace e ova, arrosticini and much much more.
We absolutely cannot leave out its wine harvest, well known are Montepulciano and Cerassuolo d’Abruzzo and Pecorino. There are numerous vineyards that can be visited to try some of the typical products of the region. The Museo del Feudo Antico, located in the small town of Tollo a few kilometers from the sea, is an excellent option to have this type of experience. They offer different type of wines, traditional products such as cheese and ham and a tour through their facilities and the customer service. . . it’s just excellent!
🍝 the experience
The Experience Bellavita
Marino and Experience Bellavita, can offer you authentic culinary tours that will make you discover the best of Abruzzo’s cuisine. They offer a wide range of services that go from personalized tours, to one-day experiences and even online activities. If you want to try an experience unlike any other, then you should dine at a trabocco.
On the other hand, if you are in London and feel like trying some of these delicious dishes, Maiella Worth Restaurant and Porchetta and Grill are excellent alternatives that offer 100% Abruzzesi dishes.
4.- If you look for an active holiday . . .
Then again, Abruzzo is the right place for you! The concept of active tourism is gaining more and more traction as a travel trend, especially after the pandemic in which many of us have become aware of how important it is to carry a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally and emotionally.
The benefits of physical activity are well known and Abruzzo offers you a wide range of activities that can help to support and boost you in terms of wellbeing, ranging from hiking throughout its national parks and nature reserves, mountain biking or along the coast, canoeing in what is considered the cleanest river in Europe such as the Tirino River and kayaking along the Costa dei Trabocchi, among other activities.
active holidays
Cycling tourism and not only
One of the latest trends in terms of tourism is cycling tourism. As its name suggests, it consists of getting to know new places using the bicycle to move here and there. This trend is perfectly suited to Abruzzo, since the region has one of the most fascinating cycling routes in the country such as Bike to Coast, which goes from Martinsicuro to San Salvo, covering practically the entire Abruzzo coast. Our favorite part of Bike to Coast is the one that covers the Costa dei Trabocchi, and bikes can be rented at Lido Seraceni located in Ortona.
Tour operators such as Bike Life and Il Bosso promote sustainable tourism through activities such as cycling, hiking and canoeing in some of the most iconic places in Abruzzo.
📍Trabocco Mucchiola - Costa dei Trabocchi
Then . . . is Abruzzo for you the right place to go on holidays?
If what you are looking for when it comes to holidays matches with one or more of the reasons mentioned above, then yes, Abruzzo is the ideal place for you!!
You can visit this region at any time of the year, and as we have already seen, the options to give your body and mind a well-deserved rest are endless. So don’t be afraid, get out of your comfort zone and come to The City Next Door. . .
4 reasons why Abruzzo could be the ideal holiday destination for you
January 27, 2023
Ironically, Abruzzo is one of the 20 regions that are part of one of the most visited countries in the world such as Italy, and additionally it is located right next door to one of the most renowned cities on the planet such as Rome. Now, when we plan a vacation trip, what leads us to choose a particular country or city? Well, the answers can be infinite, we all have different needs and tastes.
The truth is that when we have to choose where to go, Abruzzo is not on the radar, it is not the first, not second and not even the third option that comes to your mind. If what you are looking for are large cities, monuments or skyscrapers, then this region may not be the most appropriate place. Also, if you don’t drive, it will be difficult to move around, since its public transport network is not the best. On the other hand, if your intention is to do a different type of tourism, one that actual has meaning or simply disconnect and recharge your batteries, then Abruzzo with all its beauties and wonders will welcome you with open arms!
At this point you may be wondering, is Abruzzo the ideal place for me to go on holidays? Based on our experience, we can give you some points that can help you answer this question.
If what you are looking for is . . .
1.- If you look for stillness
Then yes, Abruzzo is for you! This region, in addition to not being on the radar of the vast majority of travelers, is also one of the least populated regions in the country, as evidenced by its just over 1.2 million inhabitants, which represents only 2.1% of the total population. It is a quiet place where crowds are hardly seen and due to the nature of its territory, which is dominated mainly by protected green areas and small towns (also known as borghi), the sensation is to be somehow suspended in time, where pause and silence are the rule.
🙌🏻 what to do
Promontorio d'Annunziano
📍Promontorio D'Annunziano
In most cases if not all, simplicity is synonym of beauty. On one occasion, we decided to wake up earlier than usual to see the sunrise on the Promontorio D’Annunziano, a splendid belvedere located right on the Costa dei Trabocchi. The sight of the reflection of the sun on the Adriatic Sea was amazing, but the most striking part of the experience was the silence and stillness of the moment. It was just us and the dawn.
In addition to the Promontorio and the beaches of course, the Costa dei Trabocchi is home to some of the most beautiful towns in Italy such as Rocca San Giovanni, San Vito Chietino and the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere.
2.- If you look to connect with nature
If you want to reconnect with nature, Abruzzo is not ideal, it is perfect! This region is the greenest in Europe, since approximately one third of its territory is set as a protected natural area, basically you will see green everywhere you go! Three national parks, a regional park, numerous nature reserves and more than 130 km. of coast, offer infinite options to connect with nature.
📍Favourite spot
Gran Sasso d'Italia
📍Campo Imperatore - Gran Sasso
The Gran Sasso d’Italia is one of the symbols of Abruzzo. It is located in the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, specifically in an immense plateau called Campo Imperatore. Its peak, Corno Grande, is the highest in the entire Apennine chain at 2,912 meters above sea level, and is accessible via a trekking path that starts from the Observatory – Campo Imperatore Hotel.
The tranquility and serenity that emanates from this splendid place make the Gran Sasso and its Campo Imperatore plateau one of our favourite places in the whole region. Other places of interest that are nearby and worth visiting are the town of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, one of the most beautiful towns in Italy and the Castle of Rocca Calascio, the highest castle in the country.
3.- If you are a foodie
If you believe that eating is one of life’s unmissable pleasures, then Abruzzo is the place for you! For many, one of the best ways to get to know a place is through its culinary tradition, and Abruzzo’s cuisine is a festival of flavours that you cannot miss. There is high range of dishes, and they vary according to where you are in the region. Some of the most traditional ones are spaghetti alla chitarra, brodo alla vastese, pallotte cace e ova, arrosticini and much much more.
We absolutely cannot leave out its wine harvest, well known are Montepulciano and Cerassuolo d’Abruzzo and Pecorino. There are numerous vineyards that can be visited to try some of the typical products of the region. The Museo del Feudo Antico, located in the small town of Tollo a few kilometers from the sea, is an excellent option to have this type of experience. They offer different type of wines, traditional products such as cheese and ham and a tour through their facilities and the customer service. . . it’s just excellent!
🍝 the experience
The Experience Bellavita
Marino and Experience Bellavita, can offer you authentic culinary tours that will make you discover the best of Abruzzo’s cuisine. They offer a wide range of services that go from personalized tours, to one-day experiences and even online activities. If you want to try an experience unlike any other, then you should dine at a trabocco.
On the other hand, if you are in London and feel like trying some of these delicious dishes, Maiella Worth Restaurant and Porchetta and Grill are excellent alternatives that offer 100% Abruzzesi dishes.
4.- If you look for an active holiday
Then again, Abruzzo is the right place for you! The concept of active tourism is gaining more and more traction as a travel trend, especially after the pandemic in which many of us have become aware of how important it is to carry a healthy lifestyle physically, mentally and emotionally.
The benefits of physical activity are well known and Abruzzo offers you a wide range of activities that can help to support and boost you in terms of wellbeing, ranging from hiking throughout its national parks and nature reserves, mountain biking or along the coast, canoeing in what is considered the cleanest river in Europe such as the Tirino River and kayaking along the Costa dei Trabocchi, among other activities.
Active holidays
Cycling tourism and not only
📍Trabocco Mucchiola - Costa dei Trabocchi
One of the latest trends in terms of tourism is cycling tourism. As its name suggests, it consists of getting to know new places using the bicycle to move here and there. This trend is perfectly suited to Abruzzo, since the region has one of the most fascinating cycling routes in the country such as Bike to Coast, which goes from Martinsicuro to San Salvo, covering practically the entire Abruzzo coast. Our favorite part of Bike to Coast is the one that covers the Costa dei Trabocchi, and bikes can be rented at Lido Seraceni located in Ortona.
Tour operators such as Bike Life and Il Bosso promote sustainable tourism through activities such as cycling, hiking and canoeing in some of the most iconic places in Abruzzo.
Then . . . Is Abruzzo for you the right place to go on holidays??
If what you are looking for when it comes to holidays matches with one or more of the reasons mentioned above, then yes, Abruzzo is the ideal place for you!!
You can visit this region at any time of the year, and as we have already seen, the options to give your body and mind a well-deserved rest are endless. So don’t be afraid, get out of your comfort zone and come to The City Next Door. . .