Is Abruzzo worth visiting?

Without hesitation. Mountains, beaches, medieval villages and extraordinary food and wine — without the crowds or prices of Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast. It is one of the most authentic and underrated regions in all of Italy.

Why is Abruzzo called Italy's best kept secret?

Because despite being right next door to Rome — less than two hours away — Abruzzo remains almost invisible on the international tourism map. Less than 3% of foreign visitors to Italy make it here. Those who do rarely leave without wanting to come back.

What is Abruzzo famous for?

Abruzzo is known as the greenest region in Europe, with three national parks covering more than a third of its territory. It is home to some of the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy, the Costa dei Trabocchi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine and arrosticini.

Is Abruzzo better than Tuscany?

It depends on what you are looking for. For authenticity, value for money and unspoiled nature — Abruzzo wins. For world-famous art cities and rolling vineyard estates — a different experience entirely. For travellers tired of the obvious, Abruzzo is the answer.

How many days do I need to visit Abruzzo?

Seven to ten days to experience it properly — combining the coast, the mountains, the villages and the food. Five days is enough for a first taste but you will almost certainly want to stay longer.

Do I need a car to visit Abruzzo?

Yes — and not just for practicality. Driving through Abruzzo is an experience in itself. The landscapes along the national park roads, the mountain passes and the coastal route of the Via Verde are some of the most extraordinary drives in Italy.

What is the best time to visit Abruzzo?

Abruzzo is a year-round destination. In summer you have the beaches and the mountains. In autumn the harvest festivals and the colours. In winter the ski resorts of Campo Imperatore and Passo Lanciano. In spring the blooming national parks. The summer months are the busiest — but every season has something extraordinary to offer.

Is Abruzzo expensive?

Abruzzo is one of the most affordable regions in Italy. Compared to Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, prices for accommodation, food and activities are significantly lower. It delivers exceptional value for money.

What is The City Next Door?

The City Next Door is the go-to English guide to travel, food and wine in Abruzzo, Italy. Written by Armando and Idania — two Venezuelans with roots in the region, living in London — every post is based on firsthand experience. No sponsored content. No guesswork. Writing about Abruzzo since 2020.

Who writes The City Next Door?

Armando and Idania. Armando grew up spending summers in Abruzzo, lived there at 16, studied in Chieti and Pescara and considers it home. Idania brings the eye for detail and the love for authentic experiences. Together they have been writing about Abruzzo since 2020.

Is the content on The City Next Door sponsored?

Never. Every post on this blog is based on firsthand experience. We have eaten in the restaurants we review, visited the beaches we recommend and stayed in the places we write about. We have never accepted payment for a review and we never will.

What does The City Next Door mean?

Abruzzo sits right next door to Rome — one of the most visited cities in the world — and yet remains completely off the tourist map. The name is an invitation to discover a place that has been hiding in plain sight.

Abruzzo in London

ABRUZZO IN LONDON

You do not have to travel to Abruzzo to get a taste of it. London has a quietly growing community of Abruzzese producers, restaurants and makers — and we have been exploring it since long before we started this blog. This is our honest guide to finding Abruzzo in London.

Restaurants

Maiella Worth

If you are looking for traditional Abruzzese food in London, this is the place. Daniel and Adi — both from Guardiagrele — have created a tiny but extraordinary piece of Abruzzo in the heart of the city. The chitarrina alla Teramana with meatballs alone is worth the trip. Read our full review →

📍 789 Wandsworth Rd, London SW8 3JQ | maiella-worth.business.site

Food

Gli Arrosticini

The arrosticini are arguably the most iconic element of Abruzzo’s culinary tradition — lamb skewers grilled over a special narrow brazier called la furnacella. Medium rare, medium well or well done — entirely up to you. If you are not vegetarian, they are non-negotiable. A glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo will do the rest.

📍 Pizzicheria Grappelli

Spaghetti alla chitarra

The spaghetti alla chitarra is one of Abruzzo’s most distinctive pasta shapes — square spaghetti made by pressing fresh pasta through a wooden frame strung with guitar-like wires. The name comes from exactly that — la chitarra, the guitar. You can find them ready to cook at Pizzicheria Grappelli in London. If you want to know more about the food traditions behind this pasta, our guide to Abruzzo’s culinary specialities has everything you need.

📍 Pizzicheria Grappelli

La Porchetta

La porchetta is the result of slow-roasting a whole pig until perfectly tender — crispy on the outside, succulent within. One of the most traditional dishes in all of central Italy and a staple of Abruzzo’s street food culture. You can find it in London at Porchetta & Grill.

📍 Porchetta & Grill

I Cantucci

These delicious twice-baked biscuits may have their origins in Tuscany, but the ones we found are made by a family bakery in Abruzzo. A small but wonderful discovery — and they are available at any Costa Coffee branch across London.

📍 Any Costa Coffee branch

Wine

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is by definition the wine of Abruzzo — a deep, full-bodied red produced across all four provinces of the region. There are so many varieties that choosing one is half the pleasure. This particular bottle is a vino ecologico available at Whole Foods Piccadilly. If you want to know more about Abruzzo’s wine tradition, our visit to Feudo Antico is a good place to start.

📍 Whole Foods Market

Pesserina Terre di Chieti

An organic rosé found near Tower Bridge — and a very welcome surprise. The Rosato Terre di Chieti is the perfect companion for a long lunch or an evening with family and friends. Light, dry and unmistakably Abruzzese. If you want to explore Abruzzo’s wine culture further, La Vineria di Salnitro near Guardiagrele is one of our favourite discoveries.

Olive Oil

Pretuziano delle Colline Teramane

During a visit to Borough Market we came across The Olive Oil Co and found a bottle of Pretuziano delle Colline Termane — one of Abruzzo’s finest extra virgin olive oils, produced in the hills of Teramo province. It goes with everything. If you have not tried it, Borough Market is a very good excuse.

📍 Borough Market

Where to Find Abruzzo in London

If you want to find the widest selection of Italian products under one roof, Eataly is your best bet. Their Abruzzo section includes Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano, Pecorino, passata di pomodoro, spaccatella classica and extra virgin olive oil from Fossacesia. It is not everything Abruzzo has to offer — but it is a very good start.

📍 Eataly London

About this blog

The City Next Door is written by Armando and Idania, two Venezuelans with roots in Abruzzo living in London. Every post is based on firsthand experience — places we have visited, food we have eaten and people we have met. Our goal is simple: to help you discover a region that deserves far more attention than it gets.