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.

The City Next Door

VILLAGES

Abruzzo has 27 villages certified among the most beautiful in Italy — and that number alone tells you something. No other region of its size comes close. From the dramatic hilltop fortresses of Teramo to the stone streets of the Maiella foothills and the mountain villages of the Gran Sasso plateau, each borgo has its own character, its own history and its own reason to visit.

These are the villages we have explored firsthand. Not a complete guide — but an honest one.