When I first set foot in Abruzzo, I couldn’t believe how much it offered without the chaos you find in more famous corners of Italy. My first afternoon, I was perched on a trabocco, one of those old wooden fishing huts stretched out over the Adriatic, eating seafood that had probably been pulled from the water an hour earlier.
By the next morning, I was hiking in the Majella mountains, with wildflowers brushing my legs and hardly another hiker in sight. That’s Abruzzo in a nutshell: a region that still feels raw and untamed, where the rhythm of life hasn’t been rewritten for tourists.
It’s also one of those rare places where you don’t have to choose. You can wake up by the coast, drive an hour inland, and suddenly find yourself in medieval hill towns where time seems to have stalled. The food is hearty and rooted in tradition, the wines are quietly excellent, and the landscapes flip between gentle beaches, dense forests, and dramatic peaks.
This guide pulls together everything I’ve learned from traveling around Abruzzo: the beaches where you’ll want to linger for hours, the hikes that balance effort with jaw-dropping views, wineries that welcome you like family, and itineraries that make the region feel manageable without losing its sense of discovery. I’ve also included practical tips, because the charm of Abruzzo is partly in how under-the-radar it is, planning well means you can spend more time soaking it in and less time figuring out logistics.
Quick Overview What Abruzzo is Like
Abruzzo is one of those regions that catches you off guard with how much variety it packs into such a compact space. On one side you’ve got the Adriatic coast, lined with sandy stretches and the wooden fishing huts known as trabocchi, where meals seem to taste better simply because of the sea breeze.
Drive inland and within an hour the scenery flips: rolling hills give way to the Apennines, where sharp peaks rise over valleys dotted with shepherd huts and medieval towns that feel suspended in time.
The region is home to three national parks, so even when you’re not seeking them out, you’ll stumble across landscapes that feel like nature at its most generous. One of my favorite things about Abruzzo is how you can blend it all in a single day: hike through wildflower meadows in the morning, sit down to homemade pasta in a stone village at lunch, and end the day by the water with a plate of grilled fish.
Best Time to Visit Abruzzo
I’ve been lucky enough to see Abruzzo in different seasons, and each one feels like a different version of the region.
Spring (April to June):
This is when Abruzzo feels most alive. The mountains are laced with trails that wind through meadows bursting with wildflowers, and the weather is warm enough for long hikes without the intensity of summer heat. Villages are quieter, and you’ll often find yourself sitting in a piazza surrounded by locals rather than visitors. It’s also a good time if you love photography: clear skies, lush hillsides, and snow still clinging to the high peaks make for striking contrasts.
Summer (July to September):
The coast comes into its own in summer. The Adriatic is warm, the beaches buzz with life, and towns along the Trabocchi Coast host lively festas that spill out into the streets. This is peak season, so expect crowds along the most popular stretches of sand, but the payoff is long evenings, alfresco dining, and a festive energy that’s hard not to love. Inland, the mountains offer cooler escapes if you need a break from the heat.
Autumn (September to October):
If I had to pick a favorite, this might be it. The vineyards turn shades of gold and crimson, and you’ll stumble across sagre food festivals celebrating everything from truffles to chestnuts. The weather is still mild enough for hiking, but without the summer crowds, and you’ll notice winemakers busy with harvest. It’s a season that feels both abundant and a little more personal, as locals return to their rhythms after the summer rush.
Winter (December to March):
This is when Abruzzo reveals its quieter, wilder side. The Gran Sasso and Majella mountains transform into ski areas, and while they’re not as polished as the Dolomites, that’s part of the charm. You’ll find smaller resorts where families gather, and après-ski means hearty mountain dishes by a fire rather than flashy nightlife. Down on the coast, the towns are sleepy, but there’s a stark beauty to walking along the beach when the crowds are gone.
Top Experiences by Interest
For Nature & Hiking Gran Sasso, Majella, Sirente-Velino
If you love the outdoors, Abruzzo is the kind of place that makes you feel like you should always keep your hiking boots in the car. The Gran Sasso massif dominates the skyline, and standing in the wide-open plains of Campo Imperatore feels almost cinematic. It’s the kind of place where clouds race across the sky and shadows move over the land in big, sweeping patterns.
Majella, on the other hand, feels older and wilder. The gorges cut deep into the mountains, and hidden among the cliffs are hermit caves once used by monks seeking solitude. Walking there, you get this sense of stepping into both nature and history at once. Then there’s Sirente-Velino, a park that doesn’t get as much attention but rewards anyone who goes.
Trails wind past limestone cliffs and forests where you might walk for hours without crossing paths with another hiker. If you want to make the most of it, stop by the local park offices for trail maps; they’re usually run by friendly rangers who love pointing out their favorite spots.
And if you’re lucky enough to join a guided wildlife walk, you might even spot an Apennine wolf or golden eagle from afar, which is a reminder of just how untamed Abruzzo still is.
For Beaches & Coastal Food, Trabocchi Coast, Vasto, Punta Aderci
The Trabocchi Coast is where Abruzzo meets the Adriatic in a way that feels both rustic and romantic. The trabocchi wooden fishing platforms perched on stilts above the sea have been turned into restaurants, and there’s nothing quite like eating fresh seafood while the waves crash below your feet.
Vasto is a lovely spot to base yourself if you want a mix of sandy beaches and the charm of an old town.
Spend the morning stretched out by the water, then wander through Vasto’s narrow streets where restaurants serve just-caught fish and plates of pasta flavored with local olive oil. If you’re looking for something wilder, head to Punta Aderci. It’s a protected reserve, so the coastline feels untouched: cliffs drop down to rocky coves, and the water is so clear it practically begs you to swim.
Bring a picnic and plan to stay for sunset, when the horizon glows orange and the sea seems to stretch on forever.
For Food & Wine Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Cerasuolo, Arrosticini
Eating in Abruzzo is a lesson in simplicity and tradition. The food doesn’t try to impress, it just fills you up in the best way. Arrosticini, skewers of lamb cooked over open coals, are a local obsession.
They usually arrive by the dozen, served in paper cones, and you eat them with your hands, one after the other. In Sulmona, the famous sugared almonds make perfect souvenirs, but I’d argue they’re just as fun to snack on while wandering the streets.
L’Aquila adds its own flavor to the mix with saffron, which turns risottos and sauces into golden-hued dishes that taste both earthy and luxurious. And then there’s the wine. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is bold and dark, perfect with grilled meats. Cerasuolo is its lighter cousin a rosé with a personality, fruity but structured enough to stand on its own.
And don’t overlook Pecorino, a crisp white that pairs beautifully with the region’s seafood. What I loved most was how unpretentious it all felt. You don’t need to search for Michelin stars here; the real joy is sitting in a family-run trattoria, tasting flavors that have been passed down for generations.
Best Wineries & a Short Abruzzo Wine Primer
Wine in Abruzzo is less about polished tasting rooms and more about hospitality. Visits often feel like being invited into someone’s home, where you’re poured a glass by the winemaker’s son or served a plate of homemade salami by the grandmother of the family.
It’s unpretentious, generous, and rooted in tradition, something I found incredibly refreshing after visiting more commercial wine regions in Italy. Don’t be surprised if what was meant to be a quick tasting stretches into a long afternoon of conversation, food, and maybe even a tour of the vineyard in a rickety old jeep.
Here are the grapes you’ll see most often, each with its own personality:
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
This is the grape most people associate with Abruzzo, and for good reason. Montepulciano produces a deep, ruby-red wine that’s bold but approachable. I loved how versatile it was: rustic enough to drink with arrosticini (the region’s famous lamb skewers), but elegant enough to pair with a long, multi-course dinner.
Many producers age their Montepulciano in oak, which gives it earthy notes of spice and leather alongside the dark fruit. If you only try one wine while you’re here, make it this one it’s the heartbeat of Abruzzo’s vineyards.
Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo
Don’t be fooled by its color. Cerasuolo is technically a rosé, but it’s darker and richer than the pale pink glasses you might be used to. Its name comes from the Italian word for cherry, and that’s exactly what you’ll taste: juicy red fruit with a bit more body than most rosés.
It’s the kind of wine that works brilliantly with seafood pastas or even roasted vegetables. I found myself ordering it again and again on warm evenings by the coast, where it struck the perfect balance between refreshing and satisfying.
Trebbiano d’Abruzzo
Trebbiano can sometimes get a reputation for being a little bland in other regions, but in Abruzzo, it shines when treated with care. The best versions are crisp and citrusy, with a subtle mineral note that makes them great with simple seafood dishes or fresh cheeses. It’s not a showy wine, but that’s part of its charm. When you’re sitting outside a trattoria on a hot day, a chilled glass of Trebbiano feels exactly right.
Pecorino
Pecorino has become one of my personal favorites. The grape almost disappeared until local winemakers revived it in recent decades, and now it’s one of the most exciting whites in the region.
It’s aromatic and slightly herbal, with flavors of pear, sage, and sometimes even a salty edge that makes it taste like summer in a glass. For me, Pecorino was perfect in the late afternoon, especially when paired with grilled fish or a simple plate of bruschetta.
What ties all these wines together is their connection to the land. The vineyards stretch from sea level up into the foothills of the Apennines, which means you can taste the diversity of Abruzzo in the glass sun-soaked warmth from the coast balanced by cool mountain breezes that keep the acidity lively.
Sample Itineraries
Traveling in Abruzzo can feel overwhelming at first because there’s so much variety, but breaking it into manageable chunks helps. Here are three itineraries I’ve actually tried in some form, with some extra detail on what each day feels like.
3 Days in Abruzzo
If you only have three days, you’ll need to balance the coast, mountains, and a couple of villages. On your first day, base yourself on the coast. I like starting in Pescara because it’s easy to reach, and then driving down to the Trabocchi Coast for lunch.
Sitting on a trabocco with the sea rolling underneath and plates of fresh seafood coming out feels like a perfect introduction. Spend the afternoon exploring the coast and stay overnight nearby.
On day two, head inland to Sulmona. Stop in Scanno on the way to see its lake and wander the steep alleys. It’s the kind of place that begs you to slow down for a coffee in the piazza. Stay the night in Sulmona, which has a livelier feel and plenty of trattorias.
On your final day, set out early for Rocca Calascio. The ruined castle perched high above the plains is unforgettable, and from there it’s a scenic drive across Campo Imperatore, often called Italy’s “Little Tibet.” End your trip by looping back through L’Aquila before heading toward Rome or the airport.
5 Days in Abruzzo
With five days you can move at a slower rhythm. Start again with a day in Pescara and the Trabocchi Coast, but don’t rush through. Give yourself time to walk along the beaches, maybe rent a bike to ride between trabocchi. Spent day two in Vasto and nearby Punta Aderci. Vasto’s old town has pretty views over the Adriatic, and Punta Aderci is where the coast feels wilder, pack a picnic and stay for sunset. On day three, drive inland.
Sulmona is a good base, and you can visit its markets and confetti shops before heading up to Scanno for an overnight stay. Day four is for Majella National Park. Even if you’re not a serious hiker, a short walk into one of its gorges will give you a sense of its rugged beauty, and Pacentro nearby is worth a stop for its castle and views.
Wrap up your trip with a day among the vineyards around Chieti. Many family-run wineries welcome visitors for tastings, often pairing the wine with homemade snacks. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Pecorino will give you a sense of the region’s range. It’s a laid-back way to end your stay before heading back to Pescara.
7 Days in Abruzzo
A full week gives you time to experience almost everything Abruzzo is known for. Spend your first two days along the Trabocchi Coast, alternating between lazy beach mornings and long seafood lunches. Day three, continue south to Vasto and Punta Aderci.
This part of the coast is less busy and gives you a mix of sandy stretches and wild reserves. On day four, head inland to Sulmona and Scanno.
Sulmona’s piazzas and gelaterias feel lively, while Scanno’s steep lanes and lake are quieter and more atmospheric; try to stay overnight to experience both sides. Day five is about mountains: drive into Gran Sasso and take in Campo Imperatore, where the views are as vast as the name suggests. Day six can be your indulgence day. Plan a wine route through the Chieti hills, stopping at a mix of small family-run wineries and larger estates.
Finally, spend your last day in L’Aquila. The city has had a difficult history, but it’s also rich in culture and known for saffron. Stroll through the historic center, sample local dishes, and end your trip on a note that combines Abruzzo’s resilience with its deep traditions.
Where to Stay Towns & Moods
Pescara
If you want a base on the coast with all the conveniences of a city, Pescara works well. It’s modern, with a long sandy beach and a lively nightlife scene that kicks off in summer. I found it handy for a first night in Abruzzo because the airport and train connections are right there.
It’s not as charming as the smaller towns, but if you like having restaurants, shops, and bars at your doorstep, it’s a practical choice.
Vasto
Vasto feels like a different world compared to Pescara. Its old town sits on a hill overlooking the Adriatic, and evenings here are romantic, with narrow streets leading to piazzas where people linger over wine.
From Vasto, you can reach sandy beaches easily, but it’s also the kind of place where strolling the old streets is just as rewarding.I think it’s perfect for couples or anyone wanting a slower pace with a dash of history.
Sulmona
Smack in the middle of Abruzzo, Sulmona makes a great base if you want to explore both mountains and valleys without switching hotels every night. I loved how the city balances history with everyday life: locals shop at open-air markets, and the Renaissance squares are lively without feeling overrun.
It’s also famous for confetti (sugared almonds), so you’ll see colorful displays everywhere. Staying here felt like being in a working town with enough charm to keep you wandering in the evenings.
Scanno or Pacentro
If you want that fairytale feel, spend at least one night in Scanno or Pacentro. Scanno sits above a lake shaped like a heart, and the streets are so narrow and winding that you half expect to see villagers carrying baskets of firewood around the corner.
Pacentro, on the other hand, is tucked beneath castle towers, and waking up here feels like stepping into a postcard. Both are small, so don’t expect much nightlife but for the atmosphere, they’re unbeatable.
L’Aquila
L’Aquila is for travelers who want a mix of history and resilience. The city is still rebuilding after the 2009 earthquake, but many of its beautiful churches and squares have been restored, and there’s a strong sense of pride in what’s been rebuilt.
It’s also a gateway to saffron country: the surrounding fields provide one of the world’s most prized varieties, and you’ll see it in local dishes and shops. Staying here gives you access to a more cultural side of Abruzzo, with museums, historic streets, and easy access to the mountains.
Practical Tips & Safety
Money
ATMs are widely available in towns and cities, and most restaurants and hotels take cards. That said, I always carried some cash, especially in villages where small trattorias and shops still prefer it. A few euros go a long way for things like parking or a quick espresso.
Language
English isn’t as common here as in places like Rome or Florence, especially in smaller towns. A few basic Italian phrases really do go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort. Even simple words like grazie and buongiorno open doors.
Accessibility
Many of Abruzzo’s hill towns are beautiful but not exactly easy to navigate. Expect steep climbs, narrow alleys, and cobblestones that can be tough if you have mobility issues. Comfortable shoes are a must.
Driving
If you’re renting a car, keep small coins handy for parking meters; some machines don’t take cards. Roads are generally good, but driving through mountain passes means winding roads and hairpin bends. Take your time, and you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views.
Tipping
Tipping isn’t a big part of the culture in Abruzzo. Service is usually included, but I found that rounding up the bill or leaving a couple of extra euros for good service was always appreciated.
Conclusion
Abruzzo really does feel like Italy’s best-kept open secret, a place where the mountains and the sea almost compete for your attention, but in the end you don’t have to choose, you can have both. What struck me most wasn’t just the scenery or the food (though both are unforgettable), but the way the region has managed to keep its soul.
Hill towns still move at their own pace, family recipes are passed down with pride, and a meal often turns into a memory because of the people sharing it with you.
If you’re planning a trip here, think of these itineraries and tips as a starting point rather than a rigid plan.
The real magic of Abruzzo lies in the detours: pulling off the road to follow a sign for a local sagra, stumbling into a mountain village café where the owner insists you try their homemade liquor, or lingering at a winery longer than expected because the winemaker keeps pouring “just one more glass.” Some of my favorite memories here came from those unplanned stops, the ones I couldn’t have circled on a map in advance.
That’s the beauty of Abruzzo; it rewards curiosity. Wander a little, ask questions, and let yourself be surprised. If you want more help mapping it all out, I’ve put together a printable Abruzzo map and checklist to make planning easier.
You can grab it by subscribing, and hopefully it’ll help you piece together your own version of this region, one that feels personal, unrushed, and full of moments you’ll carry home with you.
