Things to do in  Abruzzo

Bookended by the towering peaks of the Apennine Mountains to the west and the placid Adriatic Sea to the east, Abruzzo is known for its spectacular and varied landscapes. Home to three national parks and dozens of protected reserves, this scenic region draws outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

Abruzzo’s rolling hills stretching from the Apennines to the Adriatic coast are dotted with countless medieval hill towns, considered to be among Italy’s most charming. Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Castel del Monte, both inside the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, are easily some of the prettiest towns in Abruzzo.

Home to the most protected land in Italy, the vast Abruzzo region takes at least a week to cover—especially if you want to hike or bike its many parks. Plan to spend three days in the mountains, two days exploring the hill towns, and two days skirting the Adriatic coastline.

You can’t spend more than a few hours in Abruzzo without coming upon one of the countless arrosticini stands that line the roadsides. These long skewers of lamb and mutton cubes, grilled over wood coals on a specially designed brazier called a canale, are the region’s most beloved street food.

Yes, more than half of Abruzzo is covered in the soaring Apennines Mountains range, most of which lies within the protected confines of the region’s many parks and reserves. The most famous group of mountains is Gran Sasso—Corno Grande, one of Gran Sasso’s peaks, is the second highest in Italy.

Yes, there are reasons to visit. Pescara is Abruzzo’s largest city and transport hub. Its old town was largely destroyed by WWII bombings, so there are not many cultural attractions. The sandy beaches that stretch north and south along the coastline make up for the lack of historic architecture.