Sprawling east of Rome towards the Adriatic Sea, Abruzzo is one of the 20 regions in Italy. It’s one of the country’s most sparsely populated regions and is renowned for its rugged mountainous landscapes and national parks. Abruzzo encompasses the capital of L’Aquila and the beachside city of Pescara, as well as the sandy coves and wooden fishing piers of the Trabocchi Coast.

Things to do

From the high-altitude hiking trails of the Apennine Mountains to the lively beaches of Pescara, Abruzzo is truly off Italy’s main tourist track.

Sightsee in Pescara. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Pescara is a lively city renowned for its beaches and cultural museums. Learn about the life of locally-born poet Gabriele D’Annunzio at his childhood home and see paintings by Miró and Picasso at the Vittoria Colonna Museum of Modern Art, then discover Abruzzo’s cultural traditions at the Museo delle Genti d’Abruzzo.

Hike to the summit of Corno Grande. At the heart of Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park is the highest mountain in the Apennines, Corno Grande, which rises to 2,912 metres within the Gran Sasso d’Italia massif. In the warmer months, it’s a popular setting for hiking and mountain climbing while in the winter, it’s frequented by skiers that once included Pope John Paul II. The park encompasses the small town of Isola del Gran Sasso d’Italia, which is famously home to the Shrine of San Gabriele dell’Addolorata.

Wildlife spot in Majella National Park. Centred around the 2,793-metre-high peak of Monte Amaro, Majella National Park boasts around 500 kilometres of hiking trails and caves adorned in paintings. It’s designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark and provides a habitat for several unique animal species that include Abruzzo chamois and Marsican brown bears.

Getting around

Around 10 minutes’ drive from the centre of Pescara is Abruzzo Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Trains connect from Rome to Pescara and L’Aquila while buses serve the region’s smaller towns and villages. Having your own vehicle is the most convenient way of exploring Abruzzo.