Giorgio & Nicole

"Lakes, the Adriatic coastline, national parks, imposing mountain ranges, UNESCO heritage sites, some of the most beautiful medieval towns in the country, and an eclectic and diverse cuisine that changes from the beach to the mountains."

If the CNN says so...it may be one of the best kept secret in the naturally and culturally rich Italy, but Abruzzo really has plenty for all kinds. Pescara in particular offer plenty of sandy beaches and very relaxed strolls on the riviera and Corso Umberto, while lighting up at night in Via Cesare Battisti and Corso Manthone' ; the nearby Chieti instead offers great views of the coast and a typical Italian old town feel, walking on the classic cobbled streets and old architecture. In addition to those, find below what we think, are the best sights:

- For those wanting a real Italian feel:

Abruzzo has a host of breathtaking little towns to visit. Romanic churches, cobbled streets, cute little squares, narrow lanes, gossipy grandmas and family owned trattorias...the real Italy you know. if you want a real taste of that make sure to visit any, or all of the following towns:

In the mountains: Barrea, Guardiagrele, Pescocostanzo, Pacentro, Rivisondoli, Santo Stefano di Serrano, Sulmona

On the coastline: Ortona, San Vito Chietino, Vasto

- For Mountain Lovers:

Abruzzo offers three national parks, infinite mountain treks and a variety of picturesque views and old town.

Not far from Pescara, close to the town of Caramanico you can have lovely walks in the Valle dell'Orfento, followed by thermal baths in the town of Caramanico. If you fancy a trek, Gran Sasso is a challenging one, with beautiful views all around. Campo Imperatore is another one really recommended, surrounded by imposing nature. Hike and History? After a trek, what better view than the spectacular Rocca Calascio, fortress built on rocks. Or for the fearless ones fancying a cold dip in fresh water, the quirky heart-shaped Lake in Scanno can do the trick. 

- For Beach Bums: 

Swim shorts and towels off we go! Abruzzo has plenty of beaches, quite varied between them. The ones most recommended are a little outside Pescara, up to 1 hpour drive away. Of these, we mostly recommend:

Punta Penna – Vasto; Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci - Vasto; Spiaggia del Turchino – San Vito Chietino; Punta Ferruccio – Ortona; Torre di Cerrano – Pineto

In general, for more info, you can find plenty of itineraries on the Abruzzo Tourism region website or here.

- For Foodies:

Italian food....do we need anything else? Abruzzo offers great variety, from meat to fish, to pizza and pasta. Our recommended restaurants for all kinds:

Margherita (Citta' Sant'Angelo - try Pasta alla Mugnaia); Focone' (Pescara - award winning Pizza); La Pecorella (Montesilvano - Meat and Arrosticini, juicy lamb skewers); da Bacone (Pescara - Fish & Seafood); La Balena (San Vito Chietino - Fish & Seafood).

These are just some of the many that can be found. For a nice Italian breakfast head to La Bresciana in Pescara city centre, for some delicious pastry and cappuccino. Or if you fancy a little snack, head to the riviera and grab yourself a delicious pizzetta at Trieste.

- For Wine connoisseurs:

Abruzzo is home to several renowned wines, such as Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (Red), Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo (Rose') and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (white). If you love your wine, click here for more information on those bottles to try. And perhaps visit of a Cantina (vineyard), where these juicy grapes call home.

Given the central position of the region within the Italian boot, plenty of options are available for those wishing to expand their time in Italy. Within 2 to 4H drive the following are the highest recommended:

Rome - About 200km west, or 2H drive. Eternal City and Italian Capital, Rome has plenty of history and scenes to offer. Colosseum, Forum, Vatican City, Piazza di Spagna, Villa Borghese, just to name a few sites. Very easy to reach via bus too, through Flixbus.

Naples, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii and Salerno - About 250km south west, 3H drive. Another beautiful part of Italy, where history meets culinary excellence. Visit the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii, while going for a ride into the scenic Amalfi Coast. Not much to be added here. Oh yes, Pizza! And in general, just incredible food. Don't bring a scale with you here. Get to Naples or Salerno in about 3.5 to 4H with Flixbus.

Gargano Promontary, Puglia - About 200km south, or 2H drive. Green and hilly area with lush pine forests, olive groves, and a dramatic coastline of white limestone cliffs, colourful sea caves, and long sandy beaches. The Gargano Peninsula juts out into the Adriatic Sea and is called the spur in the heel of Italy’s boot. Most of the area is a national park, and aside from some seaside resorts, is unspoilt. Use Vieste as your base.