Abruzzo

To the east of Rome lies the region of Abruzzo, an area featuring stunning mountains, beautiful coastlines, medieval towns situated on rugged hills, and some of the most delicious food and wine Italy has to offer. There is evidence that people lived in this region as far back as the Neolithic Era! Abruzzo is now one of the economic capitals of central Italy, with its main products being food and agricultural products. Because it’s tucked away from the rest of Italy by the Apennine mountains, for a long time, it was difficult to get products from other areas of the country in to the region, so many of the regional culinary staples are born of Abruzzo, utilizing all local ingredients.

From the coast on the Adriatic Sea, to the west and Abruzzo’s capital of L’Aquila, the diversity of this area is extraordinary. The region boasts three different national parks and one regional park, each offering a different and breathtaking experience to its visitors. Abruzzo also has some hyper-local food specialties that are absolutely not to be missed.

Notable Cities and Towns:
L’Acquila (Abruzzo’s capital city), Pescara, Teramo, Castel del Monte, Chieti, Sulmona, Villalago, Scanno.

What to See:
The incredible Appenine mountain range, which spans nearly the entire length of Italy, offers spectacular experiences for visitors to Abruzzo. Gran Sasso, the range’s highest peak (and the 2nd highest peak in Italy outside of the Alps), boast several hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and mountain biking trails (bike rentals are available at various locations).

Near the Gran Sasso, you can explore the Stiffe Caves—the view of the Gran Sasso from the cave’s cliffside entrance is breathtaking, and inside, you’ll find rivers and waterfalls hidden amongst the rocks. Like many other caves and cisterns throughout Italy, it’s also a great place to cool off from the sun and heat if you’re outside in the summer months.

Passolanciano-Majelletta:
This scenic Appenine ski resort area overlooks the surrounding mountains and the Adriatic Sea, offering some of the region’s most beautiful skiing. It is also just 5km from the town of Rapino, a medieval village with a history of artisan ceramics. You can still find shops in Rapino offering these locally crafted items!

Costa dei Trabocchi: If you want to avoid the crowds of Italy’s more popular beaches, head to the Trabocchi Coast on the Adriatic Sea. This small coastline offers quaint beaches, reefs and coves, as well as gorgeous nature reserves, sandstone cliffs, and more. Many of the old fishing Trabocchi have been converted to restaurants, where you can enjoy truly local and delicious food.

For a spectacular mountain view from a castle, hike up to Rocco Calascio, just outside of L’Acquila. This fortress, the highest one in the Appenines, was built sometime around the 10th century B.C. On the way up through the village of Calascio, you’ll find many small shops and bars to stop for a snack or a glass of local wine.

While you’re in the area, also check out Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a charming medieval village that underwent a massive restoration project beginning in the 1970’s. You’ll be able to buy locally-made products like honey, cured meats, jams, and more at the shops and restaurants in town, and the revival efforts brought many traditional regional dishes (like the area’s famed lentils) back to the area!

Food:
One of Abruzzo’s most famous foods, arrosticini, is a local specialty. Arrosticini is a skewer of either lamb or sheep and cooked over a fire. This Abruzzese street food goes perfectly with the local wine, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo . The region also has a distinct history of pasta-making, as evidenced by its “pasta alla chitarra”, an egg-based pasta that is pushed through an wooden-framed tool with metal strings, much like guitar strings, that give the noodle its distinct square shape. The coarse surface of the noodle allows sauce to stick to the pasta better, making sure you get all the flavors of the dish in one bite!

If you’re into hands-on food experiences, you can book a class with a local farmer, milking sheep and then learning how to make cheese from the milk. Or, visit one of the many fabulous agriturismi in the region to experience a true farm-to-table meal along with engaging lessons on sustainable agriculture and tasting their local products.

If you end up on the coast, look for brodetto alla Vastese, a seafood stew in a tomato broth. Other notable Abruzzese dishes include Virtù, which is a soup made with various vegetables and legumes,

Ideal for:
Hikers, nature lovers, slow travel enthusiasts, ancient history nerds, foodies.