Whatever the season or weather, there is always something to do and see in this area, making it an ALL YEAR ROUND holiday destination. Within a small area, you will find rugged and majestic mountains, stunning golden beaches, both ancient and modern cities, and a calendar full of traditional festivals. Italians know Abruzzo as the region where you can visit the mountains in the morning and relax at the beach that same afternoon.
Wide sandy beaches in Abruzzo
Mountains and landscape of Abruzzo
Autumnal colours in Abruzzo
Beach
There are 133km of golden beaches along the Adriatic coast, starting in the north with wide sandy beaches, lined with pinewoods, and shallow water. Further south, the coastline changes dramatically, to reveal pebble beaches, beautiful reefs, wild cliffs and secluded coves. The water is crystal-clear, making it an ideal place for scuba diving. The famous fishermen’s ‘trabocchi’, are dotted along the coast.
Mountains
Abruzzo contains the highest peaks of the Apennine mountains, with the ‘Corno Grande’ standing at 2912m. Abruzzo has been declared the ‘green region of Europe’, with 3 national parks and a region park, covering a third of its entire area. The uncontaminated landscape is wild and awe-inspiring. You will find clear water lakes, wild ravines, charming waterfalls, and breathtaking caves. Striking medieval towns can be seen, clinging to the edges of the mountains.
Wildlife
The region contains an amazing variety of wildlife, ranging from wolves, bears, otter, wild boar, chamois and golden eagles.
Sport/Leisure
For sports lovers, the choice is great. In the summer, windsurfing, canoeing, fishing, diving and sailing are easily available along the coast. In the mountains and hills, trekking, cycling, horse-riding, climbing, canoeing, mountain biking, hang-gliding and mountaineering can all be enjoyed. In the winter, skiing, snowboarding winter mountaineering and cross-country skiing are very popular. There are 17 ski resorts in Abruzzo, offering a variety of pistes, ideal for experienced as well as novice skiers.
Architecture/Art
Abruzzo has a large array of art and architecture to delight visitors. Medieval churches, hidden hermitages, impressive castles and an abundance of art are found across the region.
Traditional arts and crafts have survived and are still practiced in Abruzzo. Unique products from ceramists, goldsmiths, engravers and weavers can be purchased across the region.
Festivals
Abruzzo’s rich history of Pagan and Christian faith, has resulted in a year round calendar of festivals and feasts. At the festivals, you can taste local food specialities, whilst watching fire-eaters, stilt walkers, re-enactments, jousting and fabulous processions, as well as magnificent firework displays.
Food/Drink
The cuisine of Abruzzo is simple and tasty. The people are very proud of their produce and when you eat in a restaurant you will know that the majority of the food and wine, if not all, will have come from within a few miles. Each town will have a speciality, that is slightly different to other parts of the region. So, everywhere you go, you can taste something unique to that particular town.
