Abruzzo: Discover mountains, coastline and Italian culture

Mountains, parks and tranquil heights

Abruzzo is predominantly mountainous: two-thirds of the region lie above 750 metres. At the same time, one-third of the area is protected by three national parks, one regional park and more than thirty nature reserves. This gives you a clear question to consider when planning your trip: Are you looking for nature experiences in the mountains, varied trails, or a combination of landscapes, culture and regional culinary delights?

Trails through the national parks

The Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park has an extensive network of trails running throughout the entire park. In Abruzzo National Park, you can go hiking, horse riding, cycling and birdwatching, as well as alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. The park also protects wolves, Apennine chamois and Marsican brown bears, among other species. Maiella National Park likewise offers an extensive network of trails; small villages and hermitages built into rock faces can be found there. Lago di Campotosto lies at an altitude of 1,313 metres and is the largest artificial lake in Abruzzo.

Mountain landscapes and historic sites

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park offers numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty and length, as well as several climbing routes on rock, snow or ice. These routes also include a visit to Rocca Calascio Castle. The fortress stands at an altitude of 1,460 metres and is one of the highest fortifications in Italy. Rocca Calascio and the surrounding area are now relatively well preserved and can be visited. In L’Aquila, the Perdonanza Celestiniana is celebrated every year with religious rites; depending on the historical period, these also include cultural events. The Porta Santa, which is opened on the occasion of the Perdonanza Celestiniana, is located on the left side façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio.

The Adriatic coast by bike and on foot

The coast also offers its own opportunities for active days. The Via Verde della Costa dei Trabocchi is a cycle and walking path running entirely along the sea on a former railway line. The Bike to Coast route follows the Adriatic Green Road through 19 municipalities in Abruzzo. Guided tours are organised at Trabocco Turchino as a public facility. The Punta Aderci Regional Nature Reserve combines sandy beaches with natural cliffs, giving the coastal landscape a distinctly different character from the high-altitude national parks.

Regional products and local traditions

The region’s distinctive character also includes products closely connected to the landscape. Canestrato di Castel del Monte is made from the milk of animals that graze on the pastures on the southern slope of Gran Sasso. L’Aquila saffron is recognised as a product with a protected designation of origin (PDO). In the area of Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, there is also a “Butchers’ Zone” with snack outlets offering cured meats, cheese, fresh meat and regional products. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore focus on different combinations of mountain trails, cultural sites, coastal stages and culinary discoveries.

Regional orientation

For further regional orientation, you can also discover Chieti, L-Aquila, Pescara and Teramo.

More about the destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Sights in Abruzzo, holidays in Abruzzo – Abruzzo travel guide.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Brands, Veneto.