Abruzzo is an ancient land. More than 30% of the region’s land is dedicated to national parks. Its terrain is mostly mountainous with high rocky peaks that then extend to hills and finally the coast. Its high peaks include Europe’s southern most glacier. Abruzzo sightseeing is an off the beaten path Italy destination.
With villages, castles, high farms, and majestic mountains sightseeing in Abruzzo is popular for all kinds of outdoor activities. Then in its cities there are important churches and monuments.
For more about planning a trip to Abruzzo check out the Abruzzo travel guide on this page.
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Abruzzo Location
Abruzzo is located in east central Italy from the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea
Abruzzo is located in central Italy from the eastern side of the Apennines mountains to Italy’s Adriatic coast. It’s western border is the region on Lazio, which is 50 miles from Rome. To its north is Marche. And to its south is Molise.
Although on the map its location is central Italy, culturally it identifies with Southern Italy.
Abruzzo Travel Guide Video
To explore Abruzzo, learn more about it’s culture and history, watch the Abruzzo sightseeing video below.
Abruzzo Travel Guide Map
The Abruzzo Travel guide map is interactive. Click the upper left corner of the map for Abruzzo sightseeing points of interest. The sightseeing points of interest correspond with the stared locations on the map.
Abruzzo Sightseeing Highlights
The Abruzzo region has four provinces: L’Aquila (regional capital) Pescara, Teramo, Chieti. Abruzzo sightseeing includes riding bikes in its many parks, enjoying summer days on its Adriatic beaches, hiking its mountains and pounding the pavement in its cities where nature and art go hand in hand.
Natural reserves, like the National Park of Abruzzo, the Park of Gran Sasso and the Laga Mountains, or that of Mount Majella, protect the typical vegetable and animal species of the area, including the golden eagle, the wolf and the Marsican brown bear.
The Adriatic coast is characterized by long and sandy beaches to the north and pebbly beaches to the south. Also, the small villages of the hinterland, as well as the monasteries and castles of the region, are very charming and part of many touristic routes in this the “greenest region” in Italy.
Capestrano
Capestrano is located in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. The village is very rich in art, history and nature. Castello Piccolomini built in the 13th century replaced Medieval fort, of which remains the central tower.
Castel di Sangro
Castel di Sangro area is known as the high plain of Abruzzo. The area is about 4000 ft. above sea level. It receives significant snowfall during winter. The towns around Castel di Sangro are ski resorts. For example, Roccaraso, Ovindoli and Campo Felice attract skiers from all over Europe.
Chieti
Chieti, located on a hill near the Adriatic Coast, includes an 11th-Century Cathedral. Its National Archaeological Museum includes artifacts from the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.
Gran Sasso National Park
Abruzzo is touted as the greenest region of Italy due to the number of national parks within its borders. Gran Sasso d’Italia, is the highest mountain in the Apennines, and the second-highest mountain in Italy outside the Alps. The mountain lies within Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park.
The route that spans from the Gran Sasso down to the sea crosses territories that are rich in history, traditions and art that never cease to surprise visitors.
L’Aquila
The most artistically important town in the region is L’Aquila. Its highlights include the Basilica di San Bernardino to the Sixteenth-Century castle, from the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio to the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle (99-spout fountain), embellished with a stone mask for every spout.
In the Province of Aquila, the famous Castello di Celano is the home of the Museum of Archaeology and Sacred Art – and the remains of the ancient Roman city of Alba Fucens.
Ortona
Popular beach with sandy stretch. Of cultural significance is The Aragonese Castle and the Farnese Palace. There is also a World War II Museum that provides background on the battle that occurred here.
Pescasseroli
Abruzzo is known for its many medieval villages.
Pescara
Looking for long and sandy beaches then Pescara is the destination.
Trabocchi Coast
The Trabocchi Coast corresponds to Adriatic coast between Ortona and San Salvo. It comprises a number of coves and reefs below the hills that end at the Adriatic Sea marked by the spread of Trabucco – fishing machines on piles.
The “trabocchi” huts seem to float upon the water. They date back to the 1600s. They were Invented by local farmers who wanted to fish but didn’t know how to sail. The farmers built these little wooden huts so they could fish without running the risks of the open sea. Connected to the land by narrow boardwalks and have long arms, known as antennae, which support a large net that extends into the sea.
Many of the towns on the Coast maintain their own characteristics and traditions. There is a sandy beach from Le Morge north.
Vasto
Popular beach. There is also a medieval village perched on the hill. From the village there are nice sea views.
Tours of Italy that include Abruzzo
Click southern Italy vacations for more information about trips to Southern Italy.
Abruzzo Food and Wine
One of Italy’s most rugged regions, sheep farming predominates in Abruzzo. Meat dishes and cheeses here tend to come from that animal.
Lamb with cheese and eggs, agnello cac’ e ove, is a common dish made from the sheep with sauce coming from sheep’s milk.
Abruzzo Travel Facts
Abruzzo is popular Italy vacation destination for those looking for less tourists. Many travelers are drawn to its national parks. Its mountains attract winter skiing and spring, summer, fall biking. It boasts Adriatic beaches. Food and wine is also an Abruzzo sightseeing highlight.
Abruzzo is located in eastern central Italy. The region spans from the east side of Apennine Mountains bordering the Lazio region, east to the Adriatic sea. To its north is Marche and south is Molise.
Abruzzo’s primary airport is Pescara Abruzzo International Airport (PSR). The most common flights are between Pescara and Milan, London, Brussels, Catania. The easiest way to travel around Abruzzo is by car.
The Gran Sasso park is top mountain destinations. Along the coast Vasto, Pescara and the Trabocchi Coast are popular sightseeing destinations.
For leisure travel Spring and Fall are the best seasons to visit Abruzzo. Abruzzo is a popular skiing destination during the winter season.
For more information about touring Italy check out our Italy travel guide.
