City: Abruzzo
Top Things to do in Abruzzo
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Abruzzo That You Shouldn't Miss
Abruzzo (pronounced [aˈbruttso]) is a region of Central Italy, with an area of 10,763 square km (4,156 sq mi) and a population of 1.2 million. Its western border lies 80 km (50 mi) east of Rome. The region is divided into the four provinces of L'Aquila, Teramo, Pescara, and Chieti. Abruzzo borders the region of Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and south-west, Molise to the south-east, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. Geographically, Abruzzo is divided into a mountainous area to the west, which includes the Gran Sasso D'italia, and a coastal area to the east with beaches on the Adriatic sea. Abruzzo is partially considered culturally, linguistically, historically, and economically a region of Southern Italy, although geographically it may also be considered central. The Italian Statistical Authority (ISTAT) deems it to be part of Southern Italy, partially because of Abruzzo's historic association with the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Restaurants in Abruzzo
1. Bominaco
2. Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo - MUNDA
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 273 reviews
Reviewed By anthonybT8926ZJ
This museum is a treasure, with a large collection of art from the Middle Ages to modern times, in it's beautifully-displayed rooms. This structure is not the permanent housing for these hundreds of paintings, sculptures and jewelry, all of which were brought from the 16th-century Castle of L’Aquila that was heavily damaged in the 2009 earthquake. Few visitors were in this large, modern museum when we arrived. After my wife and I had spent 2 hours enjoying every piece we saw, a guide (Carmine Santorelli) came to us after seeing how interested we were and he led us on a guided tour. He explained the history and culture of the region and how the artwork differed from other locations and times; the breast-feeding Virgin Mary's; the hidden figures in many religious paintings that symbolized the distrust the artists (an others) felt for powerful religious figures of the times. His 40+ years of museum experience were truly evident in his passionate explanations of what we saw.
3. Riserva Naturale Statale Valle dell'Orfento
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 409 reviews
Natural Reserve in Majella National Park, renowned for its spectacular and pristine environment, characterised by a deep gorge, carved by the clear and cold waters of the Orfento River. Hikes in an uncontaminated area, with a wide choice of itineraries, from the easiests to the longest and most demanding ones. Rules: - access registration needed at the Orfento Valley Visitors Centre in Caramanico Terme; - no dogs allowed; - swimming or walking in the river is forbidden.
4. Atri
5. Centro Storico di Castel Del Monte
6. Parco Nazionale della Majella
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
7. Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 848 reviews
Reviewed By 266JosephG - Montreal, Canada
The Regional Natural Reserve of Punta Aderci was created in 1998 and spans 5 Km from Punta Penna to the mouth of Sinello river further North. The reserve is a quiet, peaceful and undeveloped area with beaches, cliffs, grassland, and other vegetation, trabocchi (a trabocco is an old wooden fishing machine found on the Adriatic coast in this region). access to the Reserve and its beaches and trails are totally free; however, there are no services in the Reserve except at the entrance of Punta Penna opposite the parking where you can find showers, toilets, and drinking water. I visited by the Punta Penna entrance and walked the 1 Km road to the belvedere near the sea where you have amazing and stunning views of the sea, beaches, and trabocco. When I visited there was also a bus service for those unable to walk to the belvedere (cost: 1 Euro).
8. Area Marina Protetta Torre del Cerrano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By silviam457 - Pescara, Italy
It is a really lovely place, here you can admire Torre del Cerrano it is a sightin tower, build in 1490 to protect the population against pirates, the area is surrounded by a pinewood in front of the sea, the area is protected because here, on the dunes, nests a bird called fratino. It is a lovely place to go for a walk, a swim, or just relax on the beach.
9. Fortezza Museo delle Armi Civitella del Tronto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 722 reviews
The Fortress of Civitella del Tronto stands at 600 meters above sea level, in a very strategic position, at the old northern boundary between the Kingdom of Naples to the South and the Kingdom of the Holy See to the North. It is one of the largest and most important work of military engineering in Europe, characterized by its elliptical shape with an area of 25.000 square meters and a length of more than 500 meters.
Reviewed By JJglobal - West Malling, United Kingdom
If you are in Abruzzo and in the area of Civitella del Tronto, it is certainly well worth taking time to visit this imposing old fortress which dominates the top of the small town. It is massive in size and generally in good condition, enabling the visitor to gain a good impression of how it must have been to be a soldier stationed here long ago. The views are magnificent, although soldiers based here in the middle of winter must have endured a cold and bleak existence. A gem of a place to visit and, at the time of our visit at the end of May, virtually devoid of tourists. We had just arrived from Rome where such a historic site would have been swamped with tourists and the inevitable queues.
10. Rocca Calascio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,451 reviews
Reviewed By Madgnats - Stuttgart, Germany
Zig-zagging up the steep mountainside provides amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. Parking is available nearby so only slight uphill walking is necessary to get into the quaint town below the castle ruins. Climbing even higher to the castle ruins gives a 360 degree panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and a realistic taste of the architecture and lifestyle of long ago. Behind the castle is a chapel and a peek into the window gives a great view of art work and statues inside. A friendly street vendor is available to sell souvenirs. Rocca Calascio is well worth the uphill hike, and something you won't want to miss.
