Abruzzo: Hotels and Accommodation

Abruzzo is predominantly mountainous; two thirds of the region lie at an altitude of over 750 metres.

Mountains and Nature

One third of Abruzzo’s territory is protected by three national parks, one regional park and more than thirty nature reserves. Lago di Campotosto lies at an altitude of 1,313 metres and is the largest artificial body of water in Abruzzo.

Maiella National Park has an extensive network of trails, as well as small villages and hermitages built into the rock faces. Abruzzo National Park protects, among other species, wolves, Apennine chamois and Marsican brown bears.

Winter and Activities

Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise National Park has an extensive network of trails running throughout its entire area. In Abruzzo National Park, visitors can go hiking, horse riding, cycling, birdwatching, alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.

Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park has numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty and length, as well as several climbing routes on rock, snow or ice. Night-time canoe trips are also organised on the Tirino River.

Culture and History

The Porta Santa is located on the left side façade of the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio and is opened on the occasion of the Perdonanza Celestiniana.

Rocca Calascio is a fortress situated at an altitude of 1,460 metres and is one of the highest fortifications in Italy. A visit to Rocca Calascio Castle is included in the routes in Gran Sasso-Laga National Park. Rocca Calascio and the surrounding area are relatively well preserved today and can be visited.

In L’Aquila, the Perdonanza Celestiniana is celebrated every year with religious rites; depending on the historical period, these may also include cultural events. L’Aquila saffron is a product with a protected designation of origin (PDO).

Canestrato di Castel del Monte is made from the milk of animals that graze on the pastures on the southern slopes of Gran Sasso.

In the area of Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, there is a “Butchers’ Zone” with food stalls offering cured meats, cheese, fresh meat and regional products.

Coast

The Via Verde della Costa dei Trabocchi is a cycle and footpath running entirely along the sea on a former railway line. The Bike to Coast route follows the Adriatic Greenway through 19 municipalities in Abruzzo.

Guided tours are organised at Trabocco Turchino, a public facility. The Punta Aderci Regional Nature Reserve combines sandy beaches with natural cliffs.

Regional Classification

Regional subpages: Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara, Teramo

To the higher-level travel overview: Italy.

More Destinations

More places in the same destination:

Piedmont, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Calabria, Basilicata.