Abruzzo

Why Visit

Abruzzo is one of Italy's best-kept secrets: a region where the highest peaks of the Apennines drop sharply to a long Adriatic coastline, and medieval hill towns feel untouched by mass tourism. It offers the food, scenery, and authenticity that Tuscany and Umbria are famous for, but without the crowds and inflated prices. For travellers seeking genuine local culture and striking landscapes in late June, Abruzzo hits a rare sweet spot.

Best Towns & Cities

Sulmona

The birthplace of the poet Ovid and the historic centre of confetti (sugar-coated almonds), Sulmona sits in a wide valley ringed by mountains. Piazza XX Settembre hosts a lively Wednesday and Saturday market where locals shop for produce, cheese, and cured meats. The medieval aqueduct cutting through town, the Complesso della Santissima Annunziata, and the proximity to the Majella mountains make it an excellent base. The town has a real working-town feel rather than a museum atmosphere. Getting there: Regional train only — direct Regionale from Pescara (~1h) or from Rome on the scenic Rome–Sulmona–Pescara line (~2.5h). No Frecce service, but both routes are direct without changes.

Scanno

A tiny stone village perched above a turquoise heart-shaped lake (Lago di Scanno), reached by a dramatic gorge road from Sulmona. The women of Scanno were historically known for wearing distinctive traditional dress, and the village attracted photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Mario Giacomelli. Narrow alleys, artisan workshops, and a genuine mountain-village pace of life. The lake is swimmable in summer. Getting there: No rail. TUA regional bus from Sulmona (~45 min) or car via the gorge road.

Pescara

Abruzzo's largest city and main transport hub, Pescara is no beauty queen but has a long sandy beach, a buzzing seafood-focused food scene, and the best train connections in the region. The Mercato Centrale Pescara and the lungomare (seafront promenade) are worth an afternoon. Use it as a gateway rather than a base. Getting there: IC/Frecce station on the Adriatic line. Direct Frecciabianca from Bologna (~3.5h) and IC from Rome via Sulmona (~3h).

Chieti

Set on a ridge overlooking both the Majella massif and the Adriatic, Chieti is one of the oldest cities in central Italy. It has a small but rewarding archaeological museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale d'Abruzzo), a fine cathedral, and almost zero international visitors. The views from the belvedere are exceptional. Getting there: Regional train from Pescara (~15 min) via a short branch line. Alternatively, Chieti Scalo station sits on the main Rome–Pescara line.

L'Aquila

The regional capital, still rebuilding after the devastating 2009 earthquake, has a powerful atmosphere mixing Renaissance beauty with raw resilience. The Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio (pink-and-white facade) is stunning. The famous 99-spout fountain (Fontana delle 99 Cannelle) is unique in Italy. Evenings come alive when university students fill the restored centro storico. Getting there: Regional train from Sulmona (~1h) but slow. Much faster by bus from Rome (~1.5h, Flixbus/TUA). No Frecce service.

Santo Stefano di Sessanio

A fortified medieval hamlet inside the Gran Sasso national park, restored as an albergo diffuso (rooms scattered through historic buildings). With a population under 100, it is achingly picturesque and utterly quiet. Best visited as a day trip from Sulmona or L'Aquila unless you book one of the few rooms. Getting there: No rail and no regular bus service. Car from L'Aquila (~30 min) or Sulmona (~45 min).

Civitella del Tronto

Home to one of the largest fortresses in Europe, perched on a dramatic ridge above the town. The narrow Ruetta (one of Italy's narrowest streets) and the panoramic views toward the Gran Sasso make this a memorable stop. Reachable by bus from Teramo. Getting there: No direct rail. Bus from Teramo (~30 min); Teramo has regional trains from Giulianova on the Adriatic IC line (~30 min).

Food & Drink

Abruzzese cuisine is mountain-pastoral meets Adriatic seafood, and it punches well above its weight.

• Arrosticini — tiny lamb skewers grilled over coals, the region's signature street food. Found everywhere, best eaten standing at a roadside fornello.
• Maccheroni alla chitarra — square-cut pasta made with a guitar-like tool, served with lamb ragu or tomato-based sauces.
• Pallotte cace e ove — fried cheese-and-egg balls in tomato sauce, a peasant dish that has become a local treasure.
• Brodetto di pesce — the Adriatic fish stew, with every coastal town claiming the definitive version. Pescara and Vasto both deliver.
• Saffron — the Navelli plateau near L'Aquila produces some of Italy's finest saffron, used in local risotti and sweets.
• Confetti di Sulmona — the original candy-coated almonds, produced here since the 15th century.
• Wine — Montepulciano d'Abruzzo (rich red) and Trebbiano d'Abruzzo (crisp white) are the two DOC workhorses. Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, a dark rose, is perfect for summer. Look for producers like Emidio Pepe and Valentini for the region's best.
• Markets — Sulmona (Wed/Sat), Pescara (daily covered market), Lanciano (weekly), and Vasto host the liveliest markets.

Beaches & Swimming

The Adriatic coast of Abruzzo runs about 130 km, with a mix of wide sandy beaches and a few rocky stretches.

• Water temperature in late June — typically 22-24 degrees C, comfortable for swimming by mid-June.
• Vasto and the Costa dei Trabocchi — the most scenic stretch, where wooden fishing platforms (trabocchi) jut out over the sea. Pebble coves alternate with sandy patches. The former railway line has been converted into a coastal cycling/walking path (Via Verde), connecting beaches between Ortona and Vasto.
• Pineto — a long sandy beach backed by a pine forest, with a nature reserve (Torre di Cerrano). Quieter than Pescara, easily reached by train.
• Ortona — a small town with a harbour, pebble beaches below dramatic cliffs, and excellent fish restaurants.
• Roseto degli Abruzzi — another sandy beach town on the rail line, low-key and mostly Italian holidaymakers.
• Lago di Scanno — for a mountain-lake alternative, the water warms to around 20-22 degrees C by late June. No motorboats, clear water, free access.
• Lago di Campotosto — a large artificial lake near L'Aquila, scenic but cooler water (around 18-20 degrees C in June). Better for views than swimming.

Getting Around

Arriving by Train

• From Rome — direct trains Rome Tiburtina to Pescara (about 3 hours via Sulmona on the regional line, or faster Frecciabianca services). The Rome-Sulmona-Pescara route through the mountains is one of Italy's most scenic rail journeys.
• From Bologna/Rimini — Adriatic coast line runs south through Pescara. Frequent service, about 3.5-4 hours from Bologna.
• From Naples — no direct train; change at Caserta or Rome. About 3.5-4 hours total.
• From the north via Ancona — the Adriatic line passes through Marche into Abruzzo. Straightforward Interrail route.

Within Abruzzo

• Coastal rail line (Trenitalia Regionale) — connects Giulianova, Roseto, Pineto, Pescara, Ortona, and Vasto. Frequent service, all Interrail-valid.
• Pescara-Sulmona-Rome line — the key inland route, running through the Majella foothills. About 1 hour from Pescara to Sulmona.
• L'Aquila — connected to Sulmona by regional train (about 1 hour) and to Rome by bus (Flixbus/TUA, about 1.5 hours; the rail connection via Sulmona is slower).
• Mountain villages (Scanno, Santo Stefano, Civitella del Tronto) — not on the rail network. Requires buses (TUA Abruzzo regional buses) or a rental car. A car for 2-3 days is worthwhile for the interior.

Suggested Time

4 to 6 days is ideal to experience both coast and mountains without rushing.

A possible split:

This fits well as a 4-5 day block within a longer Interrail itinerary, arriving from Rome or the Adriatic coast to the north (Marche) and continuing south toward Puglia.