Recommendations to see in Abruzzo
If you have enough time, we like to recommend some of the most beautiful places in Abruzzo in our aria. Abruzzo is such an extraordinary region of Italy with so much to see, but here are some of our top recommendations. These are sorted by distance from Rocca di Sotto.
a Penne (30 min.)
It is an historical center of the region having a rich history that spans the story of Abruzzo. The lake of Penne is nice to walk around and the market is at Saturday.
b Citta Sant’Angelo (30 min.)
Named one of the top 10 places in the world to live. Città has a lovely atmosphere and is one of the most beautiful towns in Italy. The market is Wednesday.
c Atri (40 min.)
Is a beautiful medieval town with wonderfully preserved architecture. Choose a good day and you have views over the Adriatic sea, over the mountains and over the ‘calanques’ in the surrounding countryside which have been formed by centuries of erosion.
d Castelli (1 hour)
The lovely town Castelli has a beautiful location with fabulous views. From the Middle Ages, Castelli has been known for its colorful hand-painted ceramics.
e Chieti(1 hour)
It is a small commune in Abruzzo, but it is one of the most interesting places to explore, with a history that dates back to ancient times. You’ll discover its colorful medieval stories, including facts about the different powerful empires that conquered it and all the wars it has seen. Popular places to visit in Chieti is the San Giustino Cathedral and the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo and the Science Museum.
f Serramonacesca (1 hour)
An abbey, castle and ancient hermitage all within close proximity of each other. A great day out!
g Campo Imperatore (1 hour)
Is a not-to-be-missed majestic mountain plain in the heart of the Gran Sasso mountains which is a hive of activity in the summer months. More info click here.
h Pacentro (1 hour and 20 min.)
An exquisitely restored village not far from Sulmona. It is the ancestral home of pop artist Madonna.
i Santo Stefano di Sessanio (1 hour and 25 min.)
There is a wonderful example, in the Gran Sasso, of a dispersed hotel. A town restored with the sole intention of creating a tourist attraction. Delightful!
j Rocca Calascio (1 hour and 25 min.)
The emotions of a medieval landscape in Abruzzo. The castle of Rocca Calascio, nearby Santo Stefano di Sessanio in the province of L’Aquila, is one of the highest fortresses in Europe.
k San Vito Chietino Marina (2 hours)
The exquisite seaside town of San Vito Chietino is home to the famous Trabocchi structures of the Adriatic coast.
l Pescasseroli (2 hours and 30 min.)
Just getting there is a joy! This is Abruzzo bear country where we went with a guide and spot a few times a few of these amazing brown bears “Orso Marsicano”.
m Sulmona (1 hour and 30 min.)
Ancient history and colorful sweets are among the things to see in Sulmona. A smallish with charm as massive as the surrounding mountains. Piazza Garibaldi hosts at Saturday a market. When we were there the few market stalls sold odds and ends such as ceramic plates, old brass pots and pans, antique coffee mills, candlesticks and irons.
n Civitella del Tronto (1 hour and 30 min.)
An extraordinary vast fortress and the biggest in Italy and second biggest in Europe.
o Majella Mountains (1 hour and 30 min.)
There isn’t a single part of the Majella Mountains that we wouldn’t recommend…this is truly one of nature’s wonders.
p L’Aquilla (1 hour and 30 min.)
The city is located in the center of the homonymous basin closed on one side by the Gran Sasso and by Velino Sirente on the other. This basin is crossed by the river Aterno. In addition to being a city rich in history, art and culture. Due to the 2009 earthquake, the historic center of the city has been severely damaged along with its main monuments. The people from l’Aquilla are very warm and pleasant with everyone who will come to visit their beautiful city.
q Scanno (2 hours)
Lake of Scanno is a place absolutely you have to discover and it will amaze you not only for its natural beauty, but also for the magic air that surrounds this magnificent place hidden in the Marsicane mountains.
r Castelvalva and Anversa degli Abruzzo (2 hours)
Castelvalva is perched in the top of a mountain ridge above the town of Anversa degli Abruzzo which is one of the Borghi Più Belli d’Italia (most beautiful towns in Italy). Apart from the Gole dei Saggitario which is a hiker’s paradise, the Dutch artist M.C. Echer visited both these towns in 1929 and made wood and litho prints depicting them when he lived in Rome for several years.
