We always talk about Abruzzo as Italy’s best kept secret and the perfect destination if you want to visit off the beaten paths and see something far from the tourist cliches.
Of course we are still very well connected to everything that surrounds us and just a couple of hours away from Rome going East, so definitely not in the middle of nowhere, but many people don’t really know where it is located and might wonder if it’s safe to travel across our region.
The answer is very straightforward: yes it is!
Generally speaking, considering there is not a large concentration of tourists, there are also not many pick-pockets. This is true also for Pescara, the largest city with a population of about 120,000 – but of course here you have to pay more attention. Pescara is never included in our tours as we consider it “too modern” and quite distant from our philosophy, which is built around the discovery of smaller towns and medieval villages.
In the smaller towns life is very relaxed, all the villages offer the necessary services for daily life, and the provincial cities are never too far away.
If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask! You will immediately notice that everybody is very genuine and will make sure you are pointed in the right direction.
The territory is an ideal spot also for solo travellers. Women can especially feel safe walking alone on the beaches of Abruzzo and enjoying the buzzing nightlife, also during the summer, when the towns might get a bit crowded. Policemen regularly patrol the popular areas, so you will always feel comfortable.
If you join one of our tours by yourself, you will never be alone! Others in your group may be interested in seeing the same sights as you. Or if you prefer to sightsee alone, you know you have someone to call should anything come up.
We believe that traveling with a small group of people and a local tour operator as we are can really make the difference: you will be invited into homes and farms, as well as into the daily life of locals, and you will feel protected as part of a big family.
Abruzzo is also considered one of the best places to retire (see #5), how can life be dangerous over here? You can experience the relaxed way of living, and join the old ladies that work in the tiny streets of villages like Scanno. Sometimes you might have the feeling that they are staring at you, but they are simply checking that everything is under control!
Parks and little squares are also “patrolled” by groups of men who get together to play cards in the most quiet atmosphere.
And if you join a festival in a small village you could easily meet a local who walks his donkey.
If you take a look at the video below, you will notice groups of people, even the elderly alone, sitting and walking quietly, playing cards and bowls, going to the market. It is a good representation of the slow rhythms of life, the high quality and safety of enjoying life outdoors surrounded by monuments, ancient squares or beautiful landscapes overlooking the sea or mountains.
Of course in general you should be careful as you were travelling anywhere else, but we are sure that as soon as you enter the region you will feel you have reached a safe place and you will be ready to enjoy your holiday to the fullest!
You will be able to walk quietly on the streets without the need of constantly checking your pockets or purse to make sure you still have your phone and your wallet, as it often happens in big cities or on crowded means of transport.
Ready to experience Abruzzo with us?
Get in touch today for more information about our region, we will help you understand what are the best options for your dream vacation!
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12 thoughts on “Is it safe to travel to Abruzzo, Italy?”
My family is from Capestrano and Popoli. For my 80 Birthday I took 25 family members to Capestrano. it was a very moving experience for all. I have been there several times since 1960 and I hope to go again. I normally go to Italy every summer and the pandemic has grounded me for awhile.
Salute!
BUongiorno Victor,
I’m happy to know that your family is from Abruzzo. Many thanks for sharing your emotional story and auguri! If one day you’ll decide to came and need some help to have authentic tours of Abruzzo, don’t hesitate to contact me (fabrizio@italiasweetitalia.com).
Ciao for now,
Fabrizio
Grand parents are from Pescara and Chieti. Left for the US around 1915ish. Both pasted away now but my uncle, 83 yrs old has just informed us he is renting a villa Easter 2022 and invited us to stay with him. Can’t wait! I’ll be reading your info for things to do…Ciao!
Grazie mille to share your information and family story John.
I hope that you are enjoying our info.
Ciao for now, Fabrizio.
p.s.: if you need any help to trace your roots, contact us through this page: https://italiasweetitalia.com/ancestry-a-holiday-to-trace-your-abruzzo-roots/
Ciao! My family roots are in Penne and Marche. Mom and I started A pizzelle company (Bellapizzelle) in 2002 and today we still enjoy manufacturing authentic pizzelle (neole) here in US. I would like to take my husband to Italy upon his retirement next fall 2022!!
Buongionro Denise,
grazie mille to share your nice story and congratulations for your pizzelle company that I love, I have homemade pizzelle or catarrette or neole or ferratalle (from ferro-iron) very often as you can see here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CHib6Qfh7Nu/
Ciao for now, Fabrizio.
p.s.: if you need any help to trace your roots and to discover Abruzzo and Marche in an authentic way, contact us through this page: https://italiasweetitalia.com/ancestry-a-holiday-to-trace-your-abruzzo-roots/
Ciao Fabrizio,
I noticed that your pottery tour goes to Castelli, where my maternal grandfather was born. I went there in 2008 for the first time and returned in 2018 and 2019. I cannot wait to go back again. Since I am distantly related to almost all of the ceramic-making families there, I bet you know some of my relatives. I just recently discovered your site through another Italian site on Facebook which led me to this Sunday’s pastry session with your mother. I cannot wait to attend!
Donna (quando in Italia, Donata)
Buongiorno Donna,
it is nice to know that you have Abruzzo roots. Many thanks for sharing your story. Castelli is a lovely village with an ancient history related to ceramics. Yes, maybe I met some of your ancestors. I hope that you enjoyed the live session.
If you need any help to trace your roots (usually from 19th Century) and to discover Abruzzo in an authentic way, contact me through this page: https://italiasweetitalia.com/ancestry-a-holiday-to-trace-your-abruzzo-roots/ or write me an e-mail to fabrizio@italiasweetitalia.com.
Ciao for now
Fabrizio.
Show Ortona a mare
Buongiorno Antonio,
we mentioned Ortone here:
https://italiasweetitalia.com/ortona-lu-vapuret/
https://italiasweetitalia.com/the-most-beautiful-beaches-of-the-trabocchi-coast-in-abruzzo-italy/.
Ciao for now
Fabrizio
I have been traveling a lot from Australia to several countries in Europe also in Americas once Brazil is my motherland and Rimini and Pescara has an amazing atmosphere people are super friendly ! I truly felt at home I felt 100x time better than In Porto – Portugal for example… From food to people is impossible to compare with any other country ! Viva Italy ♥!
Buongiorno Erika,
Thank you for your wonderful words and for sharing this thought with us.
If you have not yet spent days in Abruzzo, we invite you to book one of our tours, to fully experience Abruzzo and Italian culture!
Thank you, I hope to see you soon
Grazie and ciao for now
Fabrizio