Abruzzo…
You might have heard of this region located in the center of Italy, a couple of hours away from Rome.
Maybe you have ancestors from there, or you have seen one of its beautiful towns in a movie (like “The American” movie with George Clooney, that has been partially filmed in Sulmona), or you just read about it while looking for some authentic and off-the-beaten travel experiences…
We have made a list of the 12 best places of the region, but in this article you will find the answer to this question: What is Abruzzo famous for?
Abruzzo is Italy’s best kept secret
Abruzzo has been defined as Italy’s best kept secret by CNN travel: it’s the ideal place to visit if you are planning your holidays to discover some authentic and lesser known destinations in the country.
Abruzzo is Europe’s nature capital
Abruzzo Italy is known as “the green lung of Europe” for its three National Parks, one Regional Park and several natural reserves, making it the largest natural area in Europe.
Around a third of the region is protected nature and this makes the region the largest naturalistic area in the European continent, with 75% of the flora and fauna species in Europe.
Abruzzo has one of Europe’s longest bike paths by the sea
The Trabocchi coast – a 50-kilometer (31 miles) stretches from Ortona to the Vasto area, in the province of Chieti, named this way for its collection of old fishing net structures known as trabocchi – is home to one of the longest European cycle–pedestrian paths by the sea. The 42-kilometer route is built on an old decommissioned railway line from which the most beautiful views can be admired. Once complete, the route will cover 130 km (81 miles) connecting with the northern part of the region. Here you can discover our favorite beaches of the Trabocchi Coast.
Abruzzo is a place where you can ski while overlooking the sea
The Apennine ski slopes on the west side and the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea on the east coast, some of them only 20 miles away, make it possible to ski while overlooking the sea (or the opposite, to swim looking at the snow-covered mountains), but also to spend the morning skiing and the afternoon at the beach.
Abruzzo is where Arrosticini and Brodetto alla Vastese were invented
Arrosticini, known as rustelle, were born in Abruzzo! You might have seen them in some restaurants or food festivals: they are mutton skewers cooked on fornacellas, a special narrow grill, traditionally eaten by hand, with fresh bread, or “pane bruschettato” and olive oil.
Brodetto alla Vastese, one of the most famous Italian fish soups, was even mentioned in the “1,000 foods to eat before you die” book written by the American chef and cookbook writer Mimi Sheraton.
Abruzzo has a very strong culinary tradition and when you are around, you will definitely taste the best foods!
Abruzzo has a world famous red ambassador
Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (DOC), a very well known red wine, has been defined as the ambassador of the region abroad. It is considered as a “traditional/classic” wine but at the same time a symbol of excellence.
Abruzzo has a constellation of ancient villages and medieval towns
This is what makes the region truly magical. Abruzzo has a constellation of amazing villages and towns. The most famous ones are Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a fortified medieval village located at 1250 meters above sea level, known for its albergo diffuso (extended hotel), and Scanno, both considered among the most beautiful villages of Italy, a magical hill town in a very scenic location – surrounded by the forest, caressed by a heart-shaped lake for which it is named.
Abruzzo has a magical fortress that stands in the middles of nowhere
Abruzzo is also known for some magical castles, such as Rocca Calascio, a fortress that stands in the middle of nowhere ranked by National geographic among the most beautiful castles in the world, offering the most glorious views of the surrounding countryside and mountains, and the one “in the sky” in the charming village of Roccascalegna, ranked by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the 9 Most Beautiful Hilltop Towns in Italy.
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