Abruzzo Travel Guide: Mountains, Villages and the Coast

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Why choose Abruzzo?

Abruzzo lies east of Rome, between the highest peaks of the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea. Large parts of the region are protected in national and regional parks, and many of its hill villages have kept their medieval shape.

Best for: hiking, nature, small villages, food and repeat visitors to Italy. Ideal stay: 3–4 days for one area, a week for mountains and coast.

What to do in Abruzzo

Looking for quieter places like these across Italy? See hidden villages and towns in Italy, or continue south to Molise.

Plan your Abruzzo trip

How many days?

2 days: Gran Sasso, Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Rocca Calascio. 3–4 days: add Sulmona and Scanno. A week: add the Trabocchi Coast and a second park.

Do you need a car?

Yes, for the villages and the parks. Buses connect Rome with L’Aquila, Sulmona and Pescara, but services into the mountains are limited.

When to visit?

Late spring to early fall is the season for hiking and villages. Summer is cooler in the mountains than in Rome, and winter brings snow and skiing at altitude.

For more places beyond the crowds, see our guide to the best places to visit in Italy, including underrated regions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Abruzzo worth visiting?

Yes, especially for travelers who want mountains, national parks and medieval villages without crowds. It combines Apennine peaks with an Adriatic coastline, and it is still far less visited than Tuscany or Umbria.

How do you get to Abruzzo from Rome?

By car, the A24 motorway connects Rome with L’Aquila and the Gran Sasso area. Buses also run from Rome to the main towns, and Pescara has the region’s airport. A car is the practical choice for the villages and parks.

What are the national parks in Abruzzo?

Abruzzo has three national parks: the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, and the Majella National Park, plus the Sirente-Velino Regional Park.

What food is Abruzzo known for?

Arrosticini, small skewers of lamb or mutton cooked over coals, are the region’s signature dish. Abruzzo is also known for Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine, saffron from the Navelli plain and confetti, sugared almonds, from Sulmona.

How many days do you need in Abruzzo?

Three to four days lets you see one mountain area and a few villages. With a week you can add the Trabocchi Coast and a second national park.