Abruzzo

The Abruzzo Apennines is the southernmost part of the central Apennines and is divided into three ranges. The western one runs largely along the border between Lazio and Abruzzo and includes some of the mountains of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park and the Monti della Meta; the central one, also originating in Lazio, includes, among other mountains, the Sirente-Velino chain; and the eastern one, the most important, includes the Monti della Laga, the Gran Sasso d'Italia and the Maiella group (and the national parks of the same name).

The Laga Mountains and Gran Sasso belong to the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, it is the third largest national park in Italy. The highest peak in the park and in the entire chain of the Apennines, is Corno Grande (2,912 m), belonging to the Gran Sasso massif. The park is the perfect habitat for a wide variety of different animal and plant species. One of the most popular destinations within the park is the beautiful Rocca di Calascio.

Hikers and mountaineers have many opportunities to explore the many rugged peaks on trails of varying levels of difficulty and enjoy the wild beauty of the region. The most famous destinations are certainly Corno Grande, with its four peaks, and its "little brother," Corno Piccolo (2,655 m). The Campo Imperatore plateau, nicknamed "Little Tibet," which lies in the middle of the Gran Sasso massif, is the starting point for exploring many of the area's peaks.

In the Laga Mountains, you can hike the ridge of Cima della Laghetta, which marks the border between Abruzzo and Lazio, or climb to the summit of Mount Gorzano (2,455 m), the fourth highest mountain in Abruzzo.

The ascent to Mount Amaro (2,795 m), the second highest elevation in the region and the highest in the Maiella massif, from Fara San Martino is certainly one of the most difficult hikes in the Apennines: 15 km of continuous ascent for a total of 2,400 meters of elevation gain! From Blockhaus peak, also in the Maiella massif, a very beautiful trail starts that leads to the famous Tavola dei Briganti, a series of rocks carved in the past by brigands and shepherds. The Maiella Park is also home to a large number of very fascinating hermitages and abbeys, such as the hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio, and the beautiful gorges of the Alento River.

The Sirente-Velino massif has more than twenty peaks above 2,000 meters (6,000 feet) and a very varied environment all to discover (as well as the remains of an ancient Roman city, Alba Fucens), while the mountains of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park are ideal for solitary adventures in the wilderness.

Those who love action on two wheels can explore Abruzzo's mountains and the region's protected areas by mountain bike, ebike or gravel bike, traversing flower-filled meadows, beautiful lakes (e.g., Lake Campotosto), lush forests and mountain villages. In addition, it is possible to start from the coast and explore the hinterland with challenging routes. Enthusiasts of longer adventures on two wheels can choose to ride the 244-kilometer Tratturo Regio (or some of its sections), which runs from L'Aquila to Foggia, Puglia.

Those who prefer cycling on the flat and with a sea view can ride the Abruzzo section of the Ciclovia Adriatica, which is also suitable for the less trained because it is always flat. One of the most beautiful stretches of the entire cyclovia, about 50 km long, is the Via Verde della Costa dei Trabocchi, which connects Ortona to Vasto Marina and allows you to admire the traditional trabocchi, ancient wooden fishing machines. There is also no shortage of interesting places to visit along the route, such as ancient watchtowers, churches and the Eremo Dannunziano, where Gabriele D'Annunzio stayed in 1889.

Abruzzo is the perfect destination for ski vacations and winter activity enthusiasts. The Alto Sangro ski area, in the province of L'Aquila, is the largest in central Italy and includes several ski resorts, including Roccaraso and Rivisondoli. The resorts of Campo Imperatore (the highest in the region) and Campo Felice are ideal places for snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Many ski mountaineering and snowshoeing routes depart from here. The Passolanciano-Maielletta ski area, in the province of Pescara, offers not only many opportunities for skiing, ski mountaineering and snowshoeing, but also one of the best snowparks in central and southern Italy.

Those who love the water will also love Abruzzo! On the region's coastline, consisting of beautiful sandy beaches to the north and coves and cliffs to the south, there is a wide range of activities to do besides swimming: windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, wakeboarding, kayaking, SUP, sailing, and even water skiing! The best spot for snorkeling is Pineto, which belongs to the Cerrano Marine Park.

Abruzzo's lakes are also ideal for water sports. The lakes of Campotosto, Scanno and Barrea are popular for windsurfing and canoeing. Another dream destination for canoeing enthusiasts is Lake Penne. In the famous heart-shaped Lake Scanno, swimming is also possible.

Canoe trips on rivers are also popular in Abruzzo, particularly the Tirino, the clearest river in Europe, and the Sangro. Along the Aventine, on the other hand, one can go adrenaline rafting, as well as canyoning. For those who want to practice this activity there are several options in the region, including the Salinello stream gorges, the Fossaceca gorge, and the Vallone dell'Inferno gorges.

Those who crave an unusual experience to discover Abruzzo from new perspectives will not be disappointed! You can fly paragliders or hang gliders in the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park or in the Maiella National Park, where Tocco da Casauria is one of the region's most popular launch sites.

Alternatively, you can try the first zipline in central Italy, the 1-kilometer-long Majella Zipline in Pacentro. The more courageous who want to experience the thrill of jumping into the void can go bungee jumping on the Salle Bridge, which, at 100 meters high, is the highest in central Italy!

Adventurous spirits, on the other hand, can descend into the depths of the earth and explore the region's caves, such as the fascinating Cavallone cave, with an experienced guide.

Those who prefer to do something quieter, but no less exciting, can spend a romantic evening stargazing at the Campo Imperatore Observatory Station.

The cities and towns of Abruzzo, particularly the capital L'Aquila and its province, unfortunately suffered much damage during the 2009 earthquake, but most of the sites have now been fully restored and open to the public again.

L'Aquila can boast a large number of noble palaces, churches, such as the Basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, and two beautiful fountains. In a hamlet of the city are the archaeological excavations of Amiternum, while about 60 kilometers away, on the slopes of Mount Velino, are the remains of the ancient city of Alba Fucens. Sulmona, the city of sugared almonds, is worth a visit to discover its splendid historic center. The city of Chieti, known as the "Terrace of Abruzzo", also has many interesting sights, such as the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo, where you can admire the Capestrano Warrior, a sculpture dating back to the 6th century B.C. that depicts a warrior of the Vestini people. Chieti's historic center is also home to a theater, an amphitheater and other remains of Roman buildings. Teramo also has an amphitheater and theater from Roman times, as well as an ancient bastion from the 2nd century B.C. and the beautiful Della Monica Castle. Just outside the city you can visit the Ponte Messato necropolis.

Pescara, the birthplace of poet Gabriele D'Annunzio (his house is now a museum), is a lively seaside resort where ancient and modern mingle. Its symbol is the Ponte del Mare, the largest bicycle-pedestrian bridge in Italy (over which the Adriatica Ciclovia passes). In Valle Giumentina, in the province of Pescara, you can visit interesting archaeological excavations and dry-stone huts used as shelter by shepherds during transhumance. Not far away is the hermitage of San Bartolomeo in Legio, set in the rock.

Among the many magnificent villages of Abruzzo, twenty of which enjoy the title of "Italy's most beautiful villages", the tiny but picturesque Santo Stefano di Sessanio, not far from Rocca Calascio, and its very famous castle, Castel del Monte, deserve special mention. Castel del Monte, characterized by its arches carved into the rock, is famous for the "Notte delle Streghe" held in August. Also worth mentioning are Caramanico Terme, a famous spa town, Civitella del Tronto with its imposing fortress and Scanno, which overlooks the lake of the same name.