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Things to Do in Abruzzo

Things to Do in Abruzzo

Abruzzo Italy Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Explore Abruzzo's diverse landscapes.

Hiking & Trekking

Easy Routes

Family-friendly trails inside national parks (e.g., Val Fondillo). Coastal trails along Trabocchi Coast offer gentle, scenic routes.

Moderate Trails

Well-marked trails across national parks. Paths to ancient hermitages in Maiella National Park are moderate.

Challenging Ascents

For experienced hikers: summits of Corno Grande (Gran Sasso) and Monte Amaro (Maiella). Require appropriate gear plus preparation. A good Hiking backpack is essential.

Water & Adventure Sports

  • Coastal: Swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, personal watercraft riding in summer.
  • Lakes: Kayaking, canoeing, pedal boating on Lake Scanno or Lake Barrea.
  • Paragliding/Hang gliding: Breathtaking views from mountain peaks. Local operators have tandem flights.
  • Skiing/Snowboarding: Main holiday resorts include Roccaraso, Campo Imperatore, Ovindoli, Pescasseroli.

Mountain Thrills

  • Canyoning in gorges like Orfento Valley.
  • Rock climbing in Gran Sasso massif.
  • Paragliding for scenic flights.
  • Experienced guides recommended.

Winter & Wildlife

  • Skiing/Snowboarding on diverse slopes.
  • Wildlife viewing in national parks.
  • Ranger-led tours for spotting animals.
  • Marsican bears, Apennine wolves, chamois.

Cycling Exploration

  • Coastal cycle paths (Pista Ciclabile) around Pescara.
  • Flat, easy rides with sea views.
  • Mountain bike trails in national parks.
  • Challenging road biking in mountains.

Safety Advisory

For advanced activities like challenging hikes or rock climbing, proper gear, experience, and local guidance are paramount. Always check weather conditions.

Cultural Immersion

Connect deeply with Abruzzo's heritage.

Workshops & Traditions

  • Cooking Classes: Learn classic Abruzzese dishes like maccheroni alla chitarra. Many agriturismi or culinary educational institutions provide these. Find options on GetYourGuide.
  • Handicraft Classes: Pescocostanzo known for intricate lacework; Guardiagrele for copperware. Demonstrations or classes possible.
  • Folk Music & Dance: Look for performances by local artists, especially during summer festivals.
  • Language Learning: Some schools in larger cities offer Italian language classes for basic phrases.

Local Experiences

Cultural Performances

Look for local festivals (sagre) and religious processions (e.g., Good Friday in Sulmona). Perdonanza Celestiniana in L'Aquila (late August) is an UNESCO event.

Community-Based Tourism

Projects like "Albergo Diffuso" in Santo Stefano di Sessanio promote sustainable tourism by revitalizing historic buildings, directly involving local communities.

Festival Foods

Local "sagre" (food festivals) throughout the year celebrate specific goods like truffles, chestnuts, or traditional dishes.

Confetti Craft

Sulmona is the undeniable capital of confetti production. Visit factories or artisan shops for intricate work and decorative sugared almonds.

Ceramic Art

Castelli famous for centuries-old hand-painted ceramics. Visit workshops, observe artists, purchase unique pieces.

Copperware Legacy

Guardiagrele known for skilled copper artisans, producing traditional and contemporary copper items.

Relaxation & Wellness

Abruzzo has tranquil settings for rejuvenation.

Wellness Retreats

  • Spa and Wellness Centers: Some hotels and agriturismi offer massages, treatments, and wellness facilities.
  • Hot Springs and Natural Therapy: Terme di Caramanico and Terme di Popoli offer mineral-rich thermal waters with therapeutic properties.
  • Yoga and Meditation Retreats: MORE and more agriturismi or rural guesthouses provide quiet retreats in serene natural environments.
  • Traditional Healing: Local herbal remedies and traditional knowledge may exist in rural pharmacies.

Coastal & Leisure

Beach Clubs Lidos

Along the Adriatic coast, many lidos offer chaise lounges, umbrellas, and services for a restful day on the coast.

Swimming Pools

A lot of accommodations and agriturismi feature swimming pools for guest use, a refreshing option during warmer months.

Tranquil Walks

Lakesides and coastal paths suit leisurely strolls, enjoying the serene views.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music & Clubs

Live music venues are limited, found predominantly in larger cities like Pescara (especially along its beach promenade during summer). Nightclubs concentrated in Pescara's holiday season.

Theater & Performances

Theaters in L'Aquila (Teatro Comunale) and Chieti (Teatro Marrucino) host classical music, opera, and plays. These venues offer formal cultural evenings.

Bar Districts

Pescara's central area, especially around Corso Manthoné, has a concentration of taverns and bars. L'Aquila's historic center also has a growing bar scene.

Shopping & Markets

Discover Abruzzo's local crafts, produce, and unique souvenirs to bring a fragment of your trip home.

Traditional Crafts

  • Confetti: Sulmona is the capital of sugared almond production.
  • Ceramics: Castelli famous for centuries-old hand-painted ceramics.
  • Copperware: Guardiagrele known for skilled copper artisans.
  • Lace and Fabrics: Pescocostanzo has a rich heritage of fine lacework.

Local Products

Saffron from Navelli

A prized local specialty, especially during autumn harvest.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Wine

A sturdy red wine, emblematic of the region.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Pecorino Cheese

High-quality olive oil and sheep's milk cheese widely produced.

Sulmona Markets

  • Bustling weekly markets.
  • Fresh produce, local cheeses.
  • Cured meats and regional foods.
  • Ideal for assembling picnics.

L'Aquila Markets

  • Local markets in the city.
  • Opportunity for special items.
  • Supseaport city's revitalization.
  • Fresh components for self-catering.

Chieti Markets

  • Mercato Coperto (a market with a roof).
  • Excellent for fresh, seasonal produce.
  • Discover regional products.
  • Engage with local vendors.

Shopping Tips

Ethical Shopping
  • Support local artisans directly to benefit producers.
  • Purchase products having obvious origins like Navelli saffron for realness.
  • Look for DOC/DOCG wines for quality assurance.
Shipping & Customs
  • Major post offices (Poste Italiane) assist with foreign shipping.
  • Non-EU residents: qualify for VAT refund (Tax Duty-free Shopping) on purchases over €154.94 from participating stores.
  • Keep all receipts and obtain necessary forms from the retail outlet. Process refund at airport before security.

Activity Planning Summary

Abruzzo truly welcomes every traveler. It's various offerings cater to diverse interests and styles.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Pursuits

  • Explore extensive hiking and trekking trails, from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents.
  • Engage in water sports on the Adriatic coast or tranquil lakes like kayaking and paddleboarding.
  • Enjoy skiing and snowboarding at well-known resorts during winter.
  • Cycle along coastal walkways or tackle mountain biking trails for rides with great views.

Cultural Exploration

  • Participate in cooking classes to learn traditional Abruzzese dishes.
  • Visit regional culinary festivals ("sagre") to sample seasonal and regional specialties.
  • Find historical sites and charming medieval villages that tell Abruzzo's rich story.
  • Explore places of culture and museums demonstrating local art, archaeology, and traditions.