Italy: Abruzzo

The only standalone English-language guide to Abruzzo

Abruzzo offers the best of undiscovered Italy, from pristine beaches to mountain glaciers, with charming medieval villages clinging to the hillsides in between. This fourth edition has been thoroughly updated to cover all recent developments, with detailed coverage of active tourism opportunities including wildlife-watching, trekking, skiing and horse-riding, plus family holidays.

What makes Abruzzo truly remarkable is that, despite being so close to Rome, it remains one of Italy's most authentic and unspoiled regions—a rare gem in a country so devoured by international tourism. The region boasts one of Italy's most beautiful coastlines alongside the country's tallest mountain ranges outside the Alps. It's Italy's second most popular skiing centre after the Alps, home to some of the finest hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities, and according to the 'I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia' programme, has 25 of Italy's most beautiful towns—second only to Umbria. Abruzzo is also home to most of Italy's pasta production and is celebrated for its notable cultural and linguistic diversity.

Written with warmth and insight by a native Abruzzese, this guide provides all the practical and background information you need to discover the region. Alongside advice on where to stay and eat—from secret urban gems to remote rural hideaways—you'll find expert recommendations for Blue Flag beaches, mountain walks, pristine castles, frescoed churches, World War II commemorative sites, Roman ruins, and opportunities to spot wildlife including brown bears and grey wolves.