Abruzzo, located in central Italy, is a region known for its mountainous landscapes, picturesque towns, and, of course, its incredible wine. If you’re a mountain-lover looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, Abruzzo is the perfect choice. Here, you can hike and sip as much as you’d like!
With its stunning scenery, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Abruzzo has something to offer for everyone.
Whether you’re planning to stay for a day or a week, Winalist has got you covered. We’ll provide you with everything you need to know about exploring Abruzzo, from the best wine experiences to the must-see spots and the most delicious restaurants. Get ready to discover the ultimate mountain-lovers’ guide to Abruzzo, Italy.
Where is Abruzzo, Italy?
Abruzzo is a region located in central Italy, stretching from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. It borders the wine regions of Marche to the north, the wine region of Lazio to the west, Molise to the south, and the Adriatic Sea to the east.
Abruzzo is located roughly 2.5 hours (by car) east of Rome and 1.5 hours (by car) south of Ancona, making it an easily accessible destination for tourists exploring central Italy.
The Ultimate Mountain-Loving Itinerary for Abruzzo, Italy
If you love mountains, wine, and delicious cuisine, a visit to Abruzzo should definitely be on your bucket list. With its stunning landscapes, fascinating history, and world-class wine, Abruzzo offers a complete mountain experience with legendary dining and other fun experiences. Here’s the perfect itinerary to make the most of your time in Abruzzo.
Day 1: Discovering the Wonders of L’Aquila
Morning
Start your day by visiting L’Aquila, the regional capital of Abruzzo. Admire the stunning mountain views while wandering the town’s atmospheric alleys. Take note of the palazzi, including Palazzo Dragonetti, and Piazza del Duomo in the heart of the city.
If you’re hungry, head to Osteria dell’Acquasanta, where you can try some traditional Abruzzese dishes like ‘arrosticini’ (lamb skewers) and ‘maccheroni alla chitarra’.
Afternoon
After lunch, take a walk to the 13th-century Basilica of San Bernardino, which houses treasures from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Afterwards, visit the Museo Nazionale d’Abruzzo where you can see artifacts from the area’s ancient civilizations.
Evening
For dinner, head to La Locanda dei Baroni in Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a cozy trattoria serving traditional dishes and some of the best wine in the area. After dinner, take a walk through the town’s winding streets, exploring the medieval architecture and charming atmosphere.
Day 2: Wine Tasting in the Mountains of Abruzzo
Morning
Embark on a guided tour of the vineyards of the Peligna Valley, where you can experience the tradition of winemaking in the region. You’ll get to visit a few wineries, including Cantina Tommasone and Palazzo Tronconi Vineyard & Winery, and learn about the unique wines of the region.
Lunch
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Locanda del Vecchio Borgo in Anversa degli Abruzzi, a cozy restaurant famous for its ‘scarpinocc’ pasta and extensive wine selection.
Afternoon
Visit the charming hilltop town of Rocca Calascio in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. The town’s medieval castle is one of the region’s most iconic tourist spots, and the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys are breathtaking.
Evening
For dinner, head to Ristorante La Tavernetta in Sulmona, offering traditional dishes made with fresh ingredients from the surrounding valleys. Be sure to taste the excellent Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, one of the region’s most famous wines.
Day 3: Exploring Sulmona
Morning
Visit the charming town of Sulmona, a lively medieval town located in the Peligna Valley. The town is famous for its confetti, sugared almonds that come in a variety of flavors and colors. You can visit several shops to have a taste of this local specialty.
Lunch
Head to La Locanda del Barone in Roccaraso, where you’ll enjoy traditional Abruzzese cuisine in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Afternoon
Explore the Roman ruins of Alba Fucens, located in the beautiful area of the Abruzzo National Park. This ancient city was founded in the 6th century BC and features an impressive amphitheater, thermal baths, and temples.
Evening
To end your perfect day in Abruzzo, head to the beautiful town of Pescocostanzo and have dinner at Il Piccolo Principe. The restaurant offers a memorable dining experience, with a beautiful atmosphere and excellent cuisine.
This itinerary is just the beginning of what Abruzzo has to offer for mountain-lovers. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and delicious cuisine, it is a destination that will leave you enchanted. Whether you have a day or a week to explore Abruzzo, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Abruzzo is a hidden gem in central Italy, with its breathtaking mountainous landscapes, charming medieval towns, impressive architecture, and delicious wine. From exploring ancient Roman ruins to tasting world-class wines, Abruzzo has something for everyone.
Best Wine Experiences in Abruzzo
At Winalist, we offer wine tours and other wine-related experiences in the Abruzzo wine region of Italy that will make your visit unforgettable. Our expert local guides and expert hosts will take you on a journey through the vineyards, where you’ll learn about the unique winemaking traditions of the region and taste some of the finest wines in Italy.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the best of Abruzzo’s wine region and other tourist attractions. Book your wine tours and wine experiences with Winalist today and discover the beauty of this hidden gem of a region!
