Visit Chieti Italy: Travel Trough Time and Natural Beauty

Planning to visit Chieti? You’re in for one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Tucked between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea, this corner of Abruzzo has everything you didn’t know you were looking for , ancient Roman roots, dramatic landscapes, incredible food, and a wine scene that deserves way more hype. With some of the best Abruzzo wineries just a short drive away, it’s the perfect place to sip Montepulciano d’Abruzzo while overlooking vineyard-covered hills. One minute you’re hiking in Maiella National Park, the next you’re eating arrosticini by the sea on a wooden trabucco.

Visit Chieti: What are the best things to do?

Wander the historic heart of the old city

Start your adventure in Chieti, one of Italy’s oldest cities, and yes, it wears its history well. Once known as Teate in Roman times, today it’s a mix of ancient ruins, charming piazzas, and cobblestone streets made for wandering. Kick things off on Corso Marrucino, the city’s stylish main drag, where elegant palaces, cafés, and boutiques line the way. You’ll pass everything from medieval churches to bold fascist-era architecture, all blended into one oddly perfect walk.

Visit the Cathedral of San Giustino

Standing tall at the heart of Chieti, the Cathedral of San Giustino is impossible to miss, and totally worth a visit. With roots going back to the 11th century, it’s the oldest cathedral in Abruzzo, though it’s been reshaped and restored over time with Romanesque bones, Baroque flair, and a bit of Gothic drama thrown in. Step inside to admire the richly decorated interior, then head down to the crypt, where ancient columns, frescoes, and centuries of quiet history surround you.

Discover the Roman Amphitheater

For a taste of ancient Italy, head to La Civitella, where Chieti’s Roman roots are on full display. The partially excavated amphitheater and the remains of nearby temples sit quietly on the hillside, but their presence is anything but subtle. You can almost hear the echoes of crowds from centuries past as you explore the site. It’s a perfect mix of crumbling stone, epic views, and a little imagination, ideal for anyone who loves stumbling upon real history without the museum glass in the way.

Visit Church of San Francesco al Corso and Santissima Trinità

Chieti’s Baroque churches are small masterpieces scattered across the city, each offering a quiet break from the buzz of everyday life. Step into San Francesco al Corso or Santissima Trinità and you’re greeted by ornate facades, vaulted ceilings, and frescoes that glow in the soft light. These churches aren’t just places of worship, they’re peaceful hideaways filled with centuries of art, devotion, and atmosphere. Even if you’re not religious, the beauty and calm inside make them well worth a stop.

Visit Chieti: What are the best things to do around?

A wine stop you’ll remember

Tucked into the rolling hills just outside Chieti, this winery is where great views, great wine, and zero stress come together. Set in a beautifully restored 18th-century estate, it’s the perfect spot to kick back with a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo or Trebbiano, all made using organic methods. You can stroll through the vineyards, check out the underground cellars, and choose from laid-back tastings to full-on lunch experiences with local food that hits the spot. It’s relaxed, authentic, and has just the right amount of wow, basically, the kind of place you end up talking about long after the bottle’s empty.

Wander through the Charm of Guardiagrele

About 45 minutes from Chieti, Guardiagrele is a hilltop town with amazing views and tons of charm. Known as “the terrace of Abruzzo,” it’s full of medieval stone buildings, pretty balconies, and cozy streets made for wandering. Grab a bite of pasta alla chitarra, pop into a few artisan shops, and don’t miss the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, a beautiful 11th-century landmark. It’s a peaceful spot where great food, history, and scenery all come together.

Feel the rhythm of the Adriatic in Pescara

Modern, breezy, and full of life, Pescara is the kind of place where you kick off your shoes and instantly feel in holiday mode. With its long sandy beaches, buzzing promenades, and unbeatable seafood, this coastal city serves up the Italian summer dream without the fuss. Bike across the iconic Ponte del Mare, sip a chilled glass of Trebbiano at a beach bar, or wander through local markets packed with color and flavor. Between the sea, the sunshine, and the spritzes, Pescara knows how to slow things down and help you enjoy every second of it.

Craving sun and seaside charm? Visit Pescara in Italy for a total escape.

Visit Lanciano

Just 45 minutes from Chieti if you rent a car, Lanciano is a must if you’re into Roman ruins, historic churches, and small-town charm. This city is famous for hosting one of the oldest Eucharistic miracles and has plenty of archaeological spots that take you back to the Roman Empire. Wander through pretty piazzas, snap photos of the stunning cathedral, and admire the old palaces tucked around every corner. Hungry? Don’t leave without trying pallotte cace e ove (cheese and egg meatballs) and a glass of local Trebbiano, it’s Abruzzo comfort food at its best.

Snack, stroll, and smile through Sulmona

Almost an hour from Chieti, Sulmona is the kind of town that surprises you, with poetry, sugar, and mountain views all in one hit. Birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid and home of Italy’s most Instagrammable candy (confetti, aka sugar-coated almonds turned into tiny flower bouquets), it’s sweet in every way. Wander through cobbled streets, admire the Baroque flair, and pop into candy shops that feel like candy museums. Between the Majella views, the buzzing piazzas, and a sugar high you won’t regret, Sulmona makes for one of the happiest day trips in Abruzzo.

In need of more tips? Discover our guide on how to visit Sulmona and discover Italy like a local!

Good to Know before visiting Chieti in Italy