Abruzzo is a region of central Italy that boasts stunning landscapes ranging from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea. The region is rich in history, culture, and traditions, and it is renowned for its excellent cuisine, wine, and hospitality. Here is a suggested two-day travel itinerary for Abruzzo, including tips on how to travel from Rome, the best places to visit, the best food to try, and where to stay.
Day 1
Morning
The easiest way to travel to Abruzzo from Rome is by train or car. If you choose to take the train, the journey will take about two hours, and you can catch a train from Termini station in Rome to Pescara station in Abruzzo. If you prefer to drive, it will take approximately two and a half hours, and you can take the A24 highway.
Lunchtime
Sulmona is a charming town located in the heart of Abruzzo, famous for its sugared almond confectionery, known as “confetti.”
The town is also home to the Romanesque church of San Panfilo and the impressive Medici aqueduct. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria, and don’t forget to try some confetti for dessert.
Afternoon
Scanno Scanno is a picturesque medieval town situated in the Majella National Park. The town is known for its traditional stone houses and narrow streets, and it offers stunning views of Lake Scanno. Take a stroll through the town, visit the Church of Santa Maria della Valle, and stop by the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions.
Evening
Pescara Pescara is a lively coastal city located on the Adriatic Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, seafood restaurants, and nightlife. Enjoy a relaxing evening at the beach, dine at a local restaurant, and stay overnight at one of the many hotels in the city.
Day 2
Morning
Chieti is a historic town located on a hill overlooking the Pescara River valley. The town is home to the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo, which showcases the region’s ancient history and culture. Visit the Cathedral of San Giustino, the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Roman Theatre.
Lunchtime
Lanciano Lanciano is a medieval town located in the foothills of the Majella Mountains, known for its delicious cuisine and excellent wine. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and don’t miss out on trying the local pasta dish called “maccheroni alla chitarra” and the traditional lamb stew.
Afternoon
Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a beautiful medieval village located in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. The village is known for its stunning views of the mountains, traditional stone houses, and the impressive Rocca fortress. Take a walk around the village, visit the Church of Santo Stefano, and enjoy a coffee at a local café.
Evening
L’Aquila is the capital city of Abruzzo, located at the foot of the Gran Sasso Mountains. The city is known for its Renaissance architecture, beautiful churches, and traditional cuisine. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic city center, visit the Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio, and dine at a local restaurant.
Where to stay
There are many excellent hotels and guesthouses in Abruzzo, ranging from luxury resorts to traditional B&Bs. Some of the best options include the Hotel Villa Maria in Pescara, the Palazzo Tour d’Eau.
Small Towns and Villages of Abruzzo
Vasto is a beautiful coastal town located in the province of Chieti, in the southern part of Abruzzo. The town is situated on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and it is known for its stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere. Here is some information on what to do and see in Vasto:
Vasto Old Town
The Old Town of Vasto is a charming and picturesque area, with narrow streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the sea. You can visit the Cathedral of San Giuseppe, the Palazzo d’Avalos, and the Museum of Sacred Art and Crypt of San Michele Arcangelo. Take a stroll through the town, explore the alleys, and admire the stunning architecture.
Vasto Marina
Vasto Marina is the seaside area of Vasto, with miles of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and plenty of seaside resorts, restaurants, and bars. You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or watersports, and sample the delicious seafood dishes served in local restaurants. Don’t miss out on trying the “brodetto vastese,” a traditional fish stew made with a variety of local fish and shellfish.
Punta Aderci Nature Reserve
Punta Aderci is a stunning nature reserve located near Vasto, with a beautiful stretch of coastline, sandy beaches, and a rocky promontory. The reserve is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including sea turtles, dolphins, and rare bird species. You can hike along the trails, explore the coves and cliffs, and enjoy the stunning views of the sea.
Trabocchi Coast
The Trabocchi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline that runs along the Adriatic Sea, from Ortona to Vasto. The coast is known for its unique fishing structures called “trabocchi,” which are wooden platforms built on stilts that extend into the sea. The trabocchi were used by local fishermen to catch fish, and many of them have been restored and transformed into restaurants.
Vasto Wine Tour
Vasto is also known for its excellent wines, particularly the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and the Trebbiano d’Abruzzo. You can take a wine tour to discover the local vineyards, taste the wines, and learn about the winemaking process. Some of the best wineries in the area include Tenuta Terraviva and Cantina Frentana.
Where to Stay in Abruzzo
Vasto has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to cozy guesthouses and B&Bs. Some of the best places to stay in Vasto include the Hotel dei Sette, the Hotel Acquario, and the Hotel San Marco.
You can also find many vacation rentals and apartments in the town center or near the beach.
Wineries of Abruzzo
Abruzzo is known for its excellent wines, and there are many wineries in the region that offer wine tastings, vineyard tours, and other wine-related activities. Here are five of the best wineries in Abruzzo:
Cantina Zaccagnini
Cantina Zaccagnini is located in the village of Bolognano, in the province of Pescara. The winery is known for its Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, one of the most famous wines of the region. The winery offers tours of the vineyards and the cellars, as well as wine tastings accompanied by local food specialties.
How to get there
Cantina Zaccagnini is located about 30 km from Pescara. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi.
Masciarelli
Masciarelli is a well-known winery located in San Martino sulla Marrucina, in the province of Chieti. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo.
How to get there
Masciarelli is located about 40 km from Pescara. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi.
Tenuta Terraviva
Tenuta Terraviva is a family-run winery located in the town of Vasto, in the province of Chieti. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and Pecorino. .
How to get there
Tenuta Terraviva is located about 60 km from Pescara. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi.
Valle Reale
Valle Reale is located in the town of Popoli, in the province of Pescara. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo.
How to get there
Valle Reale is located about 40 km from Pescara. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi.
Cantina Frentana
Cantina Frentana is located in the town of Rocca San Giovanni, in the province of Chieti. The winery produces a variety of wines, including Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, and Passerina.
How to get there
Cantina Frentana is located about 50 km from Pescara. The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi.
A Guide to Pecorino Wine of Abruzzo
Pecorino is a white wine grape variety that is grown primarily in the central Italian regions of Marche, Abruzzo, and Umbria. In Abruzzo, Pecorino is primarily grown in the province of Teramo. The grape produces wines with a distinct floral and citrus aroma, and a slightly herbal and mineral flavor.
Pecorino wines from Abruzzo are usually dry, with medium to high acidity and a light to medium body. They are often described as having flavors of lemon, lime, grapefruit, and peach, with a slightly bitter finish. Pecorino wines from Abruzzo are typically enjoyed young, within a few years of their vintage.
When purchasing Pecorino wine in Abruzzo, it is a good idea to visit the wineries themselves, as this will give you the opportunity to taste the wine and learn more about the winemaking process. Many of the wineries in Abruzzo also offer guided tours of the vineyards and the cellars, which can be a fun and educational experience.