Since you are going to Abruzzo, you might want to take advantage of what this rich region can offer. I have made an incomplete list of places to visit. They are just listed randomly, so you can have fun finding where they are located. I’m sure that by travelling within the region’s hills, mountains, and coast you will find many other beautiful places to enjoy!
Cities
- L’Aquila: Collemaggio, the castle, the “99 cannelle”, Piazza Duomo, San Bernardino, etc. This city has many nice corners…
- Lanciano: Old city with its quarters (Lancianovecchia, Civitanova, Sacca, Borgo); The miracle in San Francesco; the cathedral and the bridge on which is built; the underground passage under the main square; Santa Giovina (former jail) and the old city walls; Santa Maria Maggiore, San Nicola and most of the old churches; The theatre, the towers, the 2 old fountains, etc.
- Ortona: Castle; panoramic walk, etc.
- Vasto: Castle; Palazzo D’Avalos; old town; long sandy beach, etc.
Mountains and small towns:
- Guardiagrele: handcraft (copper, wood, iron)
- Taranta Peligna: grotta del cavallone (a cave with many stalagmites and stalactites)
- Pescocostanzo: picturesque medieval town with handcraft of carpets, jewellery and “tombolo”
- Juvanum and Pallanum: archaeological sites
- Castle of Roccascalegna
- Rocca Calascio: a old castle ruin, with a beautiful mountain view (not far from L’Aquila)
- Roccamorice, Eremo di Santo Spirito a Majella (sanctuary built in the XIII century by Celestino V, a resigning pope).
- Gessopalena: abandoned part of the village, built with stones and with a nice view on Majella
- Fara San Martino: walk in a canyon; in this town the best pasta brands are produced (De Cecco, Del Verde, Cavalier Cocco)
- Santo Stefano di Sessanio: an old town close to L’Aquila. Many of the towns in the valley (where saffron is produced) and the mountains around L’Aquila are worth a visit.
- Scanno, Opi and other towns around the lake: those towns are quite intact and are immerse in the beautiful nature of the park, the traditions are still strongly alive. Close to Scanno is Gole del Sagittario
- Majella Natural Park and other regional parks
In general driving around (or walking) in the west side of the region (mountains) is a good idea to find nice spots and welcoming towns. You might also decide to hike and reach the mountain tops.
Coast and small town:
- San Giovanni in Venere (Fossacesia) an old abbacy with a nice walk and a stunning view on the sea (walking distance from the wedding restaurant)
- San Vito and San Vito Marina
- Trabocchi (the fishing constructions on the sea)
- Eremo d’annunziano; where, one of the most famous Italian poets, Gabriele D’Annunzio, got inspiration for some of his poems.
- Punta d’Erce (o Aderci) between Casalbordino e Vasto, a gorgeous coastline spot
It is a good idea to just drive with the car, on the Abruzzo coastline. Between Ortona and Vasto you can have fun finding small, charming beaches.
Have a nice stay!
