Abruzzo: Mountains and Sea

Abruzzo is a region that is almost two-thirds mountainous parkland – ideal for hiking, horse riding or, in winter, skiing on the Gran Sasso or Maiella ranges. It also boasts a lovely stretch of Adriatic coastline and is home to scenic stone villages, ancient monasteries and castles, as well as the fine medieval town of Sulmona. Guardiagrele has long been a centre for skilled artisans working in gold, lace, textiles and other materials, traditions that are being continued today. Gourmands will delight in Abruzzo’s outstanding restaurants and superb local wines like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo and Trebbiano.

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1 GRAN SASSO

2 SANTO STEFANO DI SESSANIO

3 CASPESTRANO

4 NAVELLI

5 SULMONA

6 SCANNO

7 PARCO NAZIONALE DELLA MAIELLA

8 GUARDIAGRELE

9 CHIETI

10 FRANCAVILLA AL MARE

11 LANCIANO

12 TRABOCCO COAST

13 TERMOLI

ACTIVITIES

Climb Gran Sasso’s highest peak, Corno Grande, at 2,912 m (9,554 ft)

Stroll around historic Sulmona and sample the local speciality, confetti (crunchy sugar-coated almonds)

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Baroque fountain in the central Piazza Garibaldi, Sulmona

Hike or horseback ride through the pine and fir forests of the Maiella Mountains

Shop for traditional crafts in Guardiagrele

Relax on the lovely beaches around the historic port of Termoli

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The Maiella Mountains provide fertile ground for vineyards such as those of the Zaccagnini winery at Bolognano

PLAN YOUR DRIVE

Start/finish: Gran Sasso to Termoli.

Number of days: 4, allowing for a day on the Tremiti Islands.

Distance: 381 km (237 miles).

Road conditions: Well maintained.

When to go: Spring and summer are the best times to visit when the wild mountain flowers are in bloom. Skiing from Nov/Dec up to May.

Opening times: Museums and shops open 9am–1pm and 4–7pm, closing earlier on Sun and in winter. Many are closed on Mon. Churches are usually open daily from 7:30am–1pm and 3–7pm – avoid visiting during services.

Main market days: Sulmona: Wed and Sat mornings, Piazza Garibaldi, local produce; Guardiagrele: Periodic craft fairs for gold, ceramics and textiles.

Major festivals: Around Abruzzo: many food and drink festivals, Jun–Aug; Sulmona: Procession of the fleeing Madonna, Easter morning; Italian Film Festival, Nov. Termoli: St Basso Feast Day, 3 Aug.

DAY TRIP OPTIONS

Energetic explorers combine a day in Sulmona with a trip to the Maiella Mountains and a spa treatment at Caramanico Terme. Families and beach lovers will enjoy the Trabocco Coast and the beautiful Tremiti Islands.

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