Abruzzo

Notable towns in this region include

• L'Aquila
• Chieti
• Pescara
• Teramo

Abruzzo, the mountainous region at the heart of central Italy, is still little-known. Here, less than two hours drive from central Rome, are brown bears and roe deer, wolves that stalk chamois, eagles and songbirds, alpine wildflower meadows and dense beechwoods. The National Park of Abruzzo was established by the Royal decree n. 257 of January 2, 1923. Later, on July 12 of the same year, that decree was made law.

Recommended Reading The Abruzzo Trilogy

Its present-day area of 44,000 hectares, which is the result of several enlargements, includes 22 towns in the provinces of L'Aquila, Frosinone and Isernia.

Clinging to the rugged landscape are hill villages where traditional crafts still flourish, and a scatter of medieval churches. Above all these rise the majestic high peaks of the Apennines. Abruzzo is the ideal location not only for walkers, winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers but also for those who wish to relax on the long sandy beaches.