Things to do & places to visit in Abruzzo, Italy

Abruzzo #19 destination in Italy 2023. The average rating score is 4.39 based on 37.9k traveler reviews, of 121 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Rome, current date and time: Monday, May 06, 2024, 23:05.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio e Porta Santa (751 reviews)
- Beautiful
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

This is one of the most beautiful churches I have visited, better even than St Peters in my book. I have visited both pre and post earthquake and even though it needs massive work since the damage 4 years ago, it is still quite simply beautiful. A very simple interior but something touches you in the quiet and simplicity. Love this place See more..
5.0 Riserva Naturale Statale Valle dell'Orfento (437 reviews)
- Excellent and beautiful shaded walk
Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

Natural Reserve in Majella National Park, renowned for its spectacular and pristine environment, characterised by a deep gorge, carved by the clear and cold waters of the Orfento River. Hikes in an uncontaminated area, with a wide choice of itineraries, from the easiests to the longest and most demanding ones. Rules: - access registration needed at the Orfento Valley Visitors Centre in Caramanico Terme; - no dogs allowed; - swimming or walking in the river is forbidden. See more..
5.0 Loggia Amblingh (389 reviews)
- Little known special treat in Italy!
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

My husband is from Vasto so we come here every year. When friends come from the US to visit, they don't want to leave the town as it is truly beautiful, known by Europeans, but few Americans. This beautiful walk is truly breathtaking and I never tire of the view after 23 years. There are a number of restaurants along the wall and if you are on a budget, stick to a pizza! During the day, the color of the Adriatic Sea is amazing. An early morning walk will offer views of the fishing boats coming in with the daily catch. See more..
5.0 Museo Nazionale d'Abruzzo - MuNDA (309 reviews)
- If you’re going to see a museum in Abruzzo, see this one.
Monday: History Museums

Organized museum with english translations and artifacts thats predated the roman empire. Some notable pieces to see include the large statue of Hercules, the Warrior of Capestrano, and the intact bronze sculpture of Hercules. Affordable, beautiful, informative. See more..
4.5 Ponte del Mare (1.961 reviews)
- Pescara
Bridges

Here we are in Abruzzo, exactly in the beautiful city of Pescara. A lot of attractions, nice people. See more..
4.5 Rocca Calascio (1.564 reviews)
- Best unknown attraction in Italy!
Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

We visit Italy every year as my husband's family lives in Abruzzo. We take all guests that come with us to Rocca Calascio. The entire experience is beyond words. The views from this ancient castle are panoramic with Gran Sasso mountain sitting gloriously (and if you are fortunate) peaking out of a ring of clouds! This is a little hike, so be prepared with comfortable shoes. The village on the way to the castle is not restored yet, but work has been started. The ride up is worth the views alone. Take a picnic lunch and if you are fortunate, the local dogs will join you. Enjoy this quiet gem before the rest of the world finds it as there are no crowds here. If you have the day, make sure to visit the nearby Gran Sasso National Park. During the summer, the shepherds actually live outside with the sheep and you will see the sheep dogs found especially in Abruzzo. Cows with cowbells and horses grazing above the tree line. Truly like going back in time. See more..
4.5 Grotte di Stiffe (1.525 reviews)
- Amazing°°
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Caverns & Caves

Amusing and amazing places inside the mountains in the natural caves... walking at 9°C for 700 mt admiring stalactites and stalagmytes and natural waterfalls in 25 mt high internal caves. Alessia - our guide - gave us all details about speleology and discovers of underground river... See more..
4.5 Il Lago di Scanno (1.395 reviews)
- BEAUTIFUL PLACE
Bodies of Water

Beautiful to live all the day. You can go through the path of the mountain and arrive to a fantastic view from the mountain on the lake (starting from the hotel Roma, 45 minutes no more). Try! And then finish your travel down, on the bank of the lake, very nice and relaxing place, big sun but not so “strong”. Enjoy. See more..
4.5 Santo Stefano di Sessanio (981 reviews)
- Step back in time and enjoy the views
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Lookouts

Santo Stefano Di Sessanio is a Medieval clifftop village dating back to the time of the Romans. It has cobbled, quirky streets, arches, tiny passages and adorable shops (people’s front rooms really). It is a world apart from any city or town in the modern world and it whisks you away to a time before TV, the internet and fast food. Don’t bother coming if you want it all and you want it now. Come if you want to escape the rat race. You won’t regret it. Heels are not of any use to you here. Flat, strong walking shoes or boots required. See more..
4.5 Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci (914 reviews)
- Out with the cousins
Beaches

What a magical place! We spent the afternoon on the beach, walking around. The water was really warm and the views were spectacular! See more..
4.5 Campo Imperatore (823 reviews)
- Must see
Nature & Wildlife Areas

If you come to Abruzzo, you absolutely have visit this place, in this time of the year it is stunning there are beautiful wild flowers such as crocus, pansy and genzianella See more..
4.5 Fontana delle 99 cannelle (815 reviews)
- A peaceful place full of history in L'Aquila
Fountains

This is a fountain located in a plain and quiet open space filled with history since the 1200's. 93 +6 water spours sorround the perimeter. See more..
4.5 Fortezza Museo delle Armi Civitella del Tronto (757 reviews)
- We adore this place!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Military Bases & Facilities

The Fortress of Civitella del Tronto stands at 600 meters above sea level, in a very strategic position, at the old northern boundary between the Kingdom of Naples to the South and the Kingdom of the Holy See to the North. It is one of the largest and most important work of military engineering in Europe, characterized by its elliptical shape with an area of 25.000 square meters and a length of more than 500 meters. See more..
4.5 La Camosciara (752 reviews)
- Great afternoon!
National Parks

We arrived at Camosciara around noon. Very organized, it cost 4EUR to get in with the car. There are a number of options to get to the upper part were the waterfalls are: train; horse; bike or by foot. We only realized this after doing the train tour, so the kids went up again on horse back ride which was well-worth it. The base has a nice cafe and a playground for kids. You could also just pick nick/BBQ if you have your own food. Highly recommended as the views were just stunning and it was simply fun to hang around with the family. See more..
4.5 Centro Storico di Sulmona (576 reviews)
- The Historic Centre
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

It is safe, friendly and welcoming!! Great shops, places to eat. Mercato (or Market day) is on Wednesday and Saturday mornings - must do. If you have limited time go on one of these two mornings. See more..
4.5 Lago di Barrea (558 reviews)
- Awesome activity center & amazing restaurant
Bodies of Water

I had such an awesome adventure at Bar Lido La Gravara! I would go back and visit again in a heartbeat. Lago di Barrea looks to be right out of a postcard. Emerald green water, views of the mountains and of the town of Barrea, it really is a picture perfect spot to enjoy hours of beach time. The staff offers many activities to their guests from paddle boats, swimming, boating, sunbathing. The staff goes out of their way to make sure you enjoy every moment of your visit on this beautiful beach. Once you've had your fill of water activities, ask about their horseback riding adventures! When you are good and tuckered out, sit down at the restaurant for one of the most authentic, mouth-watering, "I don't want to share" meals you will have in Italy. The truffle & mushroom pasta was to die for. Do not miss out on a wonderful adventure at Lago di Barrea. See more..
4.5 Area Marina Protetta Torre del Cerrano (518 reviews)
- Lovely place
Nature & Wildlife Areas

It is a really lovely place, here you can admire Torre del Cerrano it is a sightin tower, build in 1490 to protect the population against pirates, the area is surrounded by a pinewood in front of the sea, the area is protected because here, on the dunes, nests a bird called fratino. It is a lovely place to go for a walk, a swim, or just relax on the beach. See more..
4.5 Centro Visita Daini (486 reviews)
- Not just a reserve but...
Nature & Wildlife Areas

...an excellent place to spend a pleasant break, in couple or family. It's possible to stop for a bite to eat (perhaps taking a sandwich or a coffee at the bar) but, most importantly, at a very low price you can access the reserve with the most competent (and at the same time funny) guide that I have the pleasure of hearing for a long time. You will have the opportunity to get close to the animals and even feed them! In addition, the guide will tell you several little known things (try asking how the selection of the alpha male takes place...). In short, you will spend a few hours having fun in contact with nature. See more..
4.5 Castello Medievale di Roccascalegna (473 reviews)
- Well worth the visit,but wear walking shoes
Monday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles • Government Buildings

Roccascalegna is a small town of 1,400 inhabitants, situated on the hills surrounding the Sangro river. Probably the founders of Roccascalegna were the Longobards that, coming from the North of Italy, from 600 AD occupied permanently the current southern Molise and Abruzzo. Because of this the Byzantine garrisons rallied on the Adriatic Sea coast. The construction of the first watch tower by Longobards can be explained as a result of the logic of such conflict as well as the Castle. After the end of the conflict between Longobards and Byzantines, except a note of an accounting in 1320, there are no historical source concerning the Roccascalegna Castle until 1525. In this year we can see a description of the structure of the restored castle, in compliance with the new requirements necessary with the advent of firearms. In the 1705 another deed describes the restoration of the entrance steps of the castle of Roccascalegna. Since 1700 the Castle was abandoned for three centuries, during which the bad weather and the thefts of the local population helped to ruin its structure, until the donation, appenened in the 1985, by Croce Nanni, the last feudal family to the Local Council of Roccascalegna. Immediately began the restoration work that reported the Roccascalegna Castle to its former glory in 1996. See more..
4.5 Santuario della Madonna dello Splendore (472 reviews)
- Beautiful place, very wonderful pictures
Monday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Churches & Cathedrals

We went here with family that live in Giulianova. It was so beautiful. It is set very high up so it has wonderful views. We walked around the area and it was amazing. My cousin told me the story of 2 farmers who were working on the land and Mary appeared to them. That is why this building is here now. It is a great place to visit and learn the history of the land. See more..
4.5 Castello Piccolomini di Celano (439 reviews)
- Brilliant restored Castel
Monday: Castles

So far this Castel impressed me the most in Central Italy. It has been fully restored and is in prestine condition. It is also a museum and can host weddings. Plenty of information is available. This is money well spent and very highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere (403 reviews)
- Very pleasant trip
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Magnificent building with excellent views over the coastline. Moreover the courtyard beyond is beautifully maintained and very peaceful. See more..
4.5 Centro Storico di Vasto (394 reviews)
- Wonderful
Historic Walking Areas

We stayed in the old city and so glad we did. Vasto has a number of piazzas that flow into one another. At night these piazzas come alive, full of people walking, playing, eating or just taking in the fabulous ambience. We loved it! See more..
4.5 Parco Avventura Majella (337 reviews)
- Lots of fun!!!
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

We spend a fantastic morning try to reach the next tree in complete safety!!! The staff is very kind and they explain all the details for enjoying the park attractions. Had a lot of fun! See more..
4.5 Centro Storico di Scanno (316 reviews)
- A wonderful small Italian town
Historic Walking Areas

If you are in the Abruzzo area, this town is beautiful to see. I was there on an August Sunday and the streets were full of tourists, which makes the shops and attractions much better because of the excitement. (It also makes the vendors happy). We visited the local vinieria (Bar Abbruzzi) for early afternoon apertivos.. .wines, dry sausage, cheese... good selection of wine. The shops are fascinating...the town looks original and is a gem. See more..
4.5 Val Fondillo (315 reviews)
- A wonderful valley
Valleys

The entrance to the valley is near Opi. Park in the car park next to the Park Centre and picnic area (3 euro 50 cent charge). There are several different walks through the flower-filled meadows and along the riverbank. The valley was alive with butterflies and there was the constant song from the birds. We took the main track and walked for an hour before returning the same way. The surface was unmade but easily walkable and used by the occasional park vehicle and cyclist. The views were superb and for most of the time we had the place to ourselves. A very pleasant place to visit which we thoroughly recommend. See more..
4.5 Medieval Village of Pacentro (311 reviews)
- Pacentro
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Fantastic Italy!!! In the middle of my Country, in the Abruzzo region, there is this little village. So cute. See more..
4.5 Civitella Alfedena (299 reviews)
- A special gift
Historic Walking Areas

I believe Civitella Alfedena was a gift arrived down here from somewhere, a special place where to rest or make friends, where to enjoy great food or spend the time of your life walking, skiing, trekking. I have spent here almost all my summers, winter and mid-year school holidays with my two children. It was the best time vere for me and them, away from the big town, never alone nor lonely. People are so kind and helpful, and yet also very respectful and smiling to all our little maniac town-like behaviour. See more..
4.5 Museo Archeologico Nazionale (299 reviews)
- Must visit!
Monday: History Museums

A great museum in a lovely location. The staff are very hospitable, there are free lockers that you can use, and throughout the museum there are very descriptive plaques in both Italian and English. It's very affordable, and a great activity to do with an incredible collection of ancient artefacts. See more..
4.5 Santuario di San Gabriele dell'Addolarata (298 reviews)
- beautiful
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Churches & Cathedrals

lovely church, really nice both parts the old and new, and the crypt underneath had a really nice display of the passion of Christ with models. See more..