Author: Labina Saqib
Last Updated: September 2026
Abruzzo has no shortage of famous places to see. Rocca Calascio, Lago di Scanno and the trabocchi of the Adriatic have become fixtures on travel itineraries, and for good reason.
If you’re wondering whether these famous Abruzzo destinations actually live up to the hype, we've broken down six of the region's most talked-about places in our guide: Is Abruzzo Worth Visiting? A Breakdown of 6 Most-Hyped Abruzzo Destinations.
But if you look beyond the places that appear on almost every list, you'll find a different side of the region.
You can fly over a medieval mountain village on a zipline, discover contemporary art hidden inside an ancient forest, explore quiet Roman ruins, or find artwork carved into the streets of a mountain town.
These aren't necessarily the first things you'll hear about when planning a trip to Abruzzo. But that's exactly what makes them interesting.
Here are six unusual things to do in Abruzzo that most visitors overlook and why they're worth making room for.
1. Pacentro Zipline: Fly Over a Medieval Village
Pacentro is the kind of Abruzzo village that looks as though it was built for a postcard.
Stone buildings climb the slopes of the Morrone, while the towers of Cantelmo Castle rise above the historic centre. But there's a rather unexpected way to experience the landscape: from a zipline.
Pacentro is home to the first zipline in Abruzzo, sending visitors across the valley above the surrounding landscape. The regional tourism authority highlights it as an adventure that can be combined with a visit to the historic village.
It's a strange but surprisingly fitting combination. One minute you're wandering medieval streets; the next, you're flying through the mountain landscape.
Practical Info:
Location: Pacentro, in the Peligna Valley
Planning: Check the operator's current schedule and booking requirements before travelling.
Best time: Spring through early autumn, subject to weather and operating conditions.
Our verdict: Absolutely worth trying if you enjoy a little adrenaline.
The zipline isn't something you'd travel to Abruzzo for on its own, but it makes a visit to Pacentro considerably more memorable.
And even if you're not brave enough to take the flight, the village itself gives you plenty of reason to come.
Best for: Adventure seekers, couples, families, and travellers who want something more exciting than another viewpoint.
2. ArteParco in Pescasseroli: Find Contemporary Art Hidden in an Ancient Forest
What if your next art gallery had no walls?
In Pescasseroli, the ArteParco project places contemporary artworks among the beech trees of the Bosco della Difesa, turning a walk through the forest into an open-air art experience.
The unusual part isn't simply that there are sculptures in the woods. The artworks are deliberately placed within the natural environment, encouraging visitors to experience the forest and the art together rather than treating them as two separate attractions.
The forest itself is fascinating. Some of its old beech trees have unusual, almost sculptural shapes created by the traditional practice of pollarding over generations. A walking route through the woodland connects the natural landscape with the artworks.
Unlike a conventional museum, there is no collection waiting behind a set of doors. You discover the installations gradually as you walk.
Practical Info:
Location: Bosco della Difesa, Pescasseroli
Access: The artworks are encountered along the forest trails.
Planning: Check the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park's current information before visiting, as installations and organised activities can change.
Our verdict: One of the most genuinely unusual experiences in Abruzzo.
ArteParco works because it doesn't feel like another attraction you've been told to photograph and leave. You discover it gradually as you walk.
It's particularly good for travellers who want to mix nature with culture without spending the day inside a museum.
Best for: Art lovers, photographers, nature lovers, families, and anyone looking for a slower cultural experience.
3. Ocriticum in Cansano: Explore a Roman Archaeological Site Most Tourists Drive Past
Abruzzo's mountain scenery can be so dramatic that it's easy to forget how deep its history goes.
Near the small village of Cansano, the archaeological site of Ocriticum preserves the remains of an ancient sanctuary and settlement dating back to the Roman and pre-Roman periods.
There are remains of temples and other structures spread through a quiet landscape rather than a large urban archaeological complex.
And that's precisely what makes it different from visiting somewhere like Pompeii.
You don't arrive to find enormous crowds moving between famous ruins. Instead, the archaeological remains sit within a peaceful rural setting, making the experience feel much more connected to the surrounding landscape.
Ocriticum also illustrates why some of Abruzzo's most interesting places are easy to overlook: they don't have the instant visual recognition of a famous castle or mountain viewpoint.
Practical Info:
Location: Near Cansano, in the Maiella area
Planning: Check local archaeological or tourism information before visiting for current access and any guided-tour arrangements. Allow extra time if you want to explore the surrounding area rather than treating the archaeological site as a quick stop.
Our verdict: Worth it for travellers who enjoy history without the crowds.
Ocriticum isn't going to compete with Italy's blockbuster archaeological sites and it shouldn't try to.
Its appeal is the opposite: quiet ruins, an unusual setting, and the feeling that you've stumbled across a piece of ancient Italy that most visitors never put on their itinerary.
If ancient history doesn't interest you, however, this is probably one to skip.
Best for: History lovers, photographers, slow travellers, and anyone who prefers lesser-known archaeological sites.
4. Pietrales of Lettomanoppello: Look for Art Carved Into a Mountain Village
In Lettomanoppello, art isn't confined to galleries and it isn't necessarily hanging on a wall, either.
The town is known for its Pietrales, stone artworks carved or assembled as reliefs on buildings around the village. The tradition reflects Lettomanoppello's long connection with stone-working and the local Maiella stone.
As you walk through the town, you'll encounter scenes and designs depicting local life, nature, mining and the surrounding mountains.
It's an easy attraction to miss because there isn't one enormous monument announcing its presence. The art is part of the village itself.
That makes it particularly interesting for travellers who enjoy discovering a place through its local character rather than ticking off a list of major sights.
Practical Info:
Location: Lettomanoppello
Access: The artworks are spread around the town and are best explored on foot.
Planning: Local guided walks and cultural events may be available at certain times of year, so check local tourism information if you'd like a guided experience.
Our verdict: Worth a stop if you enjoy discovering places through their local character.
The Pietrales won't fill an entire day, but they give you a reason to slow down and actually walk through Lettomanoppello rather than simply passing through.
You don't visit one monument and leave. You discover the art as you explore the town.
Best for: Art lovers, photographers, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travellers.
5. PineCube in Campo di Giove: Climb Into a Glass Cube Above the Mountains
There's something wonderfully strange about finding a modern glass observation structure in a mountain village surrounded by forests.
At Campo di Giove, the PineCube is a small wooden-and-glass observation point designed to give visitors a different perspective on the surrounding mountains and landscape.
The structure sits within the Maiella National Park, where Campo di Giove is already a useful base for exploring the surrounding forests and mountain trails.
It's not a giant observation tower or a famous architectural landmark, that's partly the appeal.
The PineCube is the kind of small discovery that works best when you encounter it as part of a wider day exploring the area. From its elevated position, you can pause and take in the landscape and, if you're exceptionally lucky, wildlife in the surrounding mountains.
Practical Info:
Location: Campo di Giove, Maiella National Park
Planning: Check local conditions and access information before making the trip.
What to bring: A camera and, if you're interested in wildlife, binoculars.
Our verdict: Worth trying if you're already exploring Campo di Giove.
Don't make a huge detour solely for the PineCube. Instead, treat it as the kind of unexpected little experience that makes a day in the mountains more interesting.
That is precisely why it fits this list: it isn't a headline attraction, but it gives you something different to look for while exploring an already beautiful part of Abruzzo.
Best for: Photographers, nature lovers, families, hikers, and travellers who enjoy unusual viewpoints.
6. Lake Campotosto: Discover a Quieter Mountain Landscape
Abruzzo's mountains are usually associated with rugged peaks, medieval villages and deep green forests.
Then there's Lake Campotosto. At more than 1,300 metres above sea level, this enormous artificial lake sits inside the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. Its broad waters are surrounded by mountains, creating a landscape that feels very different from the medieval villages and dramatic stone landmarks that dominate many Abruzzo itineraries.
The lake has a perimeter of roughly 40 kilometres, making it a place to experience rather than simply photograph. Depending on the season and conditions, visitors can walk or cycle around parts of the area, enjoy water-based activities, watch birds, or simply stop at different points around the shore.
So why include it in a list of unusual things to do in Abruzzo?
Because Campotosto offers a different kind of experience. There is no single famous monument demanding your attention. Instead, the attraction is the landscape itself. Open water, high mountains and plenty of space to slow down.
Practical Info:
Location: Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park
Getting around: A car is the most practical option for exploring the lake and surrounding area.
Best Time: Warmer months for outdoor and water-based activities; spring and autumn can be particularly appealing for scenery and birdwatching.
Our verdict: Worth the drive if you want a quieter side of Abruzzo.
Lake Campotosto isn't a secret, and it does appear in regional travel guides. But compared with Abruzzo's headline attractions, it receives far less attention from international visitors.
That's exactly why it works here.
You're not coming for one famous photograph. You're coming for the combination of high-altitude water, mountain scenery and the feeling of having space around you.
Best for: Nature lovers, cyclists, photographers, birdwatchers, and travellers who enjoy scenic drives.
Final Thoughts
We believe travel should be about what you enjoy, not about ticking off as many new places as possible. If you love a particular place, there is nothing wrong with returning to it again and again, or simply choosing the experiences that make you feel most comfortable.
Our job was to give you accurate information and introduce you to a few unusual sides of Abruzzo. Where you go, what you see, and what you choose to skip is entirely up to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Unusual Things to Do in Abruzzo
Are Abruzzo’s national parks free to visit?
Yes. Visiting the major national parks in Abruzzo, including Maiella National Park and Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, is generally free. However, specific attractions and activities within or around these areas, such as the Pacentro zipline or guided tours, may charge a fee.
Can you swim in Lake Campotosto?
Swimming is not generally recommended at Lake Campotosto because of the lake’s cold, deep waters and changing conditions. The area is better known for scenic drives, cycling, birdwatching and other outdoor activities around the lake.
Can you reach Abruzzo’s smaller villages by public transport?
Some smaller villages are connected by regional buses, but services can be limited, particularly in more remote mountain areas. If you want to visit several places such as Pacentro, Lettomanoppello and Ocriticum, renting a car is usually the most convenient option.
What wildlife can you see in Abruzzo?
Abruzzo is home to wildlife including Marsican brown bears, Apennine wolves, red deer, Apennine chamois and golden eagles. Sightings of bears and wolves are rare, but hikers and nature lovers may encounter deer, birds and other wildlife while exploring the region’s mountains and forests.
Do you need a guide to explore Abruzzo’s outdoor art and archaeological sites?
Not always. Places such as ArteParco and the Pietrales of Lettomanoppello can generally be explored independently. For archaeological sites such as Ocriticum, however, a local guide or organised tour can provide useful historical context that may not be available on site.
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