Author: Labina Saqib
Last Updated: September 2026
When most travellers think of Italy, their minds immediately drift to the rolling hills of Tuscany, the romantic canals of Venice, or the ancient ruins of Rome. But just a couple of hours east of Rome lies Abruzzo, a rugged, wildly beautiful region where mountains meet the Adriatic and medieval villages still feel far removed from Italy's busiest tourist routes.
Abruzzo is often described as the "greenest region in Europe," and its reputation as a quieter alternative to Italy's better-known destinations has attracted plenty of attention in recent years. But does the region actually live up to the hype?
Rather than simply listing the places everyone tells you to visit, we're breaking down six of Abruzzo's most-hyped destinations and experiences, what makes them popular, who they're best suited for, and whether they are actually worth adding to your itinerary.
1. Dine Suspended Over the Sea on a Trabocco
The coastline between Ortona and Vasto doesn't look like your typical Italian riviera. This stretch is famously known as the Costa dei Trabocchi, named after the bizarre, spider-like wooden structures that dot the shoreline.
Originally built as fishing structures to catch seafood without braving the dangerous open waters, many of these trabocchi have been lovingly restored into unique, over-water restaurants.
Book a dinner at sunset and you can eat local seafood while suspended above the Adriatic waves. For an active twist, you can also explore the coastline by renting an e-bike on the Via Verde cycling path.
Our verdict: Worth the hype, especially for food lovers and couples.
The trabocchi are not simply another viewpoint or historic building. The combination of seafood, sea views, sunset, and the unusual setting make this one of the experiences that actually feels distinctive.
If you're travelling on a tight budget or don't care much about food experiences, you probably don't need to make a special trip just for a trabocco meal.
Best for: Food lovers, couples, photographers, and travellers looking for a memorable coastal experience.
2. Wander Through the "Castle in the Clouds"
Perched at a dizzying 1,460 meters (4,790 feet) above sea level, Rocca Calascio is the highest fortress in the Apennines. If it looks vaguely familiar, it's because its hauntingly beautiful ruins have been featured in fantasy films like Ladyhawke and The Name of the Rose.
Unlike heavily manicured tourist castles in other parts of Europe, Rocca Calascio feels wild and atmospheric. After the uphill walk, you are rewarded with spectacular views of the Gran Sasso mountain range.
It is particularly striking around golden hour, when the limestone walls glow against the surrounding mountains.
Our verdict: The hype is justified if you enjoy scenery and historic places.
Rocca Calascio is popular for a reason. The setting is far more impressive than the ruins themselves, and the combination of the mountain landscape, old fortress, and isolated location makes it genuinely memorable.
But if you're expecting a perfectly preserved castle with rooms to explore, this may disappoint you. There is more to admire from the outside than to discover inside.
Best for: Hikers, photographers, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys dramatic mountain scenery.
3. Seek Silence at a Rock-Carved Hermitage
The Maiella National Park is a deeply spiritual place, historically serving as a refuge for monks and hermits seeking isolation. Today, you can hike to several of these ancient hideaways, but few are as striking as the Eremo di San Bartolomeo in Legio.
The hermitage predates the 11th century and was later restored by Pietro da Morrone. It isn't simply built on a mountain; it is carved directly into the rock of a cliff overlooking a river valley.
The approach takes you through lush woodland before the rock suddenly opens to reveal the hermitage tucked into the landscape.
Our verdict: Worth it, but not for everyone.
This is one of the better choices for travellers who want something quieter than Abruzzo's headline attractions. The setting, history, and walk give the visit a sense of discovery that you don't get from simply arriving at a viewpoint by car.
On the other hand, if hiking is not your thing, or you're looking for a major landmark that can be explored quickly, this is probably one to skip.
Best for: Hikers, history lovers, photographers, and travellers who prefer peaceful places over busy attractions.
4. Ride the "Trans-Siberian Railway of Italy"
You don't have to go to Russia to experience a memorable mountain railway journey. Abruzzo has its own famous version: the Ferrovia dei Parchi (Railway of the Parks).
This historic railway runs from Sulmona toward Isernia, winding through the mountains of Abruzzo and Molise. On tourist journeys, vintage carriages carry passengers through deep valleys, across spectacular stone viaducts, and past mountain villages and protected natural areas.
What to expect on the ride:
- Epic Scenery: The train passes through landscapes around the Maiella National Park and the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
- Slow Travel: Many tourist itineraries are designed as full-day, slow-paced journeys, with stops depending on the particular route and season.
- Themed Rides: Seasonal themed journeys are also offered, depending on the time of year.
Our verdict: One of the more convincing experiences on this list.
The railway is less about reaching a particular destination and more about enjoying the journey itself. If you like scenic train rides, photography, or slow travel, it can be one of the highlights of an Abruzzo trip.
If you have limited time and would rather spend your day exploring villages or hiking, however, a full-day railway excursion may not be the best use of your itinerary.
Best for: Slow travellers, railway enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who enjoys scenic journeys.
5. Hike to the Heart-Shaped Lake of Scanno
Tucked within the Sagittario Gorge lies the village of Scanno, famously photographed by Henri Cartier-Bresson. The town itself is a maze of stone arches, narrow lanes, and old buildings, but its biggest natural draw sits just outside it.
Follow the Sentiero del Cuore (Path of the Heart) to reach a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Lago di Scanno. From above, the lake appears to take on the unmistakable shape of a human heart.
It is undoubtedly one of the most photographed landscapes in Abruzzo.
Our verdict: Worth visiting, but the viewpoint is the real attraction.
If you're already exploring Scanno, the lake is an easy choice to add to your itinerary. The heart shape makes it visually distinctive, and the surrounding landscape gives you much more than just a photo opportunity.
But if you're travelling a long distance solely to see a heart-shaped lake, your expectations should be realistic. The effect is best appreciated from the right viewpoint, and the experience is more about scenery than a major attraction with lots to do.
Best for: Photographers, couples, hikers, and travellers exploring Scanno and the surrounding area.
6. Attend the Bizarre Festival of the Snake Catchers
If you happen to be visiting Abruzzo on May 1, you can witness one of Europe's strangest and oldest traditions in the tiny village of Cocullo.
Every year, to honor their patron saint, St. Dominic, the town holds the Festa dei Serpari. Local snake catchers venture into the mountains to gather wild snakes. During the festival, these live snakes are draped over the wooden statue of the saint, which is then carried through the medieval streets by a large crowd.
The result is a fascinating and slightly eerie blend of Catholic devotion and older local traditions, often linked to pre-Christian beliefs.
Our verdict: Absolutely worth seeing, if your dates line up — but it's not for the faint of heart.
This is arguably the hardest experience on our list to reproduce elsewhere. Unlike a famous viewpoint or medieval castle, the festival is tied to a particular place, tradition, and date.
But that is also its limitation. If your trip doesn't coincide with May 1, there is no reason to reorganize an entire Italy itinerary around it unless you're particularly interested in cultural festivals. If you're afraid of snakes, though, it's probably better to skip this one.
Best for: Culture lovers, photographers, history enthusiasts, and travellers looking for something genuinely different.
So, Is Abruzzo Worth Visiting?
Yes, but whether it is worth visiting for you depends on what you want from Italy.
If your idea of a perfect Italian holiday involves famous museums, glamorous cities, nightlife, and instantly recognizable landmarks, Abruzzo may not be the strongest choice. Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast will offer more of that classic experience.
But if you want dramatic mountains, medieval villages, coastal scenery, local food, hiking, slow travel, and experiences that feel less polished and tourist-heavy, Abruzzo has a compelling case.
And our six picks are not equally suited to everyone. The trabocchi are particularly appealing to food lovers, Rocca Calascio to hikers and photographers, the hermitage to those seeking quiet, the railway to slow-travel enthusiasts, Scanno to scenery lovers, and Cocullo to travellers interested in unusual traditions.
So, rather than asking whether Abruzzo is universally worth visiting, the better question is:
Is Abruzzo the kind of Italy you want to experience?
For the right traveller, the answer is very likely yes.
If you want to go beyond Abruzzo's most-hyped destinations, we've also put together a guide to 6 Unusual Things to Do in Abruzzo Most Visitors Overlook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Abruzzo
1. What is the best time to visit Abruzzo?
The best time to visit Abruzzo is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October. The weather is generally mild for hiking, exploring villages, and visiting the coast, while summer tends to be busier and hotter. For skiing and winter activities, December to March is the main season.
2. How many days do you need in Abruzzo?
Five to seven days is ideal for experiencing a good mix of Abruzzo's mountains, medieval villages, national parks, and Adriatic coastline. A week gives you enough time to explore the inland areas without rushing, while also leaving several days for the Costa dei Trabocchi and coastal towns.
3. Is Abruzzo expensive to visit?
Abruzzo is generally more affordable than Italy's major tourist hotspots, particularly Rome, the Amalfi Coast, and parts of Tuscany. Accommodation, restaurants, and activities can offer good value, especially outside the busiest summer period.
4. How do you get to Abruzzo from Rome?
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to explore Abruzzo from Rome, with destinations such as L'Aquila reachable in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and your exact destination. Buses and trains also connect Rome with major Abruzzo cities, including Pescara and L'Aquila, although journey times vary by route and service.
5. Do locals speak English in Abruzzo, Italy?
English is generally less widely spoken in Abruzzo than in Italy's major tourist cities such as Rome, Florence, or Venice. You are more likely to find English speakers in larger cities, hotels, and tourist areas, while smaller mountain villages may have fewer. Learning a few basic Italian phrases or keeping an offline translation app handy can make your trip easier.
If exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations like Abruzzo fuels your passion for travel, you'll love discovering new ways to describe your adventures. Check out The Wanderlust Vocabulary: 20 Lesser-Known Travel Words That Every Traveller Needs to Know.
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