Abruzzo

🏛️ Why Visit Abruzzo, Italy?

If you're after proper good value and want to escape the tourist mayhem, Abruzzo's your spot! Halfway down Italy's Adriatic coast, opposite Rome - this region is full of amazing history, gorgeous beaches, and stunning scenery - and here's the cracking bit, it's way less touristy than its flashy neighbours, which means your pound goes much further. Talk about a hidden gem!

You've got everything from jaw-dropping mountains where bears and wolves still roam free, to absolutely stunning beaches that won't break the bank. Plus, the locals are proper friendly and the food? Well, it’s Italy so let's just say you'll be loosening your belt a notch or two on the way back!

Top reasons to visit Abruzzo:

🐻 Fun fact: Abruzzo is home to rare Marsican brown bears – don’t worry, they don’t sunbathe.

🏖️ Brilliant value beaches with golden sand - Less touristy than Tuscany means more money in your pocket for gelato!

🏰 Medieval hill towns that'll blow your mind - Think Scanno and Santo Stefano di Sessanio without the Tuscan price tags

🌊 Pristine Adriatic coastline with Blue Flag beaches - Crystal clear waters and proper good swimming spots

🏘️ Best Resorts in Abruzzo

Let's talk about where to base yourself for your Abruzzo adventure! There are a number of smaller, inland resorts (if you fancy one of these, see the list below or just search for all holidays in Abruzzo using the bar at the top, ☝️🔎 then use map view 🗺️ to find them) but when it comes to quality beach time, most of our guests stay at one of three cracking seaside spots.

🌊 Pescara and Montesilvano

 These two beauties are practically joined at the hip (Montesilvano's basically Pescara's posh northern neighbour), sitting pretty on miles of golden sand. Pescara's the lively regional capital with proper good shopping, buzzing nightlife, and the birthplace of famous poet Gabriele D'Annunzio. Just 7km up the coast, Montesilvano offers a slightly quieter vibe with the same gorgeous beaches - you can literally walk between them along the seafront! Both have that lovely Italian seaside charm with palm-lined promenades and beach clubs galore.

🏖️ Giulianova

About 45 minutes north of Pescara, this absolute gem is split between the historic hilltop town (Giulianova Alta) and the modern seaside resort (Giulianova Lido). You get 5km of Blue Flag beaches, a charming fishing port, and it's perfectly placed for exploring both the coast and the stunning Gran Sasso mountains. It's got that proper Italian fishing village feel but with all the mod cons you need for a brilliant holiday.

If you fancy a smaller resort check out: Pescasseroli, Roccaraso, L'Aquila, Chieti or Vasto.

🎭 Top Things to Do in Abruzzo

There's no shortage of adventures waiting for you in this epic region - from mountain hikes to medieval towns!

National Park Adventures

🐻 Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park – Home to Italy's highest peak in the Apennines and the legendary Marsican brown bear! The Campo Imperatore plateau is absolutely mind-blowing - think endless alpine meadows with snow-capped peaks.

🦅 Majella National Park – Perfect for proper good hiking with spectacular gorges and ancient hermitages carved into cliffsides. The Fara San Martino gorges are particularly stunning, and you might spot golden eagles soaring overhead.

🌲 Abruzzo National Park – Italy's oldest national park where wolves still roam free. Pescasseroli makes a brilliant base for exploring the ancient beech forests and spotting wildlife.

Medieval Hill Towns

🏰 Scanno – Known as the "Pearl of Abruzzo," this picture-perfect village sits beside a heart-shaped lake and has been featured in countless films. The medieval streets are absolutely gorgeous, and the traditional costumes are still worn by some locals.

🎨 Guardiagrele – Famous for its incredible goldsmiths and artisans, this hilltop beauty sits at the foot of the Majella mountains. It's one of Italy's "Most Beautiful Villages" and the perfect spot for picking up unique souvenirs.

Coastal Delights

🌊 Trabocchi Coast – These ancient wooden fishing platforms jutting into the sea are proper iconic. Many have been converted into restaurants where you can feast on the freshest seafood while waves crash beneath your feet.

🏛️ Atri – This historic town boasts stunning frescoes and the most beautiful cathedral you've ever seen, plus it's famous for its liquorice production!

🏨 Where to Stay on your Abruzzo Holidays

We've handpicked some absolutely cracking hotels that'll make your Abruzzo adventure proper special. Each one's got its own personality and brilliant perks!

Beachfront Bliss in Pescara & Montesilvano

🏨 Serena Majestic Hotel (Montesilvano) - This brilliant 4-star resort sits right on the beach with three swimming pools, and a private sandy beach that's perfect for kids. It's part of the family-friendly Bluserena chain, so you know the little ones will be sorted with professional entertainment and a nautical playground. Whilst they’re busy, the adults can enjoy the bar!

🏨 G Hotel Pescara - This stylish 4-star boutique hotel is literally 5 mins from Pescara's central train station, making it brilliant for exploring the city, and the region. The modern rooms are proper comfortable and breakfast gets rave reviews. Plus, you're just an 8-minute walk to the beach.

🏨 Victoria Hotel (Pescara) - This elegant boutique beauty is ranked #1 in Pescara for good reason! They know how to look after their guests. Located in the pedestrian heart near Piazza della Rinascita, you're just steps from the beach and surrounded by brilliant restaurants and bars. There's even a wellness centre and fitness area - plus free parking, which is proper handy in city centres if you’re planning on hiring a car!

Family Fun in Giulianova

🏨 Club del Sole Stork - These brilliant mobile home units are perfect for families who want that camping vibe with hotel comforts! Set in a 4-star family village right on the beach, you get fully equipped kitchenettes, private terraces, swimming pools, kids' clubs, and entertainment. It's like having your own little house by the sea, and the kids will absolutely love the adventure park and beach activities. Pet-friendly options available too!

🏨 Hotel 900 (Giulianova) - This gorgeous 4-star Art Deco gem is housed in a renovated 1926 Liberty mansion and oozes charm! Just 400m from Giulianova's Blue Flag beach, the unique rooms all have different personalities but the same warm atmosphere. You'll love the private beach access, the renowned Bistrot 900 restaurant, and the cosy fireplace in the lobby. It's intimate, elegant, and absolutely perfect for a romantic getaway.

Whether you fancy beachfront luxury or quirky boutique charm, these hotels will make your Abruzzo holiday absolutely unforgettable. You're perfectly placed to explore medieval towns, national parks, and those gorgeous beaches - plus the value is just brilliant compared to the more touristy parts of Italy!

💰 How to Have a Very Cheap Abruzzo Holiday (that’s still Brilliant)

Here's the beauty of Abruzzo - you get all the Italian magic without the tourist prices! This region is absolutely cracking value, and with a few smart moves, you can have a proper amazing holiday without breaking the bank.

When to Go

Skip July and August when the crowds descend. May-June and September are absolutely perfect - lovely weather, warm sea, and much better prices. Plus, you'll actually meet more locals than tourists!

Smart Savings

• Stay in mobile homes or agriturismi - Brilliant value and you get that authentic Italian experience

• Book half-board at family hotels - The food's usually excellent and saves you loads on restaurants

• Use local buses - Dead cheap and they connect all the main towns along the coast

Free Fun

The region's packed with free activities! Hiking in the national parks costs nothing, the medieval town centres are free to explore, and many beaches have free sections alongside the paid lidos.

Getting About

Rent bikes to explore the coastal cycle paths, or use the regional trains - they're proper affordable and connect all the main seaside towns.

The brilliant thing about Abruzzo is that "budget" definitely doesn't mean boring. You're getting authentic Italy, stunning scenery, and brilliant food at prices that'll make you smile. Yes, please!