Abruzzo: Italy’s Forgotten Region

The Coliseum in Rome, pizza in Naples, the art galleries of Florence, so many Italian experiences make it on to travelers’ bucket lists.

Few of the quintessential Italian attractions are found in the region of Abruzzo, but this green paradise merits a closer look. It has great national parks, unspoiled beaches and Roman ruins, without any of the crowds that descend on other parts of the country.

Situated east of Rome on the Adriatic coast, a number of factors kept tourists away from Abruzzo. First thousands of people emigrated after World War II, then the regional government decided to focus on industry rather than tourism, and later on the region became known for its natural disasters after an earthquake killed more than 300 people in 2009.

See past that and there is a lot to love about Abruzzo. Spend some time by the sea and visit Punta Aderci nature reserve and the old fishing village of San Vito Chietino, or stick to the interior, where you will find Gran Sasso, Majella and Monti della Laga national parks, as well as historic fortifications such as Rocca Calascio fortress and Roccascalegna castle.

Abruzzo has its own international airport on the outskirts of the city of Pescara, but it’s also easy to drive from Rome, only two hours away by car.