5 Reasons Why Under-the-Radar Abruzzo Should be Top of Your Italian Bucket List

If overtourism has you rethinking a trip to Italy, think again. Abruzzo is an under-the-radar Italian gem located about two hours east of Rome along the Adriatic. This region is known as the “green lung” of Italy as nearly half of its land is designated as national parks and reserves — and all that greenery translates to fewer people and more tranquility. With mountains, beaches, and national parks (you could even hit the slopes and the beach in one single day!), it’s a stunning spot to visit year-round.

Abruzzo delivers an authentic Italian experience that feels delightfully stuck in time as well as deeply personal. During my recent visit, the Doc Martens-wearing female mayor of Casoli joined my group’s tour, and an older woman came out of her house to give us a basket of chocolates as a pick-me-up. At a small grocery store, where I stocked up on treats like aged Parmesan and pistachio butter at a fraction of their U.S. prices, the friendly shop owner turned a mundane shopping excursion into a party, handing out slices of prosciutto, cheese, and cups of local Montepulciano wine. Only in Italy!

Read on for 5 reasons why the Abruzzo region should be your next Italian destination.

1. Stunning Beaches 

The UNESCO World Heritage-designated Trabocchi Coast stretches 33 miles from Ortona to Vasto, winding past white beaches and coves with turquoise water. Explore the coast on an e-bike (available through Green Road Bikes, or spend the day at a chic beach club such as Il Cavalluccio. Stop at a trabocco for lunch, which are antique, wooden fishing structures where nets hang right in the water beneath. Tuck into platters of mussels, anchovies, and shellfish pasta at Trabacco Sasso Della Cajana.

2. Skiing with Views of the Adriatic