We present you, Abruzzo. Enjoy...

“Forte e gentile” is the motto of Abruzzo region, as said the Italian diplomat and journalist Primo Levi. These few words describe the beauty of the region and the character of its people.

I. Location

Abruzzo is located in central Italy, with an extensive coastline on the Adriatic Sea. Abruzzo is known as “the greenest region in Europe” as one third of its territory, the largest in Europe, is set aside as national parks and protected nature reserves. There are three national parks: “Abruzzo National Park”, “Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park”, “Majella National Park”. The regional park Sirente-Velino, and 38 protected nature reserves. These ensure the survival of 75% of Europe’s living species including rare species, such as the small wading dotterel, golden eagle, the Abruzzo (or Abruzzese) chamois, Apennine wolf, and Marsican brown bear.

II. Territory

The territory of Abruzzo is very rich and varied: from mountains such as Gran Sasso D’Italia (the highest of Appennini) and Majella, to the coast with an immense area with very visited beaches by tourists. In the hills are small towns, some of which form part of the “Borghi piu Belli d’Italia” (the most beautiful village of Italy), such as Abbateggio, Anversa degli Abruzzi, Rocca San Giovanni, Castelli, Navelli, Penne, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Scanno, among others. There is an airport (Pescara International Airport) that connects with several European cities. The major cities are L’Aquila, Chieti, Pescara and Teramo, which are also provinces of the region.

II. Territory

The territory of Abruzzo is very rich and varied: from mountains such as Gran Sasso D’Italia (the highest of Appennini) and Majella, to the coast with an immense area with very visited beaches by tourists. In the hills are small towns, some of which form part of the “Borghi piu Belli d’Italia” (the most beautiful village of Italy), such as Abbateggio, Anversa degli Abruzzi, Rocca San Giovanni, Castelli, Navelli, Penne, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Scanno, among others. There is an airport (Pescara International Airport) that connects with several European cities. The major cities are L’Aquila, Chieti, Pescara and Teramo, which are also provinces of the region.

III. Gastronomy

Renowned for its variety and richness due to the heterogeneity of its territory, Abruzzo’s cuisine is among the best in Italy. Its gastronomic tradition is very wide and original, both in the interior and mountain areas as in the coastal area. In 2013 an Italian organization CONFERSERCENTI survey of foreign tourists showed that Abruzzo is the best Italian region to eat in.