Abruzzo stretches across central Italy, neighbours to the Lazio region and Rome, but also to the Adriatic, and the Apennine mountains. Between the mountains and sea are fertile fields, vast plains, and a landscape so beautiful almost half of the region is protected with the boundaries of national parks or nature reserves. Many know the region for its ski season, and there are certainly a number of fantastic ski hotels on our Gurus’ list of the best places to stay in Abruzzo, but the list also proposes great beach resorts, charmingly converted castles and palazzos, idyllically repurposed farmhouses, plus a Michelin-starred restaurant with rooms, and a couple of yurts.

If that brief run down of what to expect on the list of the best places to stay in Abruzzo isn’t enough to convince you that this region has something for everyone, then just check out a menu! Abruzzo’s cuisine spans seafood from the ocean, to beans and legumes of all sorts in the rich interior, and pork and mutton as you head into the mountains.All of which make this is a fantastically varied destination for foodies; wine lovers will not be left wanting either.

As well as its Adriatic coastline, Abruzzo also has a beautiful lake region, with seven lakes, some of them within the boundaries of Abruzzo’s three national parks (the Abruzzo National Park, the Gran Sasso National Park, and the Monti della Laga National Park), and many natural reserves — these are all wonderful areas to explore on foot, on two wheels, or by boat. While Roccaraso, Castle di Sangro and Campo Felice are well loved by skiers.

For visitors seeking signs of Italy’s incredible culture or history there will be plenty to find too: wonderful medieval towns and castles, but without the crowds of Siena or San Gimignano. Try Rocca Calascio, Pescasseroli, Tagliacozzo and Santo Stefano di Sessanio. And that’s before anyone mentions the treasures and pleasures of L’Aquila and Pescara.

Use our guide to the best places to stay in Abruzzo and start to plan your trip to this magical region.

The Best Places to Stay in Abruzzo

For Something Special

• Our Gurus all agree that Sextantio Albergo Diffuso isn’t for everyone, but for some people it will be an absolute dream come true. It’s been converted from an entire medieval hilltop village, overlooking its former agricultural land in all directions, and as guests approach it modernity ebbs away. But that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of luxury, these 27 rooms and suites are decorated with handmade mats and mattresses, and feature beamed ceilings and antiques — the bathrooms all have huge baths and underfloor heating. Superior rooms have private entrances and balconies, and spacious living areas with open fireplaces. Guests have access to large grounds, within the Grand Sasso National Park, the library, tennis courts, cooking classes, and the village’s impressive ceramics museum.

For Romantics

• The Castello di Semivicoli is a beautiful castle estate in Semivicoli, just outside Chieti. Surrounded by its own vineyards, this charming escape is a picturesque setting, offering an intimate stay — it has just seven spacious rooms and suites. The decor blends traditional and contemporary features, and the scale lends itself to intimate events, like wine tastings and romantic meals. Perfect for groups of travellers, and just 20kms from the beach.
• For an entirely different take on romance consider Fireflies and Figs, which is just two luxurious yurts, set up amongst olive groves, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Rustic yet comfortable inside, this is where to stay if you want to really escape.

For a Beach Break

• For a beach break in Abruzzo our Gurus recommend the Mane Boutique Hotel, a charmingly simple little property right across from the Adriatic in Roseti deli Abruzzi. As well as sea views — some from private balconies — these 13 rooms offer crisp, white, contemporary decor. The Mane Boutique Hotel also has a great seafood restaurant, a sunny terrace and an in-house babysitter.
• Giulianova’s Hotel 900 is just a block back from the beach, and even has a palm tree in its colourful garden. Converted from an elegant villa, this 16 room hotel is stylishly four star, with lots of natural light, and contemporary comforts, like a gym, bar, restaurant and complimentary bike rental. Family suites and a family-friendly restaurant make this an easy pick for a beach break with the kids.

For Foodies

• Casadonna Reale is a monastery turned restaurant with rooms, in a remote spot, which is actually very convenient for the Abruzzo National Park. Despite having only six rooms, this is a large, light and airy building — during its hotel conversion many large windows were added and outside areas glassed in — and all around are wonderfully renewing views of rolling countryside and stunning mountains. The food is well worth travelling for, as are the views, the decor is pleasingly minimal, and in winter you’re close to several ski fields.
• The Villa Maiella is a small, family-run hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, incredible views over lush Abruzzo, and 14 simple, but elegant rooms. Part of the restaurant’s fame comes from its mastery of Abruzzese cuisine. But not only does it have fabulous food we can highly recommend the views and the proximity to the coast too — it’s only 21kms from the beach! And it’s extremely affordable.

For an Active Break

• Il Gatto Bianco is a stylish Italian country house hotel in Pescocotanzo, close to the Monte Calvario/ Alto Sangro ski region, the Monte Genzana Natural Reserve and the Parco Nazionale della Majella. The outdoorsy setting attracts outdoorsy types, and there’s a great spa, with a sauna, solarium and hammam, to help with any post-exercise aches and pains. There are just eight rooms, all simple and smartly decorated, with fantastic views. The restaurant specialises in regional fare, and some of the rooms are ideal for families.
• La Chiave Bianca is a chicly converted farm just ten minutes drive inland from the Adriatic, the perfect escape for hikers or golfers who also appreciate simple style and serene rural views. Its nine rooms are bright, decorated with rustic style and pale colours. Some of the rooms work perfectly for families.

For Great Value

• The Castello Chiola is a beautifully converted castle of yellow stone, with 36 rooms offering spectacular views over the landscape of Abruzzo. Expect original features, like high, vaulted ceilings, terracotta tiles on the floor, and large windows, plus mod cons like a swimming pool and air conditioning. Charmingly great value, and ideal for families too.
• The Casa Rosati is an elegantly simple, 18th century palace, idyllically positioned so that it has panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and the Sirente-Velino Regional Park, and it's only 40 minutes from the Camp Felice Ski Fields. It has just six rooms, all unique, and oozing character: decorated with antiques, frescoes, and original artworks.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Abruzzo International Airport, also called Pescara Abruzzo Airport, is the local airport, about four kilometres outside Pescara. ITA Airways and Ryanair are the main airlines to use the airport.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Abruzzo has two very different climate zones, the Adriatic coastal region, with its Mediterranean-style hot, dry summers and mild winters, and the much cooler climate of the Apennines, which experience a lot of rain, and get cooler the higher you go into the mountains. So choosing the best time to visit Abruzzo is really dependant on what you’re planning to do when you get there. If it’s the coastline you want the summer months are the most popular, and winter is for the skiers, but if you’re visiting for the national parks and rural landscape, then it’s difficult to pass up the charms of spring, with its colourful flowers and fresh greenness. Easter in Italy is quite a special time, with lots of celebrations, so if you’re including one of Abruzzo’s towns in your itinerary you might consider travelling around Easter. If you’re exploring one of the national parks spring and summer are ideal, though do bring a raincoat.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could refine your search to the best places to stay in Chieti or the best places to stay in Giulianova
• Expand your search to include recommendations in nearby Lazio, or Le Marche
• Or you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Abruzzo