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Abruzzo

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About Abruzzo

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.

Some of our Abruzzo Collections:

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 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?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Abruzzo

Best Hotels in Abruzzo

  • Sextantio Santo Stefano di Sessanio Abruzzo 27 rooms from £174

    Sights nearby  -  The Rocca Calascio Fortress, with its dramatic mountain setting, is a historical sight to be marvelled at.
    Cooking classes  -  Enquire with the hotel about arranging a cooking lesson to learn the arts of the local Italian cuisine.
    Great walks  -  There are many picturesque walks through the surrounding fields and local countryside.
    Tennis  -  There are tennis courts on site for guests to use.
    TennisRestaurantPet friendlyViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Design Hotels, Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    With its dramatic hilltop setting this micro-village in the Italian Apennines stays true to its past. Exposed beams and stone walls, candlelit dining rooms; it's the huge baths, luscious toiletries and wifi throughout that add modern luxury. Similarly, the menu is traditional and locally sourced. See More

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  • Villa Maiella Guardiagrele CH, Abruzzo 14 rooms from £74

    Foodies  -  A family-run property housing a famed Michelin-star restaurant serving Abruzzese cuisine
    Sights nearby  -  Visit Guardiagrele's majestic 13th-century church
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyViewsParking

    A small family-run hotel best known for the exceptional Michelin-star restaurant it houses. Elegant rooms are simply dressed with soft hues and fabulous views. Situated in one of Italy's prettiest towns just a short distance from the coast. An indulgent stay. See More

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  • Mane Boutique Hotel Giulianova (Roseto degli Abruzzi) 13 rooms from £95

    Local exploring  -  Near the hotel is the Medieval town of Atri and the Tower of Ceranno, a coastal tower built by the Kingdom of Naples.
    Sights nearby  -  One of the houses of Gabriele D'Annunzio, the eccentric poet, soldier and hero of the Italian fascists, is 18 miles away.
    Restaurant with rooms  -  Ristorante Manetta is a seaside fish-restaurant and is very popular in the area.
    Kids Club  -  In-house baby-sitter
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    Gorgeous hotel in Giulianova with marvellous views of the Adriatic sea, offering rooms decorated in a bright and gentle rustic-meets-modern style. Ideal for exploring the archaic towns of Abruzzo or romantic getaways, it has a restaurant serving locally-sourced fish and a varied wine selection. See More

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  • La Chiave Bianca Abruzzo 9 rooms from £113

    Active Holiday  -  Whether you're hiking Majella Mountain, riding a pedalo through the waters of the Adriatic or golfing at Miglianico.
    Views  -  Some rooms come with a balcony.
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor swimming pool.
    Traditional
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Charming accommodation in Abruzzo just minutes from the Adriatic. Bright, rustic en-suite rooms feature white-wood furnishings and parquet flooring. A chic Abruzzo farm perfectly placed for hiking Majella Mountain or golfing in Miglianico. See More

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  • Hotel 900 Giulianova 16 rooms from £116

    Beach Life  -  Within a 2 minute walk from the beaches of Giulianova, awarded the EU Blue Flag multiple times.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    Stylish 4-star hotel brushing the sandy-white toes of the Adriatic sea offering modern, comfortable rooms in a bright, minimalist style. Ideal for lounging at the beach or exploring the many natural parks in Abruzzo. Featuring a restaurant, bar, gym and massages. A chic base to explore the region. See More

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  • Castello di Semivicoli Chieti (Semivicoli) 7 rooms from £121

    Wine tasting  -  The wine cellar is purpose built for wine tasting from the many oak barrels.
    Good wine list  -  An excellent choice of its own vintages.
    Romantic Break
    Sights nearby  -  Il Feuduccio, Cantina Sociale and Monumento ai Caduti.
    RestaurantGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel

    A castle set in rolling hills and not far from the coast. A historic beauty with its own vineyards and wonderful rooms. Bedrooms and suites, enormous in size, have sandstone floors, large beds, stand alone bath tubs, and elegant furnishings. Fantastic wine tasting facilities. Ideal for groups. See More

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  • Fireflies and Figs Abruzzo 2 rooms from £125

    Back to Nature  -  All about a natural way of living; stay in yurts set amidst olive groves and dine on food straight from the garden.
    Local markets  -  Head into the local hill top town of Guardiagrele on a Sunday for the local market.
    Sailing  -  Take a boat to the Tremiti islands off the coast of Vasto.
    Full of character
    RestaurantGardenViewsParking

    Two luxury yurts set in stunning olive groves, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Simply decorated inside with crisp white linen, heavy wooden beds and a rustic chic bathroom. The private terraces are ideal for unwinding with a tipple and some organic regional cuisine. Rural bliss. See More

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  • Villa Vignola Vasto, Abruzzo 5 rooms from £130

    Foodies  -  Foodies are spoiled for choice at the hotel's fresh, seafood restaurant, specialising in Mediterranean cuisine
    Beach Life  -  Located on the seafront, this hotel is perfectly placed for a relaxing beach holiday
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the pared back feel to this villa and its bright, airy rooms
    Great walks  -  Explore the beautiful coastline surrounding the hotel on a long walk; enquire with your hosts for popular routes
    Air conditioningRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    This charming villa is located on the Italian coast, 3km north of Vasto. Rooms have classic, bright interiors, with crisp, white linens and traditional tiled floors; the best rooms have a private balcony and sea views. Eat at the seafood restaurant after sunbathing on the terrace; a welcoming villa. See More

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  • Casadonna Reale L'Aquila, Abruzzo 6 rooms from £159

    Skiing  -  Roccaraso-Aremogna Ski Resort and Rivisondoli-Monte Pratello Ski Resort in the winter.
    Foodies  -  Ristorante Reale is a fine dining affair with spectacular garden views.
    Romantic Break
    Traditional  -  Previously a monastery, now a minimalist chic restaurant with rooms.
    RestaurantGardenParking

    A former monastery not too far from Rome in the rolling countryside. Super chic contemporary rooms and suites, minimal in style with all the mod cons. Fabulous cuisine serving regional produce. Stunning vistas of the mountains around. Perfect for a gourmet weekend in the countryside. See More

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  • Il Gatto Bianco Pescocostanzo, Abruzzo 8 rooms from £156

    Skiing  -  110 km of skiing tracks at the nearby Alto Sangro Ski Basin
    Great walks  -  Parco Nazionale della Majella
    Sights nearby  -  Eremo di San Michele Arcangelo
    Spa  -  With turkish bath
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    A stylish Italian country house, surrounded by the mountains of Abruzzo. Guests can enjoy the free wellness area with sauna, solarium and Turkish bath. Smart rooms with stunning mountain views. Breakfast served daily and the restaurant has traditional Italian dishes. Lots to do all year round. See More

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