Abruzzo, Italy

Abruzzo remains unblemished by mass tourism and major housing developments, so finding a place where you can wake up to the sound of birds chirping and spot deer grazing on a nearby meadow is easy.

In the north and south, you’ll find scarcely populated areas with sleepy villages and farmhouses surrounded by acres of farm and olive groves.

The municipalities of Arsita, Bellante, Farindola, Villa Celiera, and Civitella Casanova are located near the majestic snow-capped mountain peaks of Gran Sasso and have vast stretches of unspoiled countryside, beautiful wildlife, and hiking trails.

Around here, you’ll need to embrace traditional living. Locals will want to know everything about you, give you advice on how to grow vegetables, and speak the dialect with you.

With castles and charming stone towns, Abruzzo has a very strong cultural presence in the lives of its locals. It’s also a place where you can go for a hike in the early morning and enjoy the sunset at the beach that same afternoon. Plus, if you’re a food lover, Abruzzo is known for its exquisite cuisine.

Here’s a list of things to do in Abruzzo, Italy…

1. Castle Of Rocca Calascio

Castle of Rocca Calascio sits at about 4,961 feet high in the province of L’Aquila in Abruzzo, Italy. However, what makes this castle unique is that it was built specifically for military purposes, it was never intended to house royals. In fact, it was meant to accommodate troops.

Its construction began in the 10th century, and though it was built with the military in mind as a defense and observation post.  

2. Stiffe Caves

Like the Castle of Rocca Calascio, the Stiffe Caves are also found in the province of L’Aquila.

This natural wonder is truly unique. These caves were formed by an underground river which re-emerged above ground.

The Stiffe Caves are one of the few examples of what’s known as a resurgence cave in Italy. Inside, visitors get to see waterfalls and rapid streams that’ll follow you during walking tour.

3. Fountain Of The 99 Water Spouts

The Fountain of the 99 Water Spouts is one of the best known monuments in Abruzzi, Italy.

It was built over 700 years ago in the Piazza San Vito, in L’Aquila. Also, it features an irregular trapezoidal figure surrounded by carvings of men, women, and animals that spout water from their mouths.