There are twenty regions in Italy and while places like Tuscany and Veneto get all the attention sometimes, each one has so much to offer. The regional cuisines and wine vary so much from region to region, you really haven’t seen Italy until you’ve made it to the lesser known ones. We recently ventured out to the Abruzzo region for a road trip through the amazing landscape, medieval villages breathtaking scenery—all on our way to a 3 Michelin star stay in the Abruzzese countryside! Read on for our guide to Abruzzo!
Where is Abruzzo
Abruzzo is the region directly to the East of Lazio, i.e. Rome’s region. The capital city is L’Aquila and the region is somewhat forgotten, which makes it a bit of a hidden gem due to its proximity to Rome and lots of other airports nearby—and of course the fact that is has both amazing mountainside villages and miles and miles of waterfront on the Adriatic Sea. If you are looking to explore the mountainside villages, you will have about anywhere from 1 hour to 2.5 hours drive from FCO, if you want to get to Pescara and the Sea the ride will also take about 2.5 hours thanks to a quite direct motorway route.
Why Visit the Abruzzese Countryside
Road trips can be magical. Trekking off the beaten tourist path to find something only accessible by car often means finding local treasures still hidden to the mainstream crowds that flock to Europe’s hotspots during the high season. A major hidden gem is Casadonna in the Abruzzese countryside village of Castel di Sangro. A short 2.5 hour drive from FCO, Casadonna is a renovated 16thcentury monastery, that now boasts a boutique hotel and a 3-Michelin Star restaurant helmed by Niko Romito.
Make the drive out to Casadonna as special as the place itself by heading to Hertz Europe at the airport and choose something from their new “Selezione Italia” program.
The program allows you to book so really cool Italian cars. And what ever you book you are guaranteed that exact car. Right now they are offering Maseratis, Alfa Romeos, and Fiats, in all sorts of interesting models. Hop in your Italian car and venture out into the countryside for the road trip of a lifetime. On the route to Casadonna there are dozens of picturesque villages to stop at for lunch or to stretch your legs, so take your time and really see the Abruzzese countryside.
Where to Go on Your Abruzzese Trip
Sulmona, which is about two hours from the airport on the way to Casadonna is an amazing choice of a village to explore. The medieval architecture, the quiet winding streets and the free parking outside the ancient walls make it the roadtripper’s paradise. Park your car in one of the complimentary “parchieggios” outside the ancient walls and stroll through the cobblestone streets and mingle with the locals, as you will probably be the only tourist walking around, a welcome feeling compared to Rome or Florence.
Finally, it is time to head off to Casadonna. Casadonna is owned by Chef Niko Romito, a chef famous for his love of his Abruzzese home and its cuisine. He has been inspired by his surroundings in everything he does, so much so that he has even grown and experimental vineyard on the hills surrounding Casadonna and to everyone’s surprise the crop has been very successful! For more on the amazing 3-star cuisine and experience at Casadonna, read our piece in Forbes!
For more Italian vacation ideas read all about our trips to Rome and Tuscany!