View Holiday Homes Abruzzo

The “strong and gentle” – “Forte e Gentile” is its motto – region of Abruzzo lies on the east cost of central Italy and is comprised of the provinces of Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara and Teramo. The region is renowned for its natural beauty, from the beautiful sandy shores of its northern coast – including Silvi Marina (one of the most fashionable seaside resorts in Abruzzo) to the rocks and cliffs of the south and its mountainous interior.

The Gran Sasso, or “Great Stone”, with its three main peaks Corno Grande, Corno Piccolo and Pizzo Intermesoli – popular with mountain climbers and extreme skiers – forms the centrepiece of the National Park of Gran Sasso-Laga, one of the three national parks in Abruzzo. Abruzzo Towns & Attractions The regional capital L’Aquila is a maze of narrow streets, with many fine examples of Romanesque, baroque and renaissance art and architecture. The 16th century Hispanic fortress often known simply as “il Castello” is one of the most impressive renaissance castles in central and southern Italy. Today it houses the National Museum of Abruzzo. Elsewhere in the town, the 13th century Fountain of 99 Spouts – one of the most unusual in the whole of Italy - and the nearby, Romanesque Church of St. Vito – are popular attractions. The fountain features 93 different stone carvings representing extravagant human characters, animals and mythological creatures. Its remaining six spouts are possibly a later addition. For all its history, L’Aquila is also a fairly lively university town and, as such, has many cultural attractions. These include a daily market held in Piazza del Duomo which features local produce and traditional crafts, especially copper. Visitors will also find a variety of excellent, inexpensive restaurants and a civic theatre.

Fishing Hut at Pescara

Pescara on the Adriatic coast has the obvious advantage of being very close to Pescara Liberi Aiport. This is well served by direct flights from major and more provincial airports in the UK. Pescara is the largest urban area in the region and a major centre for fishing, business, and tourism. This seaside resort boasts over 12 miles of clean, safe – lifeguards are much in evidence – sandy beaches and some of the finest seafood restaurants in Italy. On a cultural note, the Museo delle Genti d’Abruzzo is dedicated to the life and times of the Abruzzo people, folk traditions and customs from prehistory to the present day.

The Abruzzo region is home to a large number of national and regional parks, together with nature reserves. The National Park of Abruzzo, for example, the symbol of which is the Marsican Brown Bear (until recently an endangered species) is the oldest park in Italy. It is home to bears, wolves and chamois (a species of mountain goat) and deer amongst other precious fauna and flora.

Accommodation

Holiday homes in Abruzzo are available to suit just about everyone. Some of the most popular choices include simple one or two bedroom apartments – perhaps as part of a farmhouse in a rural setting, or sited within a modern complex just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. The area is also famed for its rustic holiday cottages, together with more spacious townhouses, villas and farmhouses. Much of Abruzzo's rental accommodation is in fascinating locations. Many properties offer stunning mountain and sea views. All are finished and furnished to a high standard with all modern conveniences.