Casa Monte Majella B&B

The rustic, genuin Italy

Abruzzo really has it all. The region is located in central Italy surrounded by the Adriatic Sea and mountain ranges with peaks of up to 2.000 m. Perhaps it is Italy´s best kept secret, remains to be discovered for most people. Now the region may be on the verge of an international tourism boom where more and more vacationers are opting out of the most popular tourist destinations with high crowds and high prices, in favor of lesser-known, authentic and undiscovered destinations. In fact, if travelling for you means escaping from the daily stressful routines, getting in touch with the locals and tasting delicious zero km products, Abruzzo might be perfect choice.

This beautiful region is hemmed between the Apennines and the Adriatic coast and located just around two hours from Rome; it’s known as the greenest region in Europe. A third of the territory is set aside in protected areas - three National Parks, a Regional Park and 38 Nature Reserves. This includes lakes, the Adriatic coastline (8 blue flags), imposing mountain ranges, UNESCO heritage sites, the highest number of beautiful hill and mountain villages as listed by “I borghi più belli d’Italia”, and an eclectic and diverse cuisine that changes from the beach to the mountains.

Abruzzo is the perfect year-round destination, each season allowing for endless combinations of adventure, relaxation and culture. This Photographic Expedition gives you a sense of feeling of the Region.

Five good reasons for visiting Abruzzo

Tranquility, authenticity and hospitality

People here tend to slow down and take it easy, enjoy the little things, such as admiring the landscape, getting together and spending quality time with the beloved ones. This is Abruzzo’s true soul and slow travel and sustainable tourism is therefore a way to preserve it.

Magnificent nature experiences

Abruzzo has 75% of the flora and fauna species in Europe, and three National Parks. You will find the Apennine ski slopes on the west side and the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea on the east coast - some of them only 20 miles away, making it possible to hike in the mountains in the morning and spend the afternoon on your favorite beach. Outdoors enthusiasts will be in heaven in Abruzzo. There is no lack of biking, hiking, horse riding, climbing, skiing, paragliding and fishing.

Picturesque medieval villages

You can admire many castles and charming hilltop villages completely stone made, that will let you feel magic atmospheres and go back to medieval times. You can also meet old ladies who bring their chairs outside their homes, sitting in gossipy groups, shelling beans or stringing onions into plaits. Exciting traditional festivals are held in almost all Abruzzo's towns and villages. and you can taste local cuisine, see amazing parades, performances and lavish fireworks. A total of 21 villages are included in the list of the villages nominated as the most beautiful in Italy.

The gastronomic heritage

Abruzzo cuisine is simple and flavorful. Thanks to the closeness of mountains and coastline (according to many, this is precisely where you find Italy's best fish restaurants), Abruzzo has a very diverse gastronomic heritage that includes one the best saffron in the world, truffles, extra-virgin olive oil, pecorino cheese, “arrosticini” , ventricina salami and many kinds of wines like Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. Many Italians consider Abruzzo a culinary high point; the region preserves distinct recipes from times gone by making them just as their great-grandparents did.

The Adriatic coast

Abruzzo's coast offers miles of beautiful beaches. In the north you will find wide, shallow sandy beaches, bordered by beautiful pine forests. To the south, the beaches change dramatically to cliffs, reefs and sheltered bays. Here the water is crystal clear and perfect for diving and snorkelling, as well as windsurfing, sailing and fishing. Italians from all over the country like to spend their summer holidays on the Adriatic coast. The beaches are clean, well maintained and lined with bars and restaurants.