What’s it like in Abruzzo – Regions from A to V

With the pandemic raging like a wildfire I started thinking to myself, what can we write about that is going to be of any interest to those of us that are still in lockdown. What could be a valid escape from the same town, the same walls, and the dread that is living in these times? Well, I thought why not give a nice little guide of all the various regions in Italy, so you can start planning some trips back to Italy when this is all over. I mean who knows when it’s going to end, but at least you’ll have something to look forward to. So, get ready cause we’re going to look at every single region. From A to V (yep there aren’t any Z regions), in alphabetical order, so stay tuned. Let’s start off by finding out what’s it like in Abruzzo?

What is Abruzzo known for?

Many people don’t really take Abruzzo into consideration when they’re planning there Italian journeys, I mean that is unless you had family come from there and wanted to see where you were from. For better or worst the region is rarely visited by tourists, and this makes it one of the most authentic regions in Italy. You have a variety of lakes, mountainous ranges, beaches, villages, and castles that are rarely visited. Most importantly they’re in their natural state. So natural that the last remaining autochthonous Italian bears live in Abruzzo. Abruzzo is also the greenest region in all of Italy because of the concentration of National Parks, that means that if you’re a nature lover, this place is defo for you. Plus let’s not get into the food too much, cause I have another post on that right here. 

Why is Abruzzo so cheap?

Being a fairly agricultural region, Abruzzo tends to be cheaper than the rest of the regions. I would say that it’s great for a little trip and vacation. Maybe living there might be a little stressful as the cheap lifestyle also implies lower wages. But as I was saying, if you’re visiting the region for travel your wallet is going to love you. I mean every time you eat out, you’ll probably always be under the 25 € mark with wine. Plus, being an agricultural region, that means all the food is going to be amazing and fresh.

Is Abruzzo worth visiting?

Oh it is, I mean medieval towns and castles, national parks, mountains, lakes as clear as the sky, some of the best beaches in all of Italy. You name it and it’s there. It’s really small and it packs such a punch. Plus, why would I bring you on this journey to find out what’s it like in Abruzzo if it wasn’t worth visiting.

Now let me give you a mini list of all the locations you need to see to understand how badass the region is in locations to visit.

Medieval Towns and Castles in Abruzzo

• Pescasseroli
• Tagliacozzo
• Santo Stefano di Sessanio
• Rocca Calascio
• Moneodorisio
• Crecchio
• Palmoli
• Roccascalegna

National Parks where you’ll find Mountain ranges and Lakes

• Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise
• Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga
• Parco Nazionale della Majella
• Parco Sirente-Velino
• And so many reservoirs

How much does it cost to live in Abruzzo Italy

Living in Abruzzo will be pretty light on your wallet, I found some estimates online that range from 1000 dollars a month to 1500 dollars a month, that is including Rent, Utilities, Cell Phone bills, Groceries, Internet, Eating Out. So I mean pretty feasible if you ask me, I mean take into account that Florence’s rents can chunk away at least half (also 3/4 or all) of that budget in a month.

So between $1000 and $1500 a month.

How far is Abruzzi from Rome?

Depending on where you want to go, and how it can be around 2 hours and three hours to get to the first big city L’Aquila, and that is right between two of the major Natural Parks in the region.

How far is Abruzzi from Florence?

From Florence is a bit more of a missh, you’ll find yourself in a 4 hour drive or a 6 hour train ride. At that point you should rent a place in Rome visit it for a day, and go off to Abruzzi right after you’ve rested.