The soul of Abruzzo, between sea, hills, and timeless beauty

Montepagano, a timeless hilltop gem overlooking the sea

High above Roseto rises Montepagano, the oldest village in the area, where time seems to have stopped. Its narrow cobbled alleys and stone arches whisper stories from centuries past, while its churches preserve artistic treasures like the Romanesque ambon of Santa Maria del Lago. From the terraces, the view unfolds over olive groves and vineyards down to the shimmering blue of the Adriatic. Here, centuries-old olive trees produce fine oils, and local wineries craft elegant Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines that tell the story of this generous land. Montepagano enchants visitors with its beauty, authenticity, and a sense of quiet sophistication that lingers in the air.

Atri, art and legend in a noble city

A short drive from Roseto, Atri rises gracefully on three hills overlooking the sea and the Gran Sasso mountains. Its ancient stones speak of a glorious past: a Roman theater, the refined Palazzo Ducale, and above all, the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Inside, Andrea De Litio’s 15th-century frescoes create one of the most beautiful Renaissance cycles in Italy. Outside, the streets of the old town wind through hidden corners and sunlit courtyards, leading to the surreal landscape of the Atri Calanchi — clay formations sculpted by wind and rain that resemble a lunar canyon. Atri is a place where art, faith, and nature blend in perfect harmony, inviting you to slow down and contemplate beauty in all its forms.

Civitella del Tronto, fortress above the clouds

Perched 600 meters above sea level, Civitella del Tronto’s fortress commands one of the most extraordinary views in central Italy. With over half a kilometer of bastions, this 16th-century stronghold is among the largest in Europe. Strolling through its ancient courtyards and stone walkways feels like stepping into a living chronicle of medieval and Bourbon history. From its terraces, the horizon stretches from the mountains to the sea, offering a panorama that seems to suspend time. As the sun sets, the walls blush with pink light, and the fortress becomes a stage of silence and majesty — a journey through history, framed by beauty.

Borsacchio Nature Reserve, untouched beauty by the Adriatic

Between Roseto degli Abruzzi and Cologna Spiaggia lies the Borsacchio Nature Reserve, a hidden sanctuary of peace and natural harmony. Gentle hills descend into long golden beaches fringed by dunes and Mediterranean flora. It is one of the last unspoiled stretches of the Adriatic coast, where silence reigns and the sea meets the earth in perfect equilibrium. Here, the luxury lies in simplicity — in walking barefoot on the sand, hearing only the rhythm of the waves and the cry of seagulls. Birdwatchers may spot herons, cormorants, and the rare Kentish plover nesting among the dunes. This is the Adriatic at its purest, authentic and serene.

Cerrano Tower, between history and the sea

On the southern edge of the Teramo coast stands the elegant silhouette of the Torre del Cerrano, a 16th-century watchtower guarding an expanse of dunes, pine forests, and crystal-clear sea. Today, it is the heart of a Marine Protected Area, one of the few places where the Adriatic still preserves its original coastal ecosystem. Snorkeling here reveals the remains of an ancient Roman port, while the tower itself offers an unforgettable view that stretches as far as the Tremiti Islands on clear days. Surrounded by pine-scented paths and the song of cicadas, this is where nature and history meet, offering an experience of serenity and timeless charm.

From sea to peaks, a day on the Gran Sasso

In Abruzzo, it takes only an hour to travel from the waves to the mountains. The majestic Gran Sasso d’Italia, the highest peak of the Apennines, dominates the skyline like a guardian of stone. Within its National Park, meadows and rocky slopes host eagles, wildflowers, and ancient villages untouched by time. A scenic drive leads to Campo Imperatore, the “Little Tibet” of Italy, where flocks graze freely and the air is crystal clear. Hiking, horseback riding, or simply gazing at the horizon — every moment on the Gran Sasso is an immersion in silence and grandeur, where the soul reconnects with nature’s rhythm.

Vineyards and tastings, the art of Abruzzese wine

The hills surrounding Roseto degli Abruzzi are a tapestry of vineyards and olive trees. Here, noble Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wines are born, rich and intense yet balanced with elegance. A private wine tour takes you through centuries-old estates such as the Mazzarosa winery, where immense oak barrels and stone cellars guard the secrets of generations. Tastings include five fine wines paired with local delicacies: fragrant olive oils, handmade bread, pecorino cheese, and aged salumi. As the sun sets over the vineyards, each glass becomes a celebration of land, craftsmanship, and Italian art de vivre.

Gourmet Abruzzo, where tradition meets haute cuisine

Dining in Abruzzo is an experience of pure emotion, where authenticity and sophistication coexist. In the medieval village of Montepagano, exclusive restaurants reinterpret local ingredients — saffron, truffles, mountain lamb — through the creativity of acclaimed chefs. Each dish tells a story, accompanied by carefully selected wines from the region. Beyond fine dining, guests can join cooking classes in rustic villas, learning the secrets of hand-cut pasta or the art of perfect arrosticini. Every flavor reveals the generosity of this land, transforming every meal into a sensorial journey of discovery and pleasure.

Family adventures, joy by the sea

Roseto degli Abruzzi is a paradise for families, offering endless opportunities for play, discovery, and connection. Its wide sandy beaches are perfect for children, with shallow waters and gentle waves ideal for safe swimming. Along the promenade, playgrounds shaded by palm trees invite moments of carefree laughter, while nearby nature trails and parks offer space for exploration. Families can rent kayaks or pedal boats to admire the coastline from the sea, or simply stroll along the pier at sunset, enjoying ice cream and the sound of the surf. In summer, local festivals and open-air concerts light up the evenings, turning every day into a new memory to cherish.