Abruzzo Vacation Rentals

Abruzzo region is situated at the centre of the Italian peninsula facing the Adriatic, which it follows along 150 km of beaches and rocks. Its western border is less than 50 miles (80 km) east of Rome. Abruzzo borders the region of Marche to the north, Lazio to the west and south-west, Molise to the south-east, and the Adriatic Sea to the east. It is one of the most mountainous regions in Italy and most accommodations, vacation rentals, villa rentals, condo rentals and apartment rentals have spectacular views of the surrounding area.

In the interior are the 500 km2 (190 sq mi) of the Abruzzo National Park, where rare examples of Mediterranean flora and fauna survive (chamois, wolves, bears, golden eagles). In the past decade, tourism has increased, mostly among Italians and other Europeans. Abruzzo holds some of Italy's best-preserved medieval and Renaissance hill towns with a wealth of castles and medieval towns, especially near the town of L'Aquila. Yet Abruzzo is still off the beaten path for most visitors to Italy. Visitors can expect holiday villas and lodging that is varied in style and luxury and locally owned accommodation that range from vacation rental to apartment rental and villa rental options.

The climate is just as varied; it is warm and dry on the coast and an alpine climate in the mountainous interior.

Major roads and railway lines link the region to the south, west and north of Italy and the rest of Europe. There is an international airport (Abruzzo International Airport) in Pescara, a large city on Abruzzo's Adriatic coast. It is served by low cost airlines from and to major European cities.

Abruzzo offer year round activities and accommodations, vacation rentals, apartment rentals and villa rentals. The region has 21 ski areas and the most developed resort is Roccaraso, followed by Campo Felice, and Campo Imperatore. Located in the highest region of the Apennines, these ski areas are at heights nearly comparable to many Alpine resorts.

Abruzzo’s 129 km. long sandy coastline is home to a many popular beach resorts, among them Vasto on Abruzzo’s southern coast; mid-coast are Silvi Marina, whose sands are considered among the best in Italy. One third of the region is designated as national or regional parkland. The following parks lie, wholly or partially, within Abruzzo: Abruzzo National Park, Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park, Majella National Park, Sirente Velino Regional Park and Lago di Barrea (Barrea Lake Wetlands). The protected areas are home to rare flora and fauna, such as the brown bear, the wolf and the chamois.

The regional capital of Abruzzo is L'Aquila. L'Aquila, the main city, contains an imposing 16th century castle; other noteworthy monuments include the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, a fountain with 99 spouts (one for each of the villages that founded the city) and the pink and white marble Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio with its Holy Door and Gothic interior. Pescara is 6.5 miles of a seaside promenade with wide sandy beaches. In Sulmona, a medieval town famous for its confetti (sugared almonds) visit the 11th-century cathedral of San Panfilo and the 13th-century church of San Francesco delle Scarpe. Teramo is between the highest mountains of Apennies and has both sunny beaches of the Adriatic Sea and in a different season can be covered in snow. All the cities of Abruzzo have vacation rental, apartment rental, villa rental and accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Abruzzo is one of the most sparsely populated regions on the Italian peninsula and a vacation in here offers a taste of the unspoiled Italy.