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seeking Abruzzo, Italy guidebook advice

Can anyone recommend a guidebook with detail on the Abruzzo region of Italy? Want to make a pilgrimage to our family's hometowns, but only seem to find scattered sources of hotels and dining.

Posted by
166 posts

Hi Matt,

I spend a lot of time in the Abruzzo region myself. Both my wife and I have family in this region and I must say this is the real Italy. We have visited this region every year since 2000. You wont find a lot of tourist in this region, it's kind of off the beaten path. Where in Abruzzo are you going, perhaps I can make some suggestions for you.

Greg

Posted by
1 posts

I would also love some information about the Abruzzo region. My partner and I are hoping to stay at italy farm stay in late June for four days, although that has not been confirmed at this point.
We have ten days to stay in total. I have been to Rome, Florence and Orvieto, but my partner has yet to visit Italy. We are avid outdoors people, and neither one of us are a fan of crowds. Unfortunately because of our blended family this is the only time we can get away for two weeks.
Are there any other places that come to mind in the Abruzzo region that might be less traveled?

thanks
patti

Posted by
60 posts

I also would like info on this area if anyone has it to offer. I am going to Abruzzo to visit childhood friend I haven't seen in decades. Just so happens she runs a small B&B and her native Italian husband is a chef. WOW lucky me!! (Actually I would visit her anyway as close as we'll be in Rome) It is in an inland city of Abruzzo called Palena. I cannot find much info on it online. She has told me enough to know it is only busy in August, it has a few shops, restaurants, hotels.It sounds to me the real Italy, and is close to a National Park, and about 2 hours from Pescara on the Adriatic Sea. Pescara you will find online and it seems very quaint and nice. Her place is not advertised. I am not going until July, my first time to Italy and only 2nd time in Europe. Website for Palena: http://www.abruzzo2000.com/abruzzo/chieti/palena.htm

Posted by
689 posts

I spend a lot of time here too (in Fallo) - and have never found much in the guidebooks. And actually I like that fact! Abruzzo is a beautiful unique area that is without tourists!

Most of the villages have a Festa weekend when they celebrate their patron Saint. The rituals take you back 1,000 years.

The food is INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by
3 posts

Since there doesn't seem to be a consensus on guidebook recommendations, can anyone recommend a hotel as a base for the region?

Posted by
689 posts

Matt - that is very hard as Abruzzo is rural and includes literally hundreds of small villages. Many of them may have one hotel. Even Fallo (pop +/- 100) has a hotel.

Abruzzo is mountainous and it can take a long time getting from village to village.

I suggest you look at a map and pick an area - then start looking for a hotel.