Abruzzo is a compendium of Mediterranean landscape. Linking north and south, the Balkans and Rome, it is a region where the dialectic between the various silhouettes of its mountains on the one hand and the sea on the other is constant. In winter the sea reciprocates, sending the cold, wet currents of air that arrive from the east and transform into heavy, long lasting snowfalls on the slopes of the Gran Sasso, the Majella Massif and of the Sirente-Velino mountain range.

In winter, to ski and to take pleasure in the varying coastline at the same time is as wonderful as the refreshing experience that can be had in summer by turning one's eyes west and leaving behind, even if only through what one sees in that momentary glaze, the noisy strand, that stretches for 120 kilometres.

Held within this geographical embrace are fertile hills with enriching vineyards and olive groves, plateaux, mediaeval hamlets, lakes and above all its people and its history, its manner of adapting to nature, of subjugating nature and in the end of preserving nature.

Abruzzo is proud of its parks, of its flora and fauna and of the protected areas that extend over a third of the region's territory. As Europe's greenest area it recognises in this correct relationship it has established with nature a fundamental opportunity for development.

The pay-off from this healthy approach to the environment is seen in the region's tradition of food. With the rediscovery of the Mediterranean diet, Abruzzo cuisine has leapt right to the fore with its strong flavours and tastes emanating from the fruits of the soil and the sea.

It is thanks to historical isolation from the mountains and a sensible development policy that the natural beauty of Abruzzo has remained intact. Abruzzo has four regional provinces including: L'Aquila, Pescara, Chieti and Teramo. The region stretches from the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea, hosting the highest mountains of Central Italy, with landscapes of rugged beauty, and peaks, often higher than 2,000 meters. Maintaining its cultural identity and a low population density (1.25 million residents in the entire region) the Abruzzo region has one of Italy's lowest crime rates.

When you arrive in Pescara, you will be tempted by its 6 1/2 miles of seaside promenade, wide sandy beaches and a large number of bathing areas. It has become one of the most popular resorts in the Mid-Adriatic.

History makes its presence felt almost everywhere in the form of old Abruzzo churches, castles, villas, houses and Palazzi. L'Aquila is the main province and the capital of Abruzzo with its 70,000 residents situated on the southwest side of the Gran Sasso National Park at 721m above sea level. The town is characterized by its Romanesque architecture as is much of the Abruzzo region. As a university town founded in 1458, L’ Aquila is a lively and dynamic place that often hosts jazz concerts and theatrical performances. Like most towns in the Abruzzo region, it combines traditional and modern-day life in true Italian style.

How to get there
Ryanair flights to Pescara’s International Airport can be found from London Stansted or Frankfurt Hahn several times per week. The number of flights may decrease in the non-tourist season, so be sure to check schedules. There are also direct flights to Pescara from Paris Charles de Gaulle via Air Service Plus airline. Flying in to Rome Fiumicino airport, it is possible to drive in a few hours.

Facts about Abruzzo Italy

Location
Abruzzo is situated in central Italy on the east side between the Adriatic sea and Appennine mountain range. Abruzzo borders Lazio on the west, Le Marche north and Molise south.

Provinces
Abruzzo is divided into four provinces: Pescara, L'Aquila, Chieti and Teramo with 305 communes.

Climate
Abruzzo has extremely destinct seasons. The average summer temperature often exceeds 30 degrees celcius while the temperature in the winter can fall below zero when heavy snowfall is common.

Landscape
The Apennines mountains and the four national parks account for most of the territory of Abruzzo. With over a third of its land protected by law, Abruzzo has the largest national parks and reserves in Europe and is known as the 'region of parks'. The highest point of the Apennines in Abruzzo are the Corno Grande (2912m), Amaro (2795m) and the mountains of Laga (2458m). The Abruzzo coastline stretches for 150km along the Adriatic sea where beaches vary from the white sandy to the rocky.

Population
Abruzzo is not a densely populated region. The total number of inhabitants is approximately 1,25 million. The most populated province is Pescara with 130,000 inhabitants. Most communes in Abruzzo have less than 10,000 inhabitants.

Property in Abruzzo
Property in Abruzzo generally costs 50% less than properties in its better known neighbours of Tuscany and Umbria. With Italy accounting for about 10% of the overseas property market, cheap flights are also dramatically boosting interest among would be buyers.

Over the past decade, interest in houses for sale in Abruzzo has increased among Western Europeans alone, due to dolce way of life and the fact that Italy is one of the safest countries in Europe for property owners who receive a high degree of protection under Italian law. Italy remains one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations and Abruzzo offers surprisingly good value for money.