Abruzzo

The region of Abruzzo, is where the north of Italy meets the south, it is also one of the most beautiful and unspoilt in the country. Bordered by the Apennines to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east, it has some of Italy’s most dramatic scenery. The Gran Sasso has the highest mountain of the Apennine range. Stand atop the Gran Sasso and you have views of both the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian (Mediterranean) Seas, across the entire width of Italy.Whether your interests are beaches, walking / hiking, gastronomical, arts, history or sporting activities Abruzzo has something for everyone due to its outstanding natural environment and diverse culture.

Abruzzo boasts three National Parks and one Regional Park and is the best-protected region in Italy. Casa Pernice is situated at the very edge of the Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park. This National Park includes the stunning rocky massif of the Gran Sasso with the highest peak in the Apennines, Corno Grande at 2912m. In the heart of the Gran Sasso is the Campo Imperatore plateau or 'little Tibet of Italy' as it's known. Campo Imperatore has an average height of 1800 metres above sea level, it is very popular with hikers, climbers and skiers and offers an extremely valuable patrimony of fauna and vegetation. The fauna is rather varied and is represented by uncommon species, such as the Apennine Wolf, Wild Cat and Chamois which has only recently been brought back into the area. Wild boars, squirrels and foxes are all quite widespread. Among the predatory birds in the National Park are buzzards, peregrines, sparrowhawks and golden eagles. The vegetation includes stunning beechwood forests. Abruzzo's archeology and architecture includes ancient necropolises such as Fossa, the Stonehenge of Abruzzo, the Roman settlement of Alba Fucens and Romanesque churches. Nearby towns and villages include such gems as Castelli, renouned worldwide for its ceramics and arts which is just a short drive from Casa Pernice To the east and around 35 minutes drive from Casa Pernice lies Abruzzo's other identity, one hundred and thirty three kilometers of clean sandy beaches and marinas. Here you will find bathing facilities, open air gyms and water parks. Windsurfing, fishing, sailing and diving can all be practiced along the coast.

Why not enjoy the gastronomical delights of Abruzzo? Its diverse land which condenses different climates and habitats from high mountains to the sea is shown in the culinary variations produced from traditional local Abruzzese dishes from the hills to the array of seafood dishes, all freshly caught from the clear, blue warm waters of the Adriatic Sea. Exceptional wines of the region include Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano, local wines designed to accompany the local dishes.

Abruzzo offers its visitors the chance to uncover thousands of the secrets of this breathtaking region.