What to do in Abruzzo
Coast/Beach:
The sandy beaches of the Adriatic are just 30-40 minutes from our villa. Abruzzo has a very long coast line of pine-fringed, clean, sandy beaches that stretch for more than 15 miles. The shallow, warm waters of the Adriatic are ideal for safe family bathing.
Nearby Pescara is a modern town with a full range of facilities including an outstanding international airport and a large tourist marina, considered to be one of the best marinas in Italy.
Skiing/mountain sports:
There is a variety of winter sports available between November and April. Campo Imperatore in the Gran Sasso mountains has a modern funicular, 4 ski lifts and 8 ski runs.
Other winter sports such as sledging, cross-country skiing, or mountain climbing are also available.
Walking/rambling:
National parks cover one-third of the territory of Abruzzo, so there is an abundance of walks and trails of various lengths and levels of difficulty. You can enjoy majestic mountain scenery with a wide variety of flora and fauna, and, if you are lucky, you may spot a wild bear, wolf or you can just enjoy walking along the by-roads and tracks around Villa Collecimino itself - we have put together a list of approx. 8 local walks (between 1.5 miles and 6 miles in length) which are available in our 'Guest Information' folders in the apartments.
History and architecture:
No visit to Abruzzo is complete without visiting some of its beautiful historic medieval towns and villages. Abruzzo has 10 villages (more than in Tuscany!) that have been named as being amongst 'Italy's Most Beautiful Villages' ('I borghi piu belli d'Italia').' Castelli, one of these 10 villages is well worth a visit. It is a beautiful medieval town nestled in the mountains, and is renowned for its hand-painted ceramics. Also worth visiting are San Stefano di Sessanio, Castel del Monte, and Calascio. Just 15 minutes' drive from Villa Collecimino are the towns of Castiglione Messer Raimondo, Loreto Aprutino and Penne and about half an hour away is the historic town of Atri where you can see 12th century frescoes in the town's cathedral.
In San Giorgio itself, Neolithic and bronze remains reveal that the area was inhabited since prehistoric times. Remains of a II century temple were found in the same site.
Thermal baths:If you feel the need for some pampering, then you could try one of Abruzzo's famous thermal spas. Situated in the Maiella National Park there are thermal spas at Caramanico Terme and Popoli to name just two. The waters in this area are renowned for their healing and detoxifying properties.
Other activities include: Windsurfing, sailing, canoeing, horse riding, mountain biking, cycling and aerial sports.
Food and drink:
Italy is renowned for its food and wine, and Abruzzo has many regional specialities, including Montepulciano d'Abruzzo - an award-winning red wine, pecorino - cheese from ewe's milk, delicious honey, saffron and truffles, as well as 'arrosticini' - barbecued skewered mutton, and, of course, its very own pasta!
