Luxury Holiday Villas in Abruzzo

Best areas to stay in on a luxury holiday in Abruzzo

Sitting in Italy’s central belt, Abruzzo borders the Italian regions of Marche, Lazio, Umbria and Molise. It also borders the Adriatic Sea to the east. Its landscape is dominated by the pristine peaks of the Apennine mountain range but is also characterised by gently rolling hills, vast swathes of forest and a beautiful coastline.

L’Aquila

The region’s capital is L’Aquila, a charming city characterised by elegant piazzas and narrow streets lined with Baroque and Renaissance architecture. Home to the University of L’Aquila, it has a lively cultural atmosphere and student population.

Having rebuilt beautifully after recent history, L’Aquila is looking proudly to the future and has been named the official Italian Capital of Culture for 2026.

Pescara

Whilst L’Aquila may be the official capital, Abruzzo’s most populous city is actually Pescara. Home to the regional airport, it serves as the first stopping point for many holidaymakers enjoying a luxury villa holiday in Abruzzo. Pescara is a vibrant seaside hub boasting long stretches of golden sand, lively beach clubs, and an expansive waterfront promenade.

Scanno

For breathtaking scenery, the medieval hilltop town of Scanno is a must-visit while on a luxury holiday in Abruzzo. Further into the mountains, villages like Castel del Monte and Santo Stefano di Sessanio sit dramatically set against the Apennines, offering perfectly preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture.

In Italy’s central belt, Abruzzo borders the Italian regions of Marche, Lazio, Umbria, and Molise. It also borders the Adriatic Sea to the east. Its landscape is dominated by the pristine peaks of the Apennine

mountain range but is also characterised by gently rolling hills, vast swathes of forest and a beautiful coastline. Covering approximately 10,700 square kilometres, it is nowhere near the smallest region in Italy by size. However, with a population of just 1.3 million, it is Italy’s 7th least populated region. Historically one of Italy’s poorer regions, it now has a thriving economy. It can now boast being Southern Italy’s most prosperous region, thanks to a strong education sector and a booming tourism industry.

Must-have amenities for your luxury holiday in Abruzzo

To help you find the ideal base for your luxury holiday to Abruzzo, we have organised our Abruzzo portfolio into collections based on offerings. Here are a few of our personal favourite luxury villa amenities

Luxury villas in Abruzzo with pools

Beat the summer heat with our handpicked luxury villas in Abruzzo featuring private swimming pools. Whether you prefer a pool set among peaceful olive groves or an infinity pool with sweeping views of the Apennine peaks, we have the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Casa Vista Collina is a family-friendly villa in Abruzzo with a private pool and stunning views.

Pet-friendly luxury villas in Abruzzo

Abruzzo’s vast national parks and expansive rural landscapes are a paradise for dogs. Our pet-friendly luxury villas in Abruzzo have fully enclosed grounds and gated gardens, giving your four-legged family members plenty of safe space to explore. Villa Atessa welcomes pets – it may not have enclosed grounds, but your four-legged friend will relish the wide-open space that surrounds it.

Luxury villas in Abruzzo for large groups

If you are planning a milestone celebration, a family reunion, or a holiday with a big group of friends, our spacious Abruzzo luxury villas give you the perfect balance of large social areas, outdoor dining spaces, and private en-suite bedrooms.

Things to do on a luxury holiday in Abruzzo

A luxury villa in Abruzzo is perfect for those with a love of the great outdoors. Abruzzo is well known for its breathtaking nature and is in fact home to three national parks. Here are a few things you can get up to while on a luxury holiday in Abruzzo.

Explore Europe’s greenest region

People often refer to Abruzzo as the ‘greenest region of Europe’. The region boasts three national parks, including the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo, home to a wide variety of flora and fauna as well as to bears, wolves, eagles and large cats. The others are the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and the Majella National Park.

As well as the national parks, there is also a Protected Marine Area, a Regional Park and over 30 smaller nature reserves. Abruzzo’s ancient shepherd trails – tratturi – found within this rural landscape are ideal for hikers and cyclists looking to discover the beautiful countryside while on a luxury holiday in Abruzzo.

Discover Italy’s best-kept ski secret

Abruzzo is far from a summer destination alone for those luxury holidays. An extremely mountainous region, its winter climate makes it one of Italy’s best-kept ski secrets.

Resorts such as Campo Imperatore and Roccaraso both offer superb slopes but with fewer crowds to contend with than the more well-known ski resorts in the north of the country. This makes them the perfect choice for those looking for a bit of a quieter luxury holiday in Abruzzo.

Experience spectacular traditions and historic festivals

Abruzzo is also a region that is very proud of its culture and traditions. Steeped in history, there are a host of hilltop towns and

villages, many of which hold spectacular festivals throughout the year.

Our favourites are the Medieval pageant and horse race in Lanciano each September as well as the snake handlers’ procession in Cocullo. During this May event, live snakes are carried through the town alongside a statue of Saint Dominic.

Coastal living and trabocchi dining

Abruzzo also has a terrific coastline. Whether you’re in search of a lively lido or a quiet secluded beach, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for during your luxury holiday in Abruzzo.

The coast also provides another landscape, dotted with trabocchi. Once structures used by fishermen (and a handful are still used this way), many have now been converted into exceptional restaurants where you can literally enjoy the freshest seafood sat over the sea before returning to your luxury holiday villa.

Savour regional gastronomy and world-class wines

It’s not surprising that a region that has such plentiful countryside is also rich in food. Abruzzo is a gastronomic gem for luxury holidaymakers. As well as the delicious seafood, sample our favourite arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers) as well as hearty pasta dishes such as maccheroni alla chitarra.

And then wash these food dishes down with Abruzzo’s famous wines! Grape growing thrives here thanks to the sea breezes, a variety of unique microclimates and the high elevation. The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is the most famous, with its deep tannins and powerful colour.

When to visit Abruzzo for a luxury holiday

Of course, the majority of travellers to Abruzzo visit in the Summer months of July and August, lured by the hot weather and beautiful beaches. Certainly, if you’re after heat and lazy days on the coast, these are the months to pick for your luxury holiday.

However, we think late April and the month of May are a great time to explore this beautiful region. The Spring colours are vibrant in Abruzzo – poppies spring up everywhere along with violets, forget-me-nots, anemones and more. Temperatures are still pleasant, and it’s an ideal time to explore the many villages, towns and cities or to enjoy hikes through the idyllic countryside.

Autumn is also a great time to enjoy a luxury Abruzzo villa holiday. The sea is still warm enough to swim in in September. But these are the months that the Abruzzese celebrate the many food harvests.

The Winter months from November through to March can be cold in Abruzzo, but it’s the perfect destination for skiing and winter sports, if that’s what you prefer doing on your luxury holiday.

Frequently asked questions about booking a luxury holiday villa in Abruzzo

What language do they speak in Abruzzo?

It may seem like a strange question to ask but don’t be surprised if you feel your Italian is not up to scratch in Abruzzo! Whilst Italian is spoken throughout the region, it may sound slightly different from what you’re used to, thanks to the local dialects here. Different areas have their own pronunciations and even their own vocabulary. For example, the Sabine dialect is used in parts of l’Aquila whilst in Pescara, Chieti and Teramo, you may come across the Abruzzo Adriatic dialect.

How do I get to Abruzzo?

Whilst Abruzzo does have its own airport in Pescara, for more frequent flight options, travellers can also opt to fly into Rome, hire a car and make their way across to Abruzzo from there.