Abruzzo: 7‑day Itinerary
Discover Abruzzo on a 7-day road trip from the Costa dei Trabocchi to medieval villages and the Gran Sasso mountains, with three relaxed bases and time for the region’s hidden gems.
Day 1.
Pescara → Rocca San Giovanni → Fossacesia → Vasto
Driving: Approximately 2–2½ hr total
Start your first full day in Pescara and head south to Rocca San Giovanni. Wander through its compact historic centre before continuing to Fossacesia and the hilltop Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere.
Spend the afternoon along the Costa dei Trabocchi, known for its traditional wooden fishing platforms. Choose a short coastal walk or time at Fossacesia Marina; our Fossacesia Marina beach guide helps you plan a stop. Reserve ahead if you want to eat on a trabocco.
Reach Vasto for an evening in the old town and sea views from Loggia Amblingh. Keep arrival travel outside this sightseeing day where possible.
Stay: Vasto
Day 2.
Vasto → Punta Aderci Nature Reserve → Vasto
Driving: Approximately 45–60 min total
Give the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve a proper half-day or longer. Choose the broad sandy shore at Punta Penna, a walk towards the headland viewpoint, or a little of both depending on the weather and your energy.
Punta Penna is the sandy beach within the reserve; nearby Libertini and Mottagrossa are pebbly. Bring water and sun protection, stay on marked paths and follow current cliff, bathing and parking notices. Check the official access information before setting out.
Return to Vasto for a slower afternoon around the historic centre. The gardens of Palazzo d’Avalos and the town’s viewpoints make a good contrast to the wild coastline.
Stay: Vasto
Day 3.
Vasto → Sulmona → Pacentro → Sulmona
Driving: Approximately 2–2½ hr total
Leave the coast and travel inland to Sulmona, your base for the next two nights. Explore Piazza Garibaldi beside the medieval aqueduct, then browse the confetti shops selling the town’s traditional sugared almonds.
In the afternoon, make the short drive to Pacentro at the foot of the Majella. Wander its steep stone lanes and look up towards the three prominent towers of Caldora Castle. Check current opening arrangements if you want to visit inside.
Return to Sulmona for dinner. Park outside restricted historic-centre streets and explore both towns on foot.
Stay: Sulmona
Day 4.
Sulmona → Scanno & Lake Scanno → Sulmona
Driving: Approximately 1½–2 hr total
Follow the winding road through the Sagittario valley to Scanno. Spend the morning among the old town’s stone lanes, stairways and traditional craft shops, then head to Lake Scanno for a relaxed lakeside visit.
The Sentiero del Cuore is an optional hike, not a flat lakeside stroll. The lake’s famous heart shape appears from an elevated viewpoint. Check the official trail information, wear suitable footwear and allow time for the return.
Prefer another village day? Replace Scanno with Pescocostanzo rather than squeezing both into the same day. Return to Sulmona for a second night.
Stay: Sulmona
Day 5.
Sulmona → Santo Stefano di Sessanio → Rocca Calascio → Santo Stefano
Driving: Approximately 1½–2 hr total, plus shuttle or walking time
Travel north to Santo Stefano di Sessanio, a compact stone village in Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park. Explore its lanes and settle into your base for the next two nights.
Continue to Calascio and make your way towards Rocca Calascio, the fortress above the village. Vehicle restrictions and seasonal shuttles operate on selected dates, with an uphill walk still needed for the final stretch. Check current shuttle and visitor information before you go.
Allow unhurried time for the views and uneven paths, then return to Santo Stefano. Bring a layer: conditions at this altitude can be much cooler and windier than on the coast.
Stay: Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Day 6.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio → Campo Imperatore → Santo Stefano
Driving: Approximately 1½–2 hr total, depending on viewpoints
Use your clearest-weather day for Campo Imperatore, the broad high plateau beneath the Gran Sasso peaks. Follow the scenic roads, stop in designated parking areas and choose a marked walk suited to your ability.
This is a landscape day, with time to enjoy the open grasslands and mountain views. It does not require a summit hike. Follow the national park’s visitor rules and keep to marked paths.
High roads close in snow and reopening dates vary. Check provincial road notices before setting off. In poor weather, replace the plateau with lower-altitude towns and avoid exposed walks.
Stay: Santo Stefano di Sessanio
Day 7.
Santo Stefano di Sessanio → Chieti → Pescara
Driving: Approximately 1½–2 hr total
Descend towards Chieti for a final dose of Abruzzo’s history. Wander through the historic centre and, if open, visit the National Archaeological Museum of Abruzzo at Villa Frigerj to see the Warrior of Capestrano.
The museum is normally closed on Mondays; check its official visiting information when arranging your week.
Continue to Pescara for a last walk by the Adriatic. Allow separate time for car return and onward travel; an early departure is best handled with an additional night rather than rushing this final day.
Stay: Pescara if extending your trip
PLAN YOUR ABRUZZO TRIP
Allow seven full sightseeing days, with two nights each in Vasto, Sulmona and Santo Stefano di Sessanio. This route is best suited to the snow-free season, especially summer and early autumn. Driving times are planning estimates excluding stops, parking and traffic.
For more village ideas, explore our Abruzzo hidden gems. Add coastal time with our top 5 beaches and check seasonal road, trail and visitor information before travelling.
Top 5 Beaches
Discover Abruzzo’s varied Adriatic coast, from Punta Penna’s dune-backed sand to the pebble shores of the Costa dei Trabocchi.
ABRUZZO TRAVEL GUIDE
Explore Abruzzo’s medieval villages, national parks, local flavours and hidden gems with our complete regional guide.