Abruzzo is a rugged, unspoiled region of central Italy where the Apennine mountains plunge toward the Adriatic Sea. One-third of its territory is protected parkland, sheltering brown bears, Apennine wolves, and golden eagles. Medieval hilltop villages, Roman ruins, saffron fields, and a coastline of blue-flag beaches make this Italy's last great undiscovered destination.
Abruzzo presents very low safety risks for tourists. Petty crime (pickpocketing) exists in Pescara's beach strip in summer but is uncommon. The mountain towns are extremely safe. Wildlife in the national parks (bears, wolves) requires basic precautions. Road safety in mountain areas requires attentiveness. No specific FCO, US State Department, or EU travel advisories apply to Abruzzo beyond standard Italy guidance.
Current safety advisory
Low Risk — Abruzzo Is One Of Italy's Safest Regions For Travelers
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial parking attendants
At popular sites (Rocca Calascio, Scanno lake) unofficial individuals may demand cash for parking. These are not official — parking in marked free areas is legal without paying them.
Overpriced tourist menus
Restaurants directly on Pescara's Lungomare sometimes charge double for mediocre food. Walk one block inland for authentic trattatorie at half the price.
ZTL zone fines
Driving into restricted traffic zones (L'Aquila, Chieti) without a permit triggers automatic €80–€150 fines. Park outside the center and walk, or use designated B&B parking.
Fake saffron
Some shops sell cheaper Spanish or Iranian saffron labeled as Navelli DOP. Buy saffron only from certified producers with DOP seal, or at the Navelli cooperative.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Healthcare system
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- Italy has universal public healthcare (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). EU citizens with EHIC card receive free emergency treatment. Non-EU visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance. Emergency rooms (Pronto Soccorso) at Pescara, L'Aquila, Chieti, and Teramo hospitals are always open.
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- Pharmacies (Farmacie)
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- Pharmacies are widely available in all towns. A rotating 24-hour pharmacy (farmacia di turno) is always open in each province — check the sign posted on any closed pharmacy or at farmacie.it for the current on-call pharmacy.
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- Water safety
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- Tap water throughout Abruzzo is safe to drink and often excellent quality (fed by Apennine springs). Mountain spring water sources marked 'acqua potabile' are also safe to drink.
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- Sun and heat
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- Adriatic beach temperatures reach 35°C (95°F) in July–August. Use SPF 50 sunscreen and stay hydrated. Midday heat (12:00–15:00) in summer is intense — rest during riposo period.
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- Mountain altitude
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- Gran Sasso peaks exceed 2,900 m. Altitude sickness is uncommon but possible for those ascending rapidly. Acclimatize with the cable car before attempting summit hikes. Carry warm layers even in summer.
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- Ticks
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- Ticks carrying Lyme disease are present in wooded areas, especially in national parks. Wear long trousers tucked into socks when hiking through undergrowth; check skin after walks. DEET repellent is effective.
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- COVID and vaccinations
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- No COVID-specific entry requirements as of 2026. Routine EU vaccination schedule recommended. No additional vaccines required for Italy.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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