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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Confetti di Sulmona
Sugar-coated almond confections in floral arrangements — the premium Abruzzo souvenir. Buy from Confetti Pelino (Via Introdacqua 55, Sulmona, +39 0864 210047), Italy's oldest confetti maker, founded 1783. Boxes €10–€50 (~$11–$55).
Where: Sulmona centro storico; all confetti shops on Corso Ovidio
Zafferano di Navelli DOP
Saffron from Navelli is among the world's finest — sweet, aromatic, certified DOP. Buy from Cooperativa del Zafferano Aquilano (Navelli, +39 0862 959030) or at L'Aquila market. 0.5 g packet €8–€12 (~$8.80–$13).
Where: Navelli village; L'Aquila food shops; Loreto Aprutino wine shops
Ceramiche di Castelli
Hand-painted majolica tiles, plates, and decorative pieces from Castelli village. Prices from €15 (small tile) to €300+ (decorative plate). Authentic pieces carry a Castelli mark.
Where: Castelli village (Province of Teramo); workshops along Via della Ceramica
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine
Deep red wine from the Montepulciano grape — one of Italy's best value reds. Buy directly from producers: Emidio Pepe (Torano Nuovo, Teramo; call +39 0861 856493), Valentini (Loreto Aprutino; appointment only). Bottle €8–€30 (~$8.80–$33) in shops; cellar prices lower.
Where: Enoteca shops throughout the region; Loreto Aprutino wine town
Ventricina del Vastese
Spiced pork sausage from the Vasto area — the king of Abruzzo charcuterie. Buy vacuum-packed at La Genuina (Via Roma 45, Vasto; +39 0873 367222). €12–€18/200g (~$13–$20).
Where: Vasto salumerie; Lanciano food markets
Pecorino di Farindola
Rare sheep's milk cheese made with pig rennet — the only cheese in the world using this technique. Available from Caseificio Farindola (Farindola, PE; +39 085 8233312). €14–€20/kg (~$15–$22).
Where: Farindola village; L'Aquila cheese market
Merletti di Pescocostanzo (lace)
Intricate handmade lace from Pescocostanzo village — a centuries-old craft. Tablecloths €30–€150 (~$33–$165); small decorative pieces from €10 (~$11).
Where: Pescocostanzo artisan workshops; Via Roma, Pescocostanzo AQ
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercato Settimanale di Pescara
Fresh produce, clothing, household goods, local food products
Where: Pescara
Hours: Wednesday and Saturday 07:00–13:30
Mercato delle Erbe — L'Aquila
Local vegetables, pecorino cheese, saffron, salumi, fresh pasta
Where: L'Aquila
Hours: Mon–Sat 07:00–13:30
Fiera Antiquaria di Lanciano
Antiques, vintage items, old prints, ceramics
Where: Lanciano
Hours: Second Sunday of each month, 08:00–18:00