It is considered one of the most rural regions in Italy, yet Abruzzo is an ideal location for anyone wishing to combine the tranquillity of the countryside with the benefit of having, within easy reach, beautiful resorts and long sandy beaches as well as the tallest Apennine peaks.

Just over an hour from Rome, Abruzzo is a land of vast opportunity as far as the property-hunter is concerned.

Abruzzo’s 80 miles of coastline, three large National Parks and one Regional Park plus over 30 Nature Reserves make for an idyllic scenario for those looking for a truly beautiful setting.

“Relaxation, sport and leisure” perfectly sum up this region, as Abruzzo is the ideal location if you love active holidays – climbing, trekking, swimming, scuba diving, sailing and the like. But it is also a superb place in which to gaze at great art and architecture.

The solemn statue of the Guerriero di Capestrano (the warrior), which dates back to 6th century BC, is one of the best pieces in the Archaeological Museum in Chieti, itself a charming town of Roman origins.

Also highly recommended is a visit to Abruzzo’s charming hilltowns – exquisite medieval centres such as Vasto, Casalbordino, Atri and Penne that are full of characteristic cobbled roads and side streets.

Heading away from its towns and out into the countryside, you find that because Abruzzo is still gloriously unspoilt and has a rich agricultural tradition, rural properties in need of restoration can still be found from €30,000-€40,000 (or even cheaper the further you go inland).

Properties in Abruzzo remain very affordable and even in the most expensive resorts on the seaside you can expect to pay no more than €3,000 per sq m – or around €200,000 for a typical 70sq m apartment.

Something to restore:		Something ready:
€40,000 US$56,800 / £34,500		€230,000 US$326,800 / £198,900
In Palmoli, an ancient village in the Abruzzo hinterland with breathtaking views of the countryside. Charming 100sq m single-storey cottage that can be converted into a two-bedroom, one-bathroom holiday home with a covered porch. Surrounded by 1000sq m of land.		This two-storey old stone building is in Calenza del Trigno, just over three miles from the nearest town of Celenza, which has shops and other services. The property, measuring 160sq m, is set in a sprawling 10 acres of land.Ready to be moved into.
Something breathtaking: €1million / US$1.4million / £864,000
Stunning Mediterranean villa near Vasto Marina. The villa measures 270sq m with a 4,500sq m garden and swimming pool with panoramic sea view. Please contact us for further information on any of these properties. Missed a newsletter? Click here to see previous articles