Abruzzo

A green region that boasts numerous national parks and nature reserves that cover more than two-thirds of its surface, making it one of the best protected wilderness areas in Italy....

The small villages dotting the hills and mountains of the backcountry (some of which reach an altitude of 2,500 metres) are full of charm. On the coast, fine sandy beaches give way to pebble beaches as one travels southward. The region is quite sparsely populated as a result of its history of emigration, but it has been able to rebound economically by focusing on agriculture and industry. Its culinary arts are highly developed, using an abundance of lamb, the local Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine, cheeses and many different types of biscuits and pastries.