Camping in Abruzzo

Abruzzo is the wild heart of Italy and still a real insider tip. In other words: the perfect destination for your camping trip. PiNCAMP presents the best campsites in Abruzzo and provides you with all the important information for your next camping adventure.

Camping in Abruzzo: all important information at a glance

Abruzzo is an insider tip for many Italy fans. The region is not very well developed for tourism, has an overwhelmingly beautiful landscape and is also easy to drive through in a motorhome. Abruzzo is also extremely diverse. The landscapes range from gently rolling hills to the alpine-like hiking paradises in the Abruzzo Apennines to romantic little towns and dreamy mountain villages, where you can still sense a touch of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

There are also some charming harbour towns and campsites by the sea along the 150 km long coastline of the Italian Adriatic in the Abruzzo region - perfect for a beach holiday. The golden, fine sandy beaches are home to some of the most beautiful places in Abruzzo. The region between the Adriatic Sea and Rome is therefore just as suitable for those who love camping by the sea as it is for those who are drawn to the mountains.

There is a wide range of campsites on offer, from simple nature campsites to comfort campsites. In general, however, the campsites in Abruzzo are rather basic and far removed from northern Italian standards. Here you can still experience camping in its original form, which is what makes the region so special.

In addition to pitches for motorhomes or tents, the campsites usually also offer rental accommodation, bungalows or mobile homes. Another popular alternative is called agriturismo. These are state-subsidised farms where you can spend your holiday surrounded by nature - a very special experience, especially for families with children.

Wild camping and parking your motorhome in the middle of the countryside is strictly forbidden in Italy and is also controlled. So please look for an official site. And another tip: before you go camping in Abruzzo, it is advisable to brush up on your Italian. Especially in the more remote regions, you won't get very far with English.

The 5 best campsites in Abruzzo

Below we present 5 recommended campsites in Abruzzo. These sites are characterised by a beautiful location, good service and excellent value for money.

Stork Camping Village

4-star campsite right on the Adriatic beach with a large pool. Ideal if you are planning a beach holiday and want to stay in a mobile home. There is a supermarket on the campsite and other shopping facilities can be found in the nearby town of Roseto degli Abruzzi. Unfortunately, the extensive entertainment programme is partly only in Italian.

Mini Natuur Camping Rocca di Sotto Abruzzo

Small, very unspoilt campsite in a beautiful location in the mountainous area of the Gran Sasso massif. The terraced site with an old olive grove offers only 17 grass pitches and is exclusively for campers with tents. One of the most beautiful campsites for nature-loving campers.

Camping La Genziana

A fantastic terraced campsite on Lake Barrea in the Abruzzo National Park. It is possible to hire tents or caravans. There are countless hiking and cycling routes in the surrounding area. The owner of the campsite is himself an enthusiastic mountain lover and can provide you with useful tips.

Kokopelli Camping

This small nature campsite is located in the hills of the Majella National Park, far away from the beaten tourist track. Here, too, you can camp exclusively with a tent or hire a caravan on site. If you prefer something a little more luxurious, choose the glamping option.

Camping Village Grotta del Saraceno

Popular and well-known campsite in Vasto on the Adriatic. The holiday village is located directly by the sea and offers numerous pitches for motorhomes and caravans with electricity and water connections. In summer there is an entertainment programme (in Italian), and there is also a restaurant and supermarket on site.

How to make the journey to Abruzzo

The journey is the reward - this phrase is perfect for travelling to Abruzzo by caravan or motorhome. The journey from Berlin to Pecara takes between 15 and 20 hours, so you should plan for one or two overnight stays. The reward: one of the most beautiful routes in Europe.

The route first leads through southern Germany, then crosses the Alps and then takes you through half of Italy. It takes you around 1,600 kilometres from the German capital to Abruzzo. However, you can stop at many interesting places along the way.

Please note: Don't forget that vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes require a vignette in Austria. All motorhomes and caravan trailers over 3.5 tonnes also require a Go-Box. Most motorways in Italy are also subject to tolls. If you have enough travelling time, you can drive on the country roads without paying a toll. However, you should be prepared for countless roundabouts. The motorway is therefore definitely the more convenient option.

Campers with time and a thirst for adventure can also travel to Abruzzo via Slovenia and Croatia. Ferries to Ancona in Italy depart daily from the harbour in Zadar. From there it is only a short journey to the beautiful campsites in Abruzzo.

The most beautiful destinations in Abruzzo

Abruzzo begins to the east of Rome and leads across the Apennines to the Adriatic coast. The capital of the region is the fortified town of L'Aquila, which is still struggling with the consequences of the severe earthquake in 2009. Almost the entire historic town centre was destroyed. Many buildings have since been restored and there is also plenty to see outside of L'Aquila. The region is known for its mountain landscapes, picturesque mountain villages and pretty harbour towns, which are even frequently used as film locations. Here are a few tips.

Film-ready mountain villages and seaside resorts

Scenes from the well-known thriller "The American" starring George Clooney were filmed in the medieval Castel del Monte on the edge of the Campo Imperatore plateau. The castle ruins of Rocca di Calascio and the tiny church of Santa Maia della Pieta at an altitude of around 1,460 metres are just as film-worthy. Scenes from the medieval film "The Name of the Rose" were filmed in this 1,000-year-old village. The small seaside resort of Silvi with its old façades is also regularly chosen as a film set.

Against a beautiful landscape backdrop

The Gran Sasso d'Italia mountain range borders the provinces of Teramo, Pescara and L'Aquila. Thanks to the high altitude, there are many white mountain peaks and glaciers. In winter, the slopes attract skiers. In spring, summer and autumn, hikers and mountaineers can encounter wolves and chamois. Chamois and wolves also live in the Majella National Park, which covers an area of 74,095 hectares. Lovely waterfalls and barren high plateaus make up the charm of this landscape. The Riserva naturale guidata Gole del Sagittario nature reserve includes a deep canyon. Hikers, climbers and mountain bikers can let off steam here. Crystal-clear mountain lakes provide refreshment.

These 5 sights in Abruzzo are not to be missed

• Rocca Calascio: The highest castle in the Apennines rises 1,460 metres above sea level in the middle of the Gran Sasso National Park.
• Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park: The Gran Sasso mountain massif is one of the largest protected areas in Europe and a dream for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Vasto: One of the most beautiful coastal towns in Abruzzo and perfect for getting a tan on the wide beach or visiting the beautiful historic centre.
• Majella Mountains: Deep gorges, plateaus and wooded valleys make the area one of the most beautiful places in Abruzzo.
• Fortezza di Civitella del Tronto: The fortress towers over the municipality of Civitella del Tronto in the Gran Sasso National Park.

2 insider tips for clever campers

• Campo Imperatore: Fascinating high plateau south of the Gran Sasso, which is more reminiscent of the Himalayas in terms of landscape and is also considered the Tibet of Europe. The perfect place for a road trip in Abruzzo.
• Lago di Barrea: Man-made lake in a beautiful location in the Abruzzo National Park. One of the best places for a picnic with the whole family.

Activities and excursions for campers

Abruzzo is one of the most diverse and least overcrowded holiday regions in Italy. If you enjoy travelling through magnificent scenery, don't fancy mass tourism and want to experience authentic Italy, this is the place for you. Nature lovers in particular, but also culture fans and outdoor sports enthusiasts will get their money's worth.

Off into the mountains

The Corno Grande is the highest peak in the Gran Sasso d'Italia mountain range. Mountaineers and hikers pursue their passion on its slopes. There are various routes depending on the level of difficulty. The Majella mountains are somewhat gentler than the barren rocks of the Gran Sasso. On the 2,500 metre high plateaus, the mountain flowers bloom well into June. Deep valleys and gorges invite you to go hiking, climbing and mountain biking. The Orfento and Foro rivers run through the national park and feed wild and romantic waterfalls.

Off into the wet fun

Of course, the turquoise Adriatic also attracts water sports enthusiasts. Sailing, stand-up paddling and water skiing are popular ways to get active on the Mediterranean. Divers and snorkellers are more drawn to the surface. Some diving schools offer midnight dives. Those who are not quite so adventurous can visit a water park, such as the Blue Wave Waterpark in Tortoreto. Children, teenagers and adults have lots of fun on the huge water slides.

Gastronomic highlights for camping gourmets

Even if you prefer to eat from your own campsite kitchen: be sure to try the local menu - it's worth it. The local cuisine of Abruzzo is characterised by the sea, the mountains and its rich past. Traditional dishes, such as the local speciality maccheroni alla chitarra, can be found on restaurant menus. In this pasta dish, the pasta dough is pressed through a steel sieve.

The coastal region is characterised by fish dishes, which are refined with finely chopped tomatoes. A classic fish dish is fried fish marinated in vinegar, known as scapece. Meat is a favourite in the area around L'Aquila and Teramo. Lamb dishes, country sausages and ham are served here. They are often accompanied by a strong red wine from the region's winegrowers. Montepulciano and Sangiovese are particularly well-known red wines from Abruzzo. Trebbiano enjoys a national reputation as a white wine.

Best time to travel for a camping holiday in Abruzzo

The best time to go on a camping holiday in Abruzzo depends on your preferences. The Adriatic coast attracts visitors early in the year with Mediterranean temperatures. Hikes in the mountains are recommended from May onwards, although there may still be snow at high altitudes until June. If you are travelling on mountain passes, you should always check beforehand whether the roads are clear.

The following also applies: warm clothing is part of your camping equipment in Abruzzo.

In the summer months, it is mainly beach holidaymakers who travel here. At an average of 28°C, the months of July and August are the warmest. Water temperatures can reach a pleasant 24°C in midsummer. In the winter months, the thermometer climbs to below freezing and provides skiers with white slopes.