Abruzzo in Autumn, Here's Why It's the Sweetest Season

Abruzzo in autumn? What must-see attractions are there? This enchanting land boasts an incredible variety of natural beauty, making it the perfect destination for a few days' vacation in any season.

Autumn in Abruzzo, why is it worth a visit?

It is the season of foliage, when the charming villages are adorned with completely new shades, countryside paths offer countless unforgettable adventures in nature, and local cuisines present specialties worth tasting.

Here's what you absolutely cannot miss in Abruzzo in autumn.

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It is perhaps the quintessential place to visit in autumn in Abruzzo. Located within the municipality of Pescocostanzo, it was once considered a sacred forest to Jupiter.

In the Middle Ages, it adopted the name it holds today, and thanks to the diversity of plants and centuries-old trees found in its paths-especially the towering beech trees-, the forest bursts into a palette of colors during autumn.

Amidst the various stretches of leaves, colors range from yellow to deep red, with hints of orange and golden veins. The forest is also home to various animal species, particularly many moles, as the region's temperatures are ideal.

There are no designated paths to follow within this small forest, but in the surrounding area, there are several kiosks and restaurants where visitors can take breaks.

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Some people love connecting with nature but are not content with just visiting the woods and admiring their colors; they desire to traverse and discover them through excursions.

One of the most important and popular ones in autumn is the hike that crosses the western slope of the Maiella National Park.

The journey starts from Fonte Romana and for about 3.8 km, trails lead through streams, forests, carpets of leaves, and clearings. Particularly interesting to visit is the source of Collato at an elevation of 1,526 meters, encountered along the way.

The entire route through the park leading to Fondo Majello takes about two hours and is suitable for all types of visitors, even less experienced ones, although it is advisable to equip oneself with appropriate trekking gear.

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If nature doesn't particularly excite you and you appreciate the tranquility and aroma that autumn brings to small towns, there's nothing better than spending a few days in a charming village.

Take Tagliacozzo, for example. This small town in the heart of Marsica, in the province of L'Aquila, with its 6,552 inhabitants, likely derives its name from the terms talus and cotium, meaning cut in the rock.

It is indeed nestled at the foot of Civita Mountain, and was a particularly renowned center even in medieval times, so much so that it was mentioned by the Supreme Poet Dante in passages of his Divine Comedy.

Strolling through the alleys, visiting local shops, and a visit to the Talia Theatre and the ducal palace makes Tagliacozzo a perfect destination for a few days of true relaxation.

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Autumn is also the season for tasting many local delicacies, especially in mountain and countryside areas. For those spending vacations, whether short or long, in Abruzzo, there are certain dishes that are impossible to miss.

Starting with the famous arrosticini, small skewers of goat meat enjoyed fresh off the grill, or the renowned "pizza e foje," a non-leavened corn wafer filled with all kinds of vegetables (the foje, indeed).

Among the first courses, don't miss the teramani scrippelle 'mbusse: thin crepes made with eggs, water, and flour, sprinkled with grated cheese and immersed in broth.

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And when it comes to desserts, there are no doubts: the meal concludes with ferratelle, the traditional homemade wafers served with jam, Nutella, or on their own. Accompanying this culinary feast, of course, is a glass of the region's most famous wine: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.