It’s hard to work out why Abruzzo doesn’t enjoy the same amount of tourism as its neighbours. It has stunning craggy mountains; beautifully rugged coastlines and plenty of medieval hilltop towns scattered in between. Perhaps it’s because the region is mostly countryside; huge swathes of Abruzzo are either nature reserves or national parks, and there are even wolves and bears living in the tree-covered hills far away from civilisation. But for anyone who has been to this untamed part of Italy, it’s clear that this is a place that hasn’t been influenced by the busy, modern way of life. Instead, it retains that feeling of ‘old Italy’, with simple yet brilliant food and drink at its heart.

If you ever visit Abruzzo, be sure to spend a few moments relaxing, glass of the local Montepulciano red wine in hand, and take in the surroundings. Perhaps you’ll spot a flock of sheep on a mountainside, or some fishermen on the end of a trabaccho hoping to catch dinner. Always look above the doorways in towns, too – when the season’s right there are usually bunches of local chillies drying out in the sun, ready to be crushed and sprinkled over plates of pasta alla chitarra with lamb ragù.

Take a look at our Abruzzo guides, recipes and articles below to get a real feel for the region, then get planning your next culinary getaway.