Pacentro Area Ristorantes /Aperitivo

L’Antica Locanda, Via Santa Maria Maggiore, n. 45, Pacentro +39 370.1516721 just opened this is a cozy, tasteful restaurant specialising in old world Pacentro recipes. Proprietor Concetta di Giampietro is passionate, and generous with a fixed menu price of EU35,00 includes an abundance of courses + bottle of wine. We can’t recommend this enough.

Alla Casa Vecchia, Vico 1 S. Marco, Pacentro +39 340 228 9909 / e-mail: allacasavecchia.pacentro@gmail.com / WhatsApp Virginia Sciore +39 347 253 5962. Enchanting old-world experience, dinner bookings recommended, old-world cash preferred.

Taverna Caldora, Piazza Umberto 1, Pacentro +39 0864 41139. The origins of Italy’s slow food movement, 3-generations, phone reservations preferred, cards accepted. A terrace table at sunset is highly recommended + do enjoy the salon featuring a photo gallery of poet D’Annunzio’s numerous love interests.

Posta Pacentrana, Via Vetoli 1, Pacentro +39 0864 41604. A bountiful antipasto, splendid garden views, Napa valley vibe, cards accepted. Posta Pacentrana

Ristorante Pizzeria Majella, Via Santa Maria Maggiore, Pacentro +39 0864 773 391. Good pizza variety, cozy ambiance, cards accepted @ristorantemajella / e-mail Denis: ristorantemajella@yahoo.com. Monica Pizza featuring four different mushroom varieties is a favourite + respect the passion Denis puts into every detail including his specialty olive oils.

Patisserie La Dolce Bottega, via San Marco, 36, Pacentro +39 340 775 3627. Do try “mille foglio”. @la_dolce_bottega

Gigi Bar, Piazza del Popolo, Pacentro, +39 347 542 1754. This is the beating heart of Pacentro. And your office away from home (copies, scans, bus tickets, amazon deliveries, etc.). Generous aperitivo (with each round of drinks nonetheless), dry vermouths, excellent rums, local gossip, cards accepted. Typically open by 7 am for your first espresso of the day.

Bella Vista Bar (open all day long, everyday in season) is located in the “villa comunale”. Late night cocktails, frequent live music, DJs, aperitivo, digestivo, gelato; a great late night destination for socialising in the cooler, evening breeze whilst enjoying twilight views of a twinkling Sulmona.

Bar di Martinis, Piazza Umberto 1 no. 24, Pacentro, AQ, located in the main square as you enter Pacentro, these hard-working brothers serve the local work crews; therefore, if needing a coffee before 7 am, this is your go-to coffee fix. And if not feeling like driving to Sulmona for gelato, they offer a small range of gelato flavours during the summer.

Pizzeria La Fonte, +39 333 752 6334, Piazza del Popolo 1, has extremely generous calzones as well as good pizzas whether dining in or takeaway. A very popular summer spot for children/families to dine alfresco during the cooler evening breeze, when Piazza del Popolo’s social scene hits its peak. Opens at 7 pm.

Ristorante Maiella in Tavolo, it is possible to hike via Majella from our house to the postcard village of Roccacaramanico. It’s a medium-ability hike which takes roughly 4-5 hours. Once in Roccacaramanico, there is a rustic restaurant with Coppela-like tables nestled under several piazza trees for shade. A reservation is encouraged on weekends +39 377 1307607 or +39 349 730 8096.

Ristorante Il Frangio, Via San Giuseppe, 6 (località Marane). +39 0864 212 773. info@frangioalcasale.it. If leaving Pacentro, take the first (or far right) of three roads down to Sulmona. This “Under My Tuscan Sun” stone villa, with a large outdoor dining area/garden, will tick all fantasies of the quintessential Italian dining “al fresco” experience. Be sure to look down the old well in reception. Frangio

Ristorante Scarpetta di Venere, via Guglielmo Marconi 3A, Campo di Giove, +39 0864 408410, campodigiove1@libero.it. This restaurant is part of an important network of emerging businesses dedicated to sourcing fresh ingredients from inside the national park whilst working to develop/promote local food diversity. Scarpetta

Sulmona Area Ristorantes /Aperitivo /Gelateria’s

Buonvento, Piazza Plebiscito, +39 0864 950 010, incredible fresh homemade pasta, with a wide range of local wines, al fresco dining in the piazza, perfect for warm summer nights but also a cozy interior during winter. Keep an eye out for the magical waiter Massimo. Buonvento

Cantina di Biffi, Via Marco, Via Barbato 1, 67039 Sulmona. +39 0864 380 588. In our humble opinion, one of Sulmona’s all round best restaurants. Exceptional local wine list, generous antipasto, friendly waiters, art-filled walls, and a gnocchi with venison we will never forget. We can’t recommend this enough. BIFFI

Lo Zio Barrett, Via Gramsci 15, Bussi Sul Tirino, +39 085 980 9111/+39 338 347 3613. Ideal for carnivore lovers, specialising in beef carpaccio & tartare, cards accepted. Lo Zio Barrett

Ristorante Gino, Piazza Plebiscito 12 (entry via P. Serafini, 1), Sulmona +39 0864 52289. Career gentlemen waiters with “white glove” dining, cards accepted serving at lunch only, no dinner servings. Gino's

Pizzeria “La Diavola”, via madonna delle Grazie 7, Raiano +39 392 298 9353. Considered the best local wood-fired pizza. We highly recommend LA PISTACCHIA pizza for a “never-tasted-anything-like-it” experience. DIAVOLA

Trattoria Don Ciccio, Corso Ovidio, 79/81 Sulmona, +39 0864 660 973. Locals say this is one of the most generous antipasto’s around; recommend you only order one for two or expect a food coma. Easily found on the main Corso in Salmona. Don Ciccio

Gelateria Di Silvio, Via Corso Ovidio 155, disilviomad@gmail.com, +39 328 573 6767. The largest Gelateria with an array of essential and original flavours with a very friendly team waiting to serve you. Di Silvio

Gelateria La Rotanda, Corso Oviedo (just up the stairs from Di Silvio’s). Smaller of two Gelateria’s in Sulmona. Sitting on their stairs offers great views of the mountains, Sulmona Piazza whilst your gelato quickly melts in the sun. Rotanda

Pescocostanzo Ristorantes /Aperitivo /Apres Ski

Ristorante da Paolino, strada vulvpes n 34, Pescocostanzo +39 0864 640080. Your charming hostess Rosalba will always remember you; highly recommend the pear/gorgonzola ravioli + rabbit al’orange, cards accepted. Paolino's

Ristorante la Terrazza, via Colecchi Ottavio 12, Pescocostanzo +39 0864 640047. Offers old world wood-paneling apres-ski-charm, cards accepted. Terrazza

Bar Sui Domina, Via Ottavio 49 Pescostanzo, next to main church, +39 0864 641223. Charming apres ski bar, great local microbrews, we love Popoli’s lobster-branded mezzopasso birra, alongside a generous L’aperitivo. MEZZOPASSO

La Piazzetta del Convento Risto-Bar, +39 348 714 2761, Lucadipadova78@gmail.com, via Piazza Municipo n. 18-19, Pescocostanzo, AQ. Yet another idyllic, cozy setting for apres ski or pre-Paolino’s aperitivos; ask about the charming, hidden restaurant upstairs. Great guys, great service. CONVENTO

Rivisondoli Ristorantes /Aperitivo /Apres Ski

SPAZIO, Viale Regina Elena 49, Rivisondoli, AQ +39 393 463 6841, info@nikoromitoformazione.it. The original location of REALE (see REALE/Casadonna below), this now houses Nike Romito’s cooking academy where one is allowed to dine on the homework of aspiring, young chefs. SPAZIO

L’Osteria del Tarassaco, +39 348 743 4269, located off the main square across from Rivisondoli’s cathedral, AQ. A set- menu restaurant, full of intriguing art, featuring nouveau cuisine and an eclectic wine list. Paris meets Cortina crowd.TARASSACO

L’angolo del gusto Rivisondoli, +39 339 578 6009, via del Carbonaro 14, Rivisondoli AQ 67036. Literally a glass-framed corner of someone’s home; very limited tables, cozy, old-world charm with a large roaring wood burning stove. Another nest of warmth after a cold day on the mountain. ANGOLO

Enoteca Enogio, via Roma 30, 67036 Rivisondoli AQ, an utterly charming, romantic and cozy apres ski or L’aperitivo location featuring an exceptional wine list, a wood burning stove, local art and friendly, helpful owners. We can’t recommend this location enough, we went back 3 x. A nest of warmth after a cold day on the mountain. ENOGIO

Chalet delle Rose, +39 349 284 1365, via dante Alighieri 1, 67036, Rivisondoli AQ. A charming, intimate chalet bar on the approach into Rivisondoli, an idyllic, cozy setting for Apres Ski, or pre-dinner Aperitivos. ROSE

Roccaraso Ristorantes /Aperitivo /Apres Ski

Ristorante Le Ortensie, via Roncone 31, 67037 Roccaraso AQ, +39 328 1535453, info@hotelleortensie.it. This is a charming chalet-style interior for a family or romantic post ski dinner. Served by special request only [if not a hotel guest], we strongly recommend CACIOCAVALLO PIASTRATO con spinacchi e miele - the region’s version of fondue or raclette. No expense was spared in designing this restaurant featuring ornate wood panelling, marble stairwells, and an extra wide fireplace whether digestivo or cigar. The hotel is owned by Roccaraso’s main butcher, Macelleria Colaizzi (see Colaizzi below), a meat boutique like no other. ORTENSIE

Le Petit Cafe, Via della Circonvallazione 6, Roccarosso AQ (part of the ALTO SANGO ski school headquarters). Another charming apres ski bar right in central Roccarosso with delicious cakes, torts, and yet another generous L’aperitivo. PETIT

Dolci Momenti Bar Pasticceria, via Roma 23, 67037 Roccaraso AQ, if you like red interiors and all things dolci, this is the perfect apres ski place. A classic, timeless place for a coffee, hot chocolate, dolci, L’aperitivo or light meal. Very friendly and generous and centrally located to major shopping outlets in Roccaraso. DOLCI

Castel di Sangro Ristorantes /Aperitivo /Apres Ski

ALT Stazione del Gusto, Statale 17, Km 150 3, Castel di Sangro, +39 0864 238032. A chic, modern twist on the US diner, cards accepted. ALT

REALE | Casasdonna, Piana Santa Liberata, Castel Di Sangro, luxury restaurant, hotel, spa inside an old monastery, +39 0864 69382. Founded by 3* Michelin chef Niko Romito, Italy’s Ottolenghi, were its vegetarian only. Voted Gambero Rosso’s No. 1 Italian restaurant in 2022. REALE

CNN Article on REALE's No. 1 Ranking

Adriatic Ristorantes

Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio, April to Oct, 15 mins south of San Vito Chietino where one should aim for a full moon. Punta Cavalluccio

National Geographic article on Trabocchi

Vineyards/Wine Tastings /Varieties

Montepulciano de Abruzzo (Red)

Cerasuolo (Rose)

Trebbiano (White)

Pecorino (White)

Altrobere Enoteca, 10 Viale S. Antonio, Sulmona +39 0864 212785. Maestro Massimo does beer/wine/nolo tastings for small/large groups, English-speaking, cards accepted. Wine Tastings

Praesidium Winery, Az. Agricolo Ottaviano Pasquale, Via Giovannucci, 24, Prezza +39 0864 45103. This is an exceptionally delicious local Montepulciano de Abruzzo. Praesidium

Italo Pietrantonj Winery, via S. Sebastiano 38, Vittorito, Vittorito +39 0864 727192. Their CERANO Montepulciano de Abruzzo label is delicious. Contact Alice for wine tastings. Pietrantonj

Margiotta Winery, via Corfiniense, Pratola, Peligna +39 349 1009216 / e-mail: info@margiottavini.it. Winner of a recent national gold medal Cerasuolo award. Contact Francesca for an excellent wine tasting + technical vineyard tour. Margiotta

Zaccagnini Winery, C.da Pozzo - Bolognano, Pescara +39 085 888 0195. Notable vine twig appears on every label, more international distribution. Zaccagnini

Azienda Vinicola Umani Ronchi Spa, Via Adriatica 12, 60027 Osimo, +39 071 710 8019, Umani Ronchi Pecorino

Forbes Article: Abruzzo' Emerging Premium Wines

Local cocktails - Il Bombardino (winter seasonal)

IL BOMBARDINO is Italy’s apres ski twist on eggnog and so much better. The perfect winter warmer to heat up cold toes and relax tired muscles. Often swimming in a topping of whipped cream, don’t be fooled. These eggnog imposters pack a punch; you might want someone else to drive after two or three. BOMBARDINO

Artigianal Local Beers

Mezzopasso Beer, info@spaziobirra.it , Tel: +39 348 729 8483 this Popoli-based brew is our year-round-local-go-to, where we can find it. With a taste as quenching as its clever lobster logo/packaging. MEZZOPASSA

Almond Beer, info@birraalmond.com, +39 328 633 0050, made locally, sold around the world, Almond beer is a favourite throughout the summer in particular. A bit far away, they have a tap room in Pescara; combine with a day at the beach. ALMOND

Truffle hunters

Truffles, if you love all things truffle/mushrooms, then visit Roccaraso-based store AZIENDA AGRICOLA LA SPORA, Viale Roma 24, Roccaraso 67037. +39 349 3219895. E-mail: info@tartufilaspora.it.

I Tesori D’Abruzzo. This is another food boutique/truffle supplier. Marketing coordinator Lisa Stokes (fluent English speaker), guides hidden-gem, dog-led expeditions out of Goriano Sicoli. Get in touch with her direct to coordinate your truffle immersion experience. +39 372 124 2126. itesoridabruzzo@gmail.com.

Adventures /Cooking Classes / Experiences / Art

Climbing Guide/Sport Tourism, Massimo “Max” Giardini, via Madonna di Loreto 8, Pacentro, WhatsApp: +39 393 452 2706. English-speaking, technical & knowledgeable. Enquire about his new suspended tent adventures.

Cooking Classes, Alla Casa Vecchia, Vico 1 S. Marco, Pacentro +39 340 228 9909 / e-mail allacasavecchia.pacentro@gmail.com / WhatsApp Virginia Sciore +39 347 253 5962. Stella Sciore’s cooking is BBC famous.

Ricotta cheesemaking, Alla Casa Vecchia, Vico 1 S. Marco, Pacentro +39 340 228 9909 / e-mail allacasavecchia.pacentro@gmail.com / WhatsApp Virginia Sciore +39 347 253 5962. Young Virginia provides an utterly charming and fascinating bioscience-based lecture / hands-on experience.

Caldora Castle, from May to Sept the castle (proletariat-owned/funded) is opened to the public for a small “upkeep” coin donation. If visiting outside high season, bespoke appointments can be arranged by calling (or WhatsApp): Pacentro’s Cultural Director Augusto DiCesara +39 340 325 4453 or Castle keeper / local mural artist Sara Galterea +39 333 462 8138.

Pacentro’s Art Gallery, can be found on Via Santa Maria Maggiore, where local artist and gallery owner Dario Sciore displays/sells local landscapes & portraits. Bespoke commissions available. Appointments are preferred. Phone / WhatsApp Dario Sciore: +39 339 608 7444.

Pacentro’s Sculpture Artist, Ferdinando D’Angellis has a charming (hidden) studio filled with lovely carvings, mortar and pestles, wall reliefs, all sold at very reasonable prices; of course, mind your Easy Jet luggage weight allowance. Turn right at the end of Via del Colle, go under the arch and his studio is up to the right. +39 335 172 5726 by appointment only.

Zipline Majella, Piazza del Popolo 13, Pacentro, reservations here Zipline Majella

Majella National Park Info Centre, Piazza del Popolo, 7, Pacentro Majella Adventures

Spiritual Walk “Il Cammino di Celestino”, 6 stages, 90 kms, stages 1-2 pass by Casa di Carolina Celestino

Big Yellow Bench Hike (Campo di Giove), for advanced hikers, this 5 hour RT trek to the cheery big yellow bench in Campo di Giove will make for an epic day out, fully immersed in nature. Listen to endless waterfalls, bird song, and apply your Google lens to biodiverse-rich trail (plants, wild orchids, fragrant wildflowers, fruits). There are resting benches in the last 30 minutes for a picnic + water break. Follow national park red/white markers to Campo di Giove.

Wolf Sanctuary, Rome’s Sapienza University maintains a wildlife & biodiversity research/rescue centre near Popoli (20 mins drive) open to the public by appointment. Its primary focus is on wolf regeneration, however, other national park rescued animals can be observed. Wolf Centre

Corsa degli Zingari, every first Sunday of Sept, 30 participants race down the local Pacentro mountain barefoot, a tradition dating back 525+ years; used by King Caldora to find the strongest soldiers to lead his army. We can’t recommend this enough. Pacentro's Barefoot Mountain Race

Giostra Cavalleresca Sulmona, a poor man’s version of Siena’s Paolio in which professional horse jockey’s race around the central Sulmona square to win the coveted Contrada (or neighbourhood) purse. Giostra Sulmona

Pelino Confetti Factory Tour, Via Stazione Introdacqua, 55, SULMONA +39 0864 210047 child or sweet-tooth alike will enjoy this Willy Wonka chocolate factory experience. Pelino Confetti Factory Tour

Outfitters Majellando, e-vespa, e-bikes guided tours, canoeing, trekking, Bussi, Majellando

Trekking/E-bike Expedition Specialists A.S.D. Naturale…Mente, central square office in Castel Di Sangro or WhatsApp: +39 331 111 9163 (Katjana)

BELLA VITA EXPERIENCE, authentic culinary and cultural tours in Abruzzo & beyond, contact Marino Cardelli +39 370 319 9340. Bella Vita Experience

Eremo di Sant’Onofrio al Marrone, 13th Century hermitage of Pope Celestino V seen above Sulmona to which you may hike/explore, Celestino V Hermitage

Sulmona Al Fresco Weekly Market, located in Sulmona’s main central square each Wed and Sat from 8-13:00. Imagine the most esoteric finds whether Sicilian oranges or Missoni fabric remnants.

UnTold Italy Podcast on Abruzzo

Fresh Water Lakes / Wild Swimming

Lago di Barrea, a 40 min epic drive to “a poor man’s Lake Como” with sun loungers to rent at La Gravara beach or BYO + bar and restaurant with cards accepted. Both lake/Villetta provide spectacular sunsets/views. Barrea

Lago di Scanno, experience a 30 min hairpin adventure through the canyon-esque “throat of Sagittarius” to a lake renown for triathletes & cold-water-swimming + friendly public beach/picnic areas. Scanno village is equally charming. Look for M.C. Escher’s Castrovalva en route. Scanno Lake and Scanno Village

Snow sports / SkiAbruzzo.com

Alto Sangro Ski Area, 5th largest in Italy, 830m vertical drop, offering great value + a breadth of ski runs for all levels; 40 mins away if heading to Roccaraso. (Think Meribel). 100 kilometres of ski runs in total combining Rivisondoli’s Monte Pratello (our favourite), Roccarosso’s Aremogna (Naples/Rome Crowd), Pescocostanzo’s Valle Fura (old world Aspen chic), Pescasseroli + Pizzalto. We believe you will be very pleasantly surprised; Alto Sangro has invested 36 million euros in new lifts and 8 million in snowmaking in the last four years. SKI PASS

Monte Pratello Ski Area, Monte Pratello, 67036 Rivisondoli. The best tip we received from Orso cars (thank you Riccardo). This state-of-the-art ski area is 30 minutes door-2-door from our house and where mostly only locals ski. You can more easily book your ski equipment + ski pass here than Roccaraso where the Neopolitans crowd in and (never mind) a queue. Ski packages for 5 days pass + equipment including a helmet run approximately 300EU/pp season depending. PRATELLO

Campo di Giove Ski Area, offers 1190m vertical drop, is much closer to our house (20 mins), charming yet less-well-known with decent runs and ski packages, snowboards and snow shoes to rent (25 Euros daily). 1190m vertical drop equates to Big Sky Montana, or just shy of Aspen and Jackson Hole but you’ll pay 40 euros a lift ticket, not $200. If wishing to book your equipment early, contact Signore Ugo Salvi at +39 348 0187 350 or e-mail: salviugo@gmail.com.

Telegraph Article on Skiing in Abruzzo

Iain Martin Podcast on Skiing in Roccaraso

Adriatic Coast / Beach/ Water Parks/ Pools /Spa

San Vito Chietino Beach, a shallow beach ideal for younger children with fishing-village-charm/great seafood. Once upon a time, an important refuge for Abruzzo’s famous writer/poet Gabriele D'Annunzio. 1 hr 15 mins drive, free parking, sun lounge rentals. San Vito

Trabocchi Coast, 1 hr away, dotted along a 70-km Adriatic coast, are several old wooden fishing machines (huts) on piles, now converted into restaurants with postcard charm. Trabocchi Coast

Adriatic coastal bike trail, roadies and amateurs take note of this railway conversion to a coastal bike trail. The 1300km-long trail extends from Venice to Bari, covering 7 regions of Italy; crescendos along the Abruzzo coastline. Adriatic Coastal Bike Trail

Punta Aderci Beach, this hidden gem and nature reserve is 1 hr 20 mins offering a gentle pebble beach, meditational waves, driftwood beach huts + free parking (note: limited height restrictions). There are no restaurants, sun loungers and (thankfully) no tourists. We can’t recommend this enough. Reserva Naturale di Punta Aderci.

Aqua Garden Water Park, another great place for young children, very local with restaurant, sun loungers, English-speaking + classic 80's rock music. Exceptionally clean/hygienic. Cuffia (swim caps) are mandatory. Waterpark Slides

Local swimming pool, there is a lovely, 25m local pool (indoor and outdoor) just down the mountain at Centro Sportivo Sulmona

Spas, for luxury spa + well-being saunas/steams, facials, massage, visit three very nice local spas. Oropedium Spa Benessere inside the 5 Miglia Hotel, Rivisondoli (30 mins from house)OROPEDIUM; or (45 mins away) is Castel Di Sangro’s, Sport Village Hotel & Spa. There is also Aqua Montis Resort & Spa which is again is only a 30 minute drive or cycle ride away located in Rivisondoli.

Racket Sports

Tennis and Padel Courts, for racquet + other sports (eg basketball), there is a tennis club just down the mountain at Tennis Club Sulmona

Food Shopping / Fashion & Beauty / Interiors

La Puteca Piazza del Popolo, 13 Pacentro (next to Gigi Bar) a charming boutique celebrating local specialty foods, wines, cheeses, meats, spices, craft and gifts. +39 0864 760 122 / laputecdipacentro@gmail.com / WhatsApp Serena Pennelli on + 39 348 340 8324. Cards accepted.

Caseificio La Pacentrana, this brand new cheese boutique offers a wide range of locally-made artisanal cheeses whether ricotta or caciocavallo. Young owner Cristal is charming & super helpful. WhatsAPP +39 351 847 6897. Ricotta is limited; best to order in advance.

Butcher (Macelleria) Ennio Battaglini, Via Santa Maria Maggiore, Pacentro for fresh arrosticini, butterfly lamb, and other local meats.

Butcher (Macelleria) Colaizzi, +39 0864 602 025, viale Napoli 7, Roccaraso AQ. Join the long queue, embrace the hustle & bustle or better yet download their new APP. This meat boutique has embraced modern technology. Exquisite and rare meats (sausages with truffle & porcini, marinated venison, wild boar salami), broadest assortment whether meats, cheeses, wines, and the friendliest & kindest staff despite all the ordering chaos. COLAIZZI

Daily Bread, for freshly baked bread, focaccia, pizzettas, or picnic rolls, there is a bakery in the main square Piazzo Umberto 1. Cash only.

Market Diana, is Pacentro’s largest, family-run grocery store offering the broadest range of food/essentials. FOC delivery. Via S. Marco, 101 Pacentro WhatsAPP Andre on +39 340 914 6417 for home deliveries. Cards accepted. It is possible, if arriving late or on a Sunday, to request a starter grocery pack put together by Market Diana for EU 30-35. Just let us know in advance.

Clothing Stores, there are two well-stocked clothing stores in Pacentro. Rubino’s on Via Santa Maria Maggiore focuses on intimates, bedding and clothing essentials whilst Abbigliamento Terracciano, off the main Piazza Umberto 1 square, offers Italian style with value pricing.

Couture Clothing Boutique “WHITE”, +39 0864 547 487, Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi 14, in central Rivisondoli AQ 67036 for those seeking up-market, unique clothing designs for women. There’s no website, social media, seems a secret destination for Naples fashionistas.

Couture Ski Boutique “CHEOPE”, +39 0864 62549, cheoperoccaraso@hotmail.com, via Roma 22, Roccaroso AQ. Deer Valley fashionista’s will love this upmarket ski boutique owned & operated by the lovely Antonella along with her son Luca. Retro ski helmets, up-market ski clothing, chalet interiors, fur hats, you know the look. CHEOPE

Hair Salons, there are three very good hair salons in Pacentro; our favourite being Antonina’s (Rubino) on Via Santa Maria Maggiore.

Jewellery, unique & tasteful designs are found in abundance throughout Pescocostanzo, 20 mins away.

Chalet Interiors, LA CASA di ALICE, Via Roma N. 55, Roccaroso AQ 67037, +39 340 281 4778. If seeking small furniture items, specialty clocks, throws, rugs, cutting boards, retro ski post cards, Christmas ornaments, etc. with an alpine twist, this is your go to destination.

Travel to/from /tolls

Major Airports: Rome’s Fiumicino (1 hr 45 mins) : Ciampino (1 hr 20 mins) : Pescara (45 mins)

Toll Roads: Italy uses a pay-as-you-go toll road system. Major cards are accepted, however, it is encouraged to always have back up cash for tolls just in case. Please note you drive on the right hand side in Italy, opposite to Britain.

ORSO Rental Cars SULMONA, proprietor Riccardo Giammarco takes car rental customer service to the highest level possible. His small fleet of used cars is available to rent by-the-day or longer. He also offers Fiumicino, Ciampino, Pescara airport van shuttle (aka limo) services at very reasonable prices as well as driven regional excursions. English-speaking, very communicative, with maximum flexibility…. we can’t recommend him enough. WhatsApp Riccardo Giammarco: +39 347 177 8688. ORSO Car Rentals

If you require a local Taxi in Sulmona, try the two following options:

Anthony + 39 340 673 8611 (What’s APP)

Nicola + 39 389 169 5093

Trenitalia offers regular trains outbound/return via Sulmona, a station recently refurbished to a high standard. (2 hr 30 min journey to Rome). Connections to all major cities. The local Pacentro LA TUA bus makes regular stops at the Sulmona train station. Train Travel

Regional Bus Lines for faster more direct travel to Rome (2 hrs) and connections to other major airport cities, there are three high quality regional coach lines. App-based, easy bookings, a very respectable way to travel in Abruzzo.

Flixbus

Pronto Bus

Autolineepstar

LA TUA Pacentro Bus, buses run daily outbound/return from Pacentro to Sulmona with various stops be it hospital or train station. (Note less frequent bus times on weekends). Purchase local paper tickets at Gigi Bar in Piazza del Popolo or the corner newsstand office in Pacentro’s main square. Pacentro Bus Times

Taxi if your airport travel falls outside normal train/bus times use Sulmona Taxi

Large Group Coach Rentals for large families / tour groups there are two local coach providers:

Scanno based Gualtieri

Bussi based Giallonardo

PUBLIC TRANSPORT SUPPORT TEAM: If using public transport (which we do as well), then please get in touch for hacks & APPS for fastest routes. Also, on the rare occasion of a train strike, we can provide alternative methods.

For example, if no trains are running from Pescara to Sulmona, there is a 17:25 TUA bus from the Pescara bus station (just in front of the Pescara train station), that takes you through beautiful hilltop villages and arrives in time for the final bus to Pacentro. There is also a PRONTO BUS direct from Pescara Airport to Pratola Peligna (stops you at the highway enroute to Pacentro), from there a local bus or taxi can get you to Pacentro. Another (train strike action) alternative is to taxi to Chieti and train to Sulmona from there.

Weddings / Concierge / Forex

Castle weddings, Pacentro’s Caldora castle is available for weddings or other events, whether the outside terrace, tower or inside. Please contact me directly for further steering, support.

Concierge, If non-Italian speaking, or you are experiencing difficulty dialling internationally, I offer the service to make restaurant + other bookings on your behalf. Under booking ref: “Costanza”.

Sulmona Tourist Office, Alternatively, there is a very helpful, English-speaking tourist office in Sulmona. +39 864 210216 / servizituristici@comune.sulmona.aq.it. Sulmona Tourist Office

Forex/Money: A recent law now requires all Italian businesses to accept major debit/credit cards. However, it’s best to assume you’ll need cash now & then. Note there is no cash machine/ATM in Pacentro; however, there are several cash points in Sulmona. We have had great success with this currency card provider WISE. If ordering a new WISE card, please reference Constance Ryland. Thank you.