Abruzzo

When traveling to Abruzzo you are able to see and experience a more old-fashioned Italian lifestyle. All around you are medieval castles scattered through the foothills of the Apennines, charming small villages and nature. On the eastern side are sandy beaches while inland is a large national reserve. While it feels quite removed from the rest of Italy, it is actually a short drive from Rome so can fit easily into an itinerary.