Things To Do
in Avezzano

Avezzano is a mid-sized town in the Marsica area of Abruzzo, seated on the fertile Fucino plain with commanding views of the Sirente-Velino massif. It combines agricultural traditions with a rebuilt early-20th-century urban core after the 1915 earthquake, and visitors find a mix of modest historic monuments, parks and everyday Italian life. The town is a practical base for exploring nearby natural areas — Sirente-Velino Regional Park, Gran Sasso, ski resorts and pastoral landscapes — while offering authentic regional food and seasonal markets.

Avezzano is well connected by regional trains and roads to Rome and Pescara, making it accessible for day trips or a quieter provincial stay.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Avezzano and check into your hotel. After settling in, start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center, admiring the charming architecture and local shops. Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at a local café, basking in the warm sun.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo for a refreshing hike, where you can witness the stunning landscapes and possibly spot local wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy amidst nature, taking in the serene beauty of the park. Return to Avezzano for some free time to explore the quaint streets and perhaps visit a local craft shop.

evening
:

Dine at a cozy local trattoria, savoring authentic Abruzzese cuisine such as arrosticini or maccheroni alla chitarra. Afterward, take a leisurely walk through the town, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere as locals gather in the piazza. End the night with a gelato, enjoying the last moments of the day under the stars.

day 2
Cultural Immersion
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Museo della vita e dell’arte contadina to delve into the agricultural history of the region. Engage with the exhibits showcasing traditional farming tools and methods that have shaped Avezzano. Afterwards, enjoy a cappuccino at a nearby café, soaking in the local culture.

afternoon
:

Explore the scenic landscapes surrounding Avezzano, taking a guided tour to the ancient ruins of Alba Fucens, an important Roman archaeological site. Learn about the history and significance of this site while enjoying breathtaking views of the valley. After the tour, indulge in a hearty lunch at a local pizzeria.

evening
:

Attend a cultural event or music performance if available, immersing yourself in the local art scene. Enjoy dinner at a nearby ristorante that features seasonal dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Stroll through the town afterwards, appreciating the artistic street performances that may be taking place.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍷Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$45-70
Coffee (espresso) at a café$1.20-2.50
🚆Regional train or bus fare (short distance)$1.50-6
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$60-110

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy access to impressive mountain scenery and outdoor activities
  • Authentic, less-touristed Abruzzese culture and cuisine
  • Good base for exploring Abruzzo and convenient rail/road links to Rome and Pescara
  • Affordable prices compared with bigger Italian cities
  • Limited nightlife and fewer cultural attractions than larger cities
  • Smaller selection of high-end hotels and restaurants
  • Public transport to remote mountain areas can be infrequent
  • Seasonal weather extremes (hot summers on the plain, snowy winters in mountains)
  • "Buongiorno / Buonasera" - Good morning / Good evening
  • "Per favore / Grazie" - Please / Thank you
  • "Dove è la stazione?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "C'è un medico/farmacia vicino?" - Is there a doctor/pharmacy nearby?

Places to Visit in Avezzano

Visit one of these nice places.

Castello Orsini-Colonna

A compact medieval castle in the town center offering architectural details and atmospheric shots, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.

Fucino plain viewpoints

Open vistas across the agricultural plain with Mount Velino and Sirente-Velino massif as a dramatic backdrop — excellent for sunrise and sunset landscapes.

Sirente-Velino Regional Park trails

Mountain trails, rocky ridgelines and high-altitude meadows provide opportunities for wildlife and panorama photography, particularly in spring and autumn.

Town piazzas and markets

Street and market photography capturing local life, stalls, and seasonal produce; candid portraits of vendors and shoppers (ask permission first).

Nearby medieval villages (e.g., Tagliacozzo)

Cobblestone streets, archways and historic facades make for classic Italian village images within easy driving distance.

Culinary Guide

Food in Avezzano

Avezzano’s cuisine reflects Abruzzo’s rustic, agricultural roots: simple, hearty dishes based on local grain, sheep and cow cheeses, cured meats, legumes and seasonal vegetables and fruits from the Fucino plain. Olive oil, robust red wines from Abruzzo, and mountain honey are common accompaniments. Dining is informal and regional specialties are easy to find in trattorie, osterie and family-run restaurants as well as at markets. Seasonal produce — especially melons and vegetables from the Fucino plain — features prominently in spring and summer.

Avezzano Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Arrosticini

Skewers of grilled mutton or lamb, a signature Abruzzo street-and-trattoria dish; best found at local grills and informal eateries.

Must-Try!

Maccheroni alla chitarra

Egg pasta cut on a 'chitarra' and typically served with robust ragù or tomato and pecorino; available at many family restaurants.

Sagne e fagioli

Handmade ribbon pasta with beans, a comforting peasant dish ideal in cooler months and often served in traditional osterie.

Local cheeses and cured meats

Pecorino d'Abruzzo and local salumi are common — look for them at markets and antipasti plates in restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Avezzano weekly market

A weekly market in town sells fresh produce from the Fucino plain — fruits (notably melons in season), vegetables, local cheeses and bread; ideal for sampling or buying picnic supplies.

Street food stalls and kiosks

Look for arrosticini stands and panini shops near piazzas and event days; seasonal festivals often have pop-up food vendors showcasing Abruzzese specialties.

Climate Guide

Weather

Avezzano has a continental Mediterranean climate influenced by the Fucino plain and surrounding mountains: hot, dry summers and cold winters with occasional snow. Spring and autumn are mild and offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Mountain areas nearby have alpine conditions with cooler temperatures year-round and a reliable winter snow season at higher elevations.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Italians in Abruzzo greet with a handshake for first meetings; friends may use cheek kisses. Use polite phrases like 'Buongiorno' and 'Buonasera'.

Dress and behavior

Dress is generally smart-casual; avoid beachwear in town. Be respectful in churches — cover shoulders and avoid noisy behavior.

Dining customs

Meals are social and can be leisurely; wait for the host to begin eating and accept offers of food. Saying 'Buon appetito' before a meal is customary.

Photography etiquette

Ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors or the elderly. Respect private property and signs restricting access.

Safety Guide

Safety

Avezzano is generally safe with low levels of violent crime; usual precautions against petty theft (watch bags and belongings in crowded markets) are sensible. The region is seismically active — the historic 1915 earthquake transformed the town — so familiarize yourself with local emergency procedures and notices. In rural or mountain areas, prepare for changing weather, carry supplies and tell someone your plans for longer hikes.

Tipping in Avezzano

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; leaving small change or rounding up a bill (5–10%) in restaurants is common for good service. For cafes, locals usually pay only for the coffee (no tip), while taxi drivers and porters are often given small tips for assistance.

Payment Methods

Cash (euros) is widely accepted for small purchases and markets; most restaurants and shops accept credit/debit cards, but smaller vendors and some rural businesses may prefer cash. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly accepted in urban venues. ATMs are available in town but carry some cash when visiting remote areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blossoming fields on the Fucino plain and excellent hiking conditions. Spring is ideal for flowers, outdoor markets and avoiding the summer heat; bring a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings.

Summer

Hot and often dry on the Fucino plain with temperatures frequently in the high 20s–30s °C (80s–90s °F); mountains remain cooler. Expect local festivals, extended restaurant hours and good conditions for evening passeggiate; use sun protection and stay hydrated.

Autumn

Crisp, comfortable weather with harvests and fall colors in higher elevations; a great time for wine tasting and hiking. Nights can cool quickly, so layer clothing.

Winter

Colder on the plain and snowy in surrounding mountains; nearby ski resorts (Ovindoli/Campo Felice) open for winter sports. Bring warm clothing and check road conditions if driving to higher elevations.

Nightlife Guide

Avezzano at Night

Avezzano’s nightlife is low-key and community-oriented: expect cafés and bars that stay open late for aperitivo, small pubs with live music on weekends, and seasonal festivals or open-air events. For a livelier club scene, residents often travel to larger nearby towns, but evenings in Avezzano are pleasant for relaxed dining, socializing in piazzas, and occasional concerts or cultural events.

Hiking in Avezzano

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sirente-Velino Regional Park trails

A network of trails through the Sirente and Velino mountains offering day hikes, ridge walks and alpine meadows with wildflowers in spring.

Gran Sasso foothills

Accessible from Avezzano with varied routes from gentle walks to more challenging mountain trails and high-altitude scenery.

Ovindoli and Campo Felice area

In winter a hub for skiing; in warmer months the area offers trails for hiking and mountain biking with panoramic views.

Tagliacozzo countryside paths

Shorter cultural and scenic walks around medieval Tagliacozzo, combining nature with historic village exploration.

Airports

How to reach Avezzano by plane.

Pescara International Airport (PSR)

About 1–1.5 hours by car from Avezzano; offers domestic flights and some international connections — convenient for Abruzzo access.

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or longer by train depending on connections; major international hub with frequent services to Avezzano via train or car.

Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA)

A bit farther than Fiumicino for many routes, used mainly by low-cost carriers; access by road and combined train/bus options to reach Avezzano.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic center of Avezzano is compact and easily walkable, with most shops, cafés and sights reachable on foot. The surrounding Fucino plain and suburban areas are more spread out, so a bike or car is useful for exploring beyond the town center.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families and agricultural workers

Many residents are involved in agriculture on the Fucino plain or run family businesses; the town has a strong local community feel.

Commuters and small-business owners

Some residents commute to nearby larger towns for work, and a network of small enterprises supports local services.

Elderly population

Like many Italian provincial towns, Avezzano has a noticeable older demographic, reflecting long-term residents and traditional lifestyles.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

Local and regional football is popular for both players and spectators, with community clubs and youth teams active in the area.

Skiing and Snow Sports

Winter sports are popular in nearby resorts like Ovindoli and Campo Felice, drawing locals and visitors for skiing and snowboarding.

Cycling and Trail Running

The flat Fucino plain and the surrounding mountains attract road cyclists and trail runners seeking varied terrain and scenic routes.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Avezzano itself is usually light and streets are easy to navigate; peak congestion can occur during commuter hours or festival events. Regional public transport includes regional trains and buses linking Avezzano with L'Aquila, Rome and Pescara — schedules may be limited in evenings and on Sundays, so check timetables. A car is convenient for exploring rural and mountain areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Avezzano.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but sometimes limited; order pasta with tomato or vegetable sauces, cheese plates, and salads. Point out dietary needs clearly—many kitchens can adapt dishes if asked.

Vegan

Vegan choices are less common in traditional eateries but found in some cafés and modern restaurants; bring snacks and check menus in advance, or rely on markets for fresh produce.

Gluten-free

Awareness of celiac needs has grown in Italy; many restaurants can offer gluten-free pasta or dishes, but confirm cross-contamination policies if you have severe allergies.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services, pharmacies and general practitioners are available in Avezzano. There is a local hospital and emergency care for common issues; for specialized treatment or major emergencies, larger hospitals in L'Aquila or Pescara can be reached by road. Carry travel insurance and know the numbers for local emergency services.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide