- Teramo has a fine cathedral and Roman ruins in its centre
- Civitella del Tronto is one of the largest fortresses in Italy
- The coast has long sandy beaches at Giulianova, Roseto and Alba Adriatica
- The northern side of the Gran Sasso is less than an hour from the sea
- Airports
- Pescara (PSR), Ancona (AOI)
- Best time to go
- June-September
- Type
- Province
Teramo is the northernmost provincial capital of Abruzzo, a modest city with a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, the remains of a Roman theatre and amphitheatre, and a strong food culture. It is rarely on foreign itineraries, which makes it a good base for an authentic trip.
The province is compact but varied: the northern slopes of the Gran Sasso and the Monti della Laga, hill towns such as Atri and Campli, and a string of family-friendly beach resorts along the Adriatic. See our Italy guide for the wider country.
Things to do
- Teramo Cathedral – home to a silver altar frontal by the goldsmith Nicola da Guardiagrele.
- Roman Teramo – the Roman theatre and amphitheatre ruins in the city centre.
- Civitella del Tronto – a huge Bourbon fortress on a ridge, which held out in a famous siege in 1860-61.
- Atri – a hill town with a cathedral full of frescoes and a nature reserve of eroded clay badlands (calanchi).
- Campli – known for its Scala Santa, a holy staircase.
- Prati di Tivo – a mountain resort on the north side of the Gran Sasso for summer walks and winter skiing.
- The beaches – Giulianova, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Alba Adriatica and Pineto, with sandy shores and pine woods.
- Local food – timballo (a layered dish of pancakes) and scrippelle 'mbusse, pancakes in broth.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Giulianova and Roseto | Family beach holidays with easy trains |
| Pineto | Pine woods and a protected marine area |
| Teramo | A city base between sea and mountains |
| Gran Sasso foothills | Walking and farm stays |
Getting there
Pescara airport is roughly 45 minutes away by car, and Ancona around 1 hour 30 minutes; check seasonal routes from the UK. The Adriatic railway serves the coastal resorts, with a branch line from Giulianova to Teramo. A car is best for the mountains and hill towns.
Best time to visit
June to September for the beaches; July and August are busiest. Spring and autumn are good for walking and visiting Civitella. The mountains have skiing in winter at Prati di Tivo.
On 1 May, families in Teramo cook "le virtù", a rich soup made with pulses, vegetables and pasta to mark the start of spring.
Top attractions in Teramo
LandmarkColosseum
Rome's great amphitheatre, where up to 50,000 spectators once watched gladiator fights, is the city's most iconic sight.
LandmarkFlorence Duomo
Florence's cathedral, crowned by Brunelleschi's record-breaking dome, is the symbol of the city, with the bell tower…
NatureMount Etna
Europe's tallest active volcano, with lava fields, craters and sweeping views over eastern Sicily.
NaturePath of the Gods
A spectacular cliff-top trail high above the Amalfi Coast, with views over Positano and out to Capri, that is free to…
LandmarkPompeii
The Roman town buried by Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii is the most complete ancient city in the world and an unforgettable…
ViewpointSeceda
A grassy ridge above Val Gardena that drops away in a dramatic wall of jagged peaks, reached by cable car from Ortisei.
Teramo on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Teramo near the sea?
Yes. Giulianova on the coast is roughly 30 minutes away by car.
Is Civitella del Tronto worth visiting?
Yes. The fortress is vast, the views are wide, and the village below is attractive.
Can you ski near Teramo?
Yes. Prati di Tivo on the Gran Sasso is roughly an hour from the city.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasWe research every guide carefully, but prices, opening times and timetables change. Check them shortly before you travel. Links to our booking partners are affiliate links.
