Craving a rustic Italian lifestyle surrounded by stunning mountain scenery but without the prices and crowds of the Alps? Cue affordable Abruzzo homes. It’s Italy’s sparsely populated green region, with a wild and rural interior. Wowed by a recent trip there, our roving editor Richard Way shares his key insights on Abruzzo’s affordable home locations.
Road signs warning you to be vigilant of wandering bears quickly confirm Abruzzo’s mountainous interior as one of Europe’s few remaining wildernesses. Considered the centrepiece of Italy’s Apennine Mountains and home to the highest peaks along the 1,200-km range, nearly half of the region is protected as a national park or nature reserve. That’s more than any other administrative region on the continent.
In the shadow of its towering massifs, medieval stone villages sit atop wooded peaks or in lush valleys carpeted in a patchwork of olive groves and vineyards (this is Montepulciano wine territory).
It’s in these communities that the more adventurous British, American and other foreign settlers can snap up village homes and apartments for a snip of the price of other Italian regions.
But why buy property in Abruzzo? These are traditional communities where English is barely spoken, with a slow-paced lifestyle that’s both healthy and affordable. It has easy access to rolling hills, mountains, lakes and beautiful forests, with all the outdoor activities that come with them, including hiking, climbing and skiing.
On the road in affordable Abruzzo, images by Richard Way
Abruzzo’s easy access
Abruzzo’s mountain wilderness is the amalgamation of its three national parks. The first is Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. Then you have the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park and finally the Maiella (Majella) National Park. Not forgetting the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. Together they span large sections of the region’s four provinces, namely L’Aquila, Pescara, Teramo and Chieti.
Reaching the heart of the parks is surprisingly easy, thanks to motorways that even in high season are not busy. A centrally located town such as Sulmona, which is within Maiella National Park, is only around an hour from Abruzzo Airport in the city of Pescara on Italy’s Adriatic coast. Or in the other direction, Rome’s Ciampino Airport and larger Fiumicino Airport are 1 hour 45 mins around 2 hours 15 mins away respectively.
Wildlife wonders
Few countries in Europe have wild bear populations. But thanks to Abruzzo, Italy is one of them. There are an estimated 50 Marsican bears roaming the national parks and they’ve become an emblem for the region.
In recent years, they’ve known to wander into villages in and around the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The guide on our rafting trip had videos of them in her local village around Scontrone. Just to make an amble in the woods even more exciting, Abruzzo’s wilderness is also home to wild wolf, lynx, boar and eagles.
So can you feel safe taking your beloved pooch for a walk in the woods? Yes, the bears will be more frightened of you and them, but keep your dog on a lead if there are bears around.
Affordable Abruzzo homes
Compared to Italy’s internationally renowned hot spots, like Tuscany, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast and increasingly fashionable Puglia, buyers seeking a traditional property with a small price tag are spoilt for choice here.
Abruzzo qualifies for Italy’s special tax scheme which allows retirees from abroad to pay a flat 7% tax on overseas income and pensions
Geographically it is central Italy, but in terms of culture, economy and history Abruzzo is considered a southern region, which are historically poorer than the northern regions and which has helped keep values and demand low. It also means Abruzzo qualifies for Italy’s special tax scheme which applies only in southern regions and entitles pensioners arriving from abroad who move to small communities to pay a flat 7% tax on overseas income and pensions.
Check out some affordable property for sale in Abruzzo.
Like much of Italy, many of Abruzzo’s inland villages are affected by depopulation and abandoned properties. Local councils are keen to attract people back to them, with some like Penne or Pratola Peligna offering old houses in need of restoration for sale for one euro, within schemes that require the new owner to complete a restoration.
More generally, old village homes can be purchased for less than €50,000. Stretching your budget towards the €100,000 mark or a little more will mean more choice and a better condition property. Here are some my pick of villages and towns within Abruzzo’s mountain wilderness.
5 recommended locations to buy in Abruzzo
Sulmona – a lively and historic hub
Anyone looking for affordable Abruzzo homes could base themselves in historic Sulmona. It sits a plain close to the Maiella massif and is a fortified town where narrow shady streets lead to its beating heart, the Piazza Garibalidi. This huge square with a fountain in the middle is lined with majestic Baroque buildings and at one end is crossed by a medieval aqueduct.
The perfect place to hang out with a gelato or sit and enjoy an espresso, it’s used for the town’s twice weekly market and festivals throughout the year. Newer suburbs outside the old walls are home to modern low blocks of flats that are walkable to the centre.
Well amenitised and with excellent restaurants, it’s suitable for year-round living with schools, a hospital and sports centre with outdoor pool open during the summer.
Sulmona, famous for almond ‘confetti’ and being the birthplace of Roman poet Ovid, is ideally placed for quick access to the Abruzzo and Maiella national parks and Sirente-Velino regional park. Within five minutes of leaving the town limits, you can be winding around mountain roads.
Typical prices range from €50,000-€100,000 for a small apartment, €90,000-€150,000 for larger, more modern apartments and from €180,000 for modern villa or house.
Pacentro – a scenic village surrounded by nature
A scenic 10-15 minute drive out of Sulmona and up into the foothills of the Maiella National Park takes you to Pacentro. Ranked as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages in the annual “Borgo dei Borghi” contest, its wiggly maze of streets, old town houses and stone churches is crowned by a medieval castle.
Pacentro in the snow – a more affordable ski home in Abruzzo
It’s known for its abundant spring water and has links to one of the world’s most famous pop icons – Madonna’s paternal grandparents hail from there. There were of signs of regeneration with a number of the houses undergoing restoration.
Its location allows you to enjoy an authentic mountain village lifestyle with the convenience of Sulmona’s amenities being an easy drive away. Just beware the snowy roads in the winter. There are apartments and character homes in varying conditions from under €100,000.
Scanno – a picturesque village with lake
Another one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, Scanno’s position at the end of the Sagittarius Gorge, surrounded by forested peaks and above a lake adds to its magic. It’s a hub for trekking in the surrounding mountains and is also an area known for bear sightings. The lake – shaped in a heart – has small beaches for swimming and amenities around it.
The nearest town is Sulmona around 45 minutes’ drive. Older stone character homes range from €50,000 to €150,000. Larger, more modern houses and apartments with views go from €150,000 to €280,000.
Scanno, by the lake
Barrea – secret lake resort!
An undiscovered gem tucked away in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, Barrea is a medieval town situated on a spur on the edge of the stunning Lake Barrea.
The town’s elevated position mean that at the end of its labyrinthine stone streets and squares you’re treated to viewpoints overlooking the lake below.
The (man-made) lake puts nature first – it attracts plenty of wildlife, but swimming is allowed and there is a beach with sunbeds and pedalos. It’s another great hub for excursions into the surrounding mountains. Typical price range from €80,000-€150,000, but more for larger homes with the best views.
Pescocostanzo – a ‘chocolate box’ ski village
In the winter month’s this majestic stone village becomes one of Abruzzo’s key ski resorts, along with nearby Roccaraso. It’s within the Maiella National Park and has a number of high peaks on its doorstep, so is an equally fun place to be without the snow.
Officially another of Italy’s most beautiful villages – the castle, preserved stone buildings and famous metalwork artisans add to its charm. Lots of well equipped apartments in the €150,000-€250,000 range here, appealing to the ski market.
