The summer solstice marks the beginning of the hottest and brightest season of the year, a perfect time to explore Abruzzo’s landscapes. If you are looking for a weekend that combines sports, immersion in unspoiled nature, cultural richness, ancient traditions with a focus on sustainability, the A24 and A25 highways will be your preferred gateway to an unforgettable experience. This weekend offers a calendar full of events not to be missed.
A Musical Beginning: L’Aquila and Fossacesia celebrate Music
The weekend opens with the notes of Music Day 2025, a widespread event that enlivens squares and iconic venues throughout Italy.
In L’Aquila, the Music Festival Preview will be held as early as Friday, June 20, with a special concert in the evocative MUNDA (National Museum of Abruzzo) Hall. A unique opportunity to immerse oneself in L’Aquila’s art and history, enriched by the magic of music.
Moving to the coast, Fossacesia also celebrates the Music Festival tomorrow (Friday, June 20) at the Teatro degli Ulivi. An opportunity to experience an evening of different musical expressions in a picturesque setting, just a few steps from the sea.
Romantic Night in Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages: Magic and Tradition
The heart of the summer solstice, Saturday, June 21, will be lit up with “Romantic Night in Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages.” Several Abruzzo villages, nestled between mountains and valleys, will dress up with events, performances, candlelight dinners and food and wine tours, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the authentic beauty of these jewels while supporting small communities and their traditions.
A total of 15 municipalities in Abruzzo have joined the initiative. In the province of L’Aquila there are Bugnara, Castel del Monte, Navelli, Pacentro, Santo Stefano di Sessanio and Scanno; Abbateggio, Caramanico Terme, Città Sant’Angelo and Penne for the Pescara area; Casoli, Crecchio, Guardiagrele and Rocca San Giovanni for the Chieti province; and Campli for the Teramo part.
Other initiatives that will involve some of the most beautiful Villages include:
Pescasseroli: In addition to being one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, Pescasseroli, the beating heart of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, also hosts the “ARTEPARCO” event with Velasco Vitali. Contemporary art blends with the pristine nature of the park, offering a unique cultural and landscape experience. Pescasseroli is an example of sustainable tourism, where respect for the environment is a priority.
Exit A25: Pescina, then continue on SR83 towards Pescasseroli.
Calascio: Another Borgo più Bello d’Italia offering breathtaking views, dominated by the Rocca di Calascio fortress. On Saturday, June 21, Calascio will host the presentation of the book “Tholos Tholoi,” an event that combines history, architecture and local culture. An immersion in the past and pastoral traditions of Abruzzo, with a look at sustainability and heritage recovery.
Exit A24: L’Aquila Est, then continue on the SS17 towards Barisciano/Santo Stefano di Sessanio/Calascio.
Palmoli: In the heart of the province of Chieti, Palmoli offers a rich program of events for the weekend of June 21-22, 2025. An opportunity to experience local traditions, discover handicrafts and taste the authentic flavors of the area.
A14 exit: Vasto Nord or Vasto Sud, then continue inland towards Palmoli. (For those arriving from A24/A25, take A25 to Pescara/Chieti, then A14 south).
Sports and Nature: between granfondo and trekking on the Maiella
For lovers of sports and outdoor activities, the solstice weekend offers several opportunities to challenge themselves and enjoy the natural beauty of Abruzzo.
Bucchianico: Cycling enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Granfondo San Camillo De Lellis in Bucchianico. A challenging route through breathtaking landscapes, testing endurance and offering unique views. An event that celebrates sport in a context of respect for the area.
A25 exit: Chieti (then continue toward Bucchianico) or Pescara Ovest-Chieti (for those arriving from A24/A25).
Pretoro: On Saturday, June 21, the Pagnotto Country Club in Pretoro hosts an event that combines nature and fun. Pretoro, eastern gateway to the Maiella, is the ideal starting point for hiking and walking. An opportunity to experience the mountains in an authentic way, between sports activities and relaxation.
A25 exit: Chieti (then continue toward Guardiagrele/Pretoro) or the Manoppello highway exit and continue following the signs.
Montenerodomo: For those who want total immersion in nature and traditions, “Maiella Gatherers’ Week” in Montenerodomo (June 20-28) offers a unique experience. An opportunity to learn the ancient art of gathering wild herbs, discover the secrets of the mountains and rediscover a deep connection with the environment and its resources. An event that promotes sustainability and knowledge of the area.
A25 Exit: Pescara-Chieti (then continue in the direction of Guardiagrele/Lama dei Peligni/Montenerodomo); for those coming from Rome, it is recommended to exit at Pratola Peligna-Sulmona and continue on the Strada Statale following the signs for Montenerodomo.
The traditional Corpus Christi Florals: ephemeral art and devotion
We cannot forget the traditional Corpus Christi Infiorate, which, although it falls on the following Sunday (Sunday, June 22), is such an iconic event that it deserves special mention for those in the area. The streets of Chieti and Vasto are transformed into veritable flower carpets, ephemeral works of art made from flower petals. An explosion of colors and scents that testifies to the deep devotion and artistry of the communities. An unmissable cultural and visual experience that adds a touch of tradition to the Abruzzo weekend.
This summer solstice, Abruzzo awaits you with a varied offer that satisfies every desire: from the adrenaline rush of sports to the tranquility of nature, from the richness of culture to the authenticity of traditions. Every exit of our highways is an open door to a world of discoveries, always respecting the environment and local communities. Get ready to experience an unforgettable weekend, where the beauty of the area matches the energy of summer events. Safe travels and happy summer solstice!
