This is the lively, contemporary face of Abruzzo. The province is anchored by its capital, Pescara, the region’s largest city and a bustling port with a modern seafront promenade. While known for its vibrant beach culture, the province also stretches inland to the breathtaking landscapes of the Maiella National Park. It perfectly blends seaside leisure with access to wild, natural beauty.
Bussi sul Tirino
Bussi sul Tirino may not be a household name, but this quaint village is a hidden treasure best known for its crystal-clear waters, thanks to the Tirino River, one of the purest waterways in Italy. The star attraction here is Canoa Sul Tirino, where you can paddle along the river’s glassy surface, surrounded by lush greenery and the kind of tranquility that makes you forget the 21st century exists. It’s like nature’s version of a spa day—minus the cucumber slices. Even if you skip the canoe, as we did, the area offers a refreshing retreat from the summer heat, with its lush vegetation and shady trees providing the perfect backdrop for a leisurely stroll. Gigia, of course, had a grand time exploring every leaf and shadow, turning a simple walk into a full-blown feline expedition.
Bussi sul Tirino’s natural beauty makes it a worthwhile visit, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. And with Gigia adding her own brand of feline flair to the adventure, even the simplest moments felt a little more magical. Who needs a tour guide when you’ve got a cat who can turn a quiet riverside retreat into a regal exploration—and still look fabulous doing it?
Pescara (PE)
Throw away your travel brochures—the true stars of Pescara prowl the sunbaked streets of Spoltore, a hilltop jewel where time seems to slow just to admire the view. Perched above the Adriatic, this medieval village is a tapestry of cobbled alleyways, weathered stone archways, and hidden piazzas where the past whispers from every corner. The 12th-century Torrione watchtower stands guard like a grumpy old sentinel, while the Church of San Panfilo hides Renaissance treasures behind its unassuming facade—not that the local cats care. They’ve claimed these historic stones as their personal kingdom, draping themselves over ancient doorsteps like lazy, furry monarchs.
By day, Spoltore’s terraced olive groves and vineyards paint the hills in shades of silver and green, with the Maiella mountains looming in the distance like a painted backdrop. By night, the village transforms into a golden-lit stage for the cats’ al fresco dining scene—because even strays here dine with a view.
No need for acrobatics when you can rule through sheer attitude alone. One particularly skilled performer had Gigia—your well-travelled, usually unflappable cat—completely shook with nothing more than a perfectly executed “praying mantis” freeze-frame. (She’ll deny being impressed, of course. But we saw the tail twitch.)
These Spoltore cats don’t ask for treats—they issue decrees. One pleading look, one imperious paw lift, and you’ll find yourself emptying your pockets like a peasant paying tribute. Resistance is futile.
Then there was our Collecorvino B&B—less “bed and breakfast,” more “cat palace with complimentary humans.” Gigia, normally the reigning drama queen, met her match in the resident tom: a shaggy behemoth who clearly runs the local cat mafia. She gave him a wide berth (smart), snubbed the eager kitten underlings (typical), and by departure day had fully transitioned into a furry squatter, flopped across the bed like, “You can check out anytime you like, but I can never leave.”
Come for the seaside views and hilltop sunsets, stay for the feline power struggles and silent judgment. Just remember your place: you’re not a guest here. You’re staff.
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Sant'Eufemia a Maiella (PE)
On paper, Sant’Eufemia a Maiella is a town. In reality? It’s a living postcard of rural Italy, where four families keep the lights on and about three dozen regal stray cats oversee daily operations. Our quest for coffee here ended in failure (dear local officials: an espresso machine would work wonders), but we discovered something even better – the silent poetry of empty piazzas where felines hold court, and a restaurant serving lamb chops so tender even Gigia received a royal welcome from the chef.
Just up the winding road lies Roccacaramanico, Sant’Eufemia’s even quieter counterpart – a near-deserted medieval village where the only full-time residents appear to be an elite squad of silver-furred, kohl-eyed cats. These feline guardians lounge across ancient doorsteps and crumbling arches with the casual elegance of creatures who know they’re the true heirs to this stone-built kingdom.
The standoff was inevitable when a local cat began shadowing us:
Gigia (freezing mid-stride): “This human comes with me.”
Local Cat (Unyielding): “We’ll see about that.”
As the setting sun turned the Maiella peaks pink, we left these competing feline factions to their territorial negotiations. Sant’Eufemia may technically be a town, and Roccacaramanico its sleepy satellite, but both answer to a whiskered aristocracy that demands only two things: respect, and the occasional treat. #CatCulture #AbruzzoUntamed
Local Tip: Visit in late afternoon when the golden light transforms the stone walls into something magical – and the cats are most active (read: most likely to pose for photos in exchange for snacks).
