If you’re one of the lucky travelers holding a DiscoverEU Interrail Pass, you probably already dream about all the amazing places you can visit across Europe. But here’s a secret most people don’t know yet — there’s a part of Italy that remains beautifully untouched by mass tourism, waiting to surprise those who dare to go off the beaten path.

Welcome to Abruzzo, a region where the mountains meet the sea, and every small village tells a story.

And here’s something even better: if you’ve found this article, you can enjoy a 20% discount on selected experiences and stays in Abruzzo — just for reading! Keep reading to discover how.

🌍 Why Choose Abruzzo for Your DiscoverEU Journey?

Italy is one of the most popular countries among DiscoverEU interrailers, but while cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice are often packed, Abruzzo offers a completely different rhythm — slower, more authentic, and full of surprises.

Located just two hours from Rome, Abruzzo is the kind of place where you can hike in the mountains in the morning and swim in the Adriatic Sea in the afternoon. It’s one of the few regions in Europe where you can experience such contrast without traveling hundreds of kilometers.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or a curious traveler eager to meet locals, Abruzzo will make your DiscoverEU trip unforgettable.

🚆 Easy to Reach with Your Interrail Pass

Reaching Abruzzo with your DiscoverEU travel pass is easier than you think. From Bologna or Milan, you can take a high speed train to Pescara or from Rome, you can hop on a regional train heading to Pescara, the lively coastal city that serves as the gateway to the region. If you prefer the mountains, you can take another route to L’Aquila or Sulmona, two fascinating cities full of history, energy, and mountain views. Whichever direction you choose, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure. As the train winds through valleys, tunnels, and villages, you’ll feel that special sense of freedom that only rail travel can bring.

🏔️ Explore Nature and Culture

Abruzzo is often called “the green heart of Europe”, and once you arrive, you’ll see why.
More than one-third of its land is covered by national parks and nature reserves, which means endless possibilities for hiking, cycling, or simply breathing in the fresh mountain air.

• Gran Sasso National Park: A paradise for adventurers. You can climb Italy’s highest peak south of the Alps, or just enjoy the peaceful trails filled with wildflowers and panoramic views.
• Majella National Park: Known for its caves and ancient hermitages, this area is perfect if you want to feel history and spirituality merge with nature.
• Trabocchi Coast: When you’re ready for the sea, travel east and discover this unique coastline, where old wooden fishing platforms — called trabocchi — now serve as charming restaurants overlooking the Adriatic.

🍝 Live the Local Experience

Traveling with DiscoverEU is about more than seeing places — it’s about connecting with people and cultures.
In Abruzzo, locals are warm, proud, and always ready to share a story, a glass of wine, or a plate of something delicious.

You can join a cooking class and learn how to make pasta alla chitarra, or taste Arrosticini, the region’s famous lamb skewers grilled outdoors. Small local festivals, often organized in the summer months, are the perfect place to meet other travelers and feel part of the community.

💡 Special Offer for DiscoverEU Travelers:

If you book your stay or activity through our customer service, you’ll get a 20% discount on cultural tours, local stays, and outdoor experiences created especially for young travelers. Contact us and enjoy more, for less!

🧭 An Alternative Route for Curious Travelers

Abruzzo isn’t just another stop on your itinerary — it’s a feeling. It’s that sense of discovering something real, a place that still belongs to the people who live there. If you’ve already seen Europe’s big capitals and want a more genuine, human experience, this is the place to go. Here, you’ll find affordable accommodation, welcoming hosts, and a slower pace that makes every moment count.

🚉 Plan Your DiscoverEU Itinerary Today

So, when you plan your DiscoverEU Interrail route, don’t just follow the crowd — follow your curiosity. Read some of our inspirational activities you can do.

Let the train take you to Abruzzo, where you’ll find dramatic landscapes, ancient traditions, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel instantly at home.