ABRUZZO and MOLISE

The Abruzzo, Molise and Puglia region runs along the north-eastern coastal section of southern Italy. Much of the region is wilderness, and includes the Apennine mountains to the north, and extensive plains and forests to the south, with a scattering of attractive towns and villages. The area also has popular and beautiful beaches and coastline. Arruzzo is in the north of the region, Molise roughly in the centre, and Puglia to the south.

In the north, Arruzzo has a mountain backdrop, nowhere more so than the region around the town of L'Aquila. The hill towns of Atri and Scanno are just two of the very beautiful towns in the region - other favourite towns include Sulmano and Lanciano.

The highlight of this northern region is the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo - a magnificent nature reserve of mountains and forests, lakes and rivers, and an abundance of wildlife.

In Molise, much flatter and more open than Abruzzo, the ruins at Lucera and the town of Troia (above all its cathedral) are interesting.

The scenery, beaches and villages of the coast around the Gargano are particular highlights. Visit also the islands off the coast of Molise at Isole Tremiti, accessed from the attractive resorts at Peschici and Vieste.

Continuing further into Puglia, the towns of Trani, Ruvo di Puglia and especially the important town of Bari are worth visiting, as is the castle inland at Castel del Monte.

Continue south into the 'heel' of Italy to discover the fascinating local architectural style of Alberobello, and the towns of Galatina and Otranto. Hill-towns to explore include beautiful Ostini. The main city is at Lecce, where there are lots of impressive 16th century buildings. There are some picturesque aspects also to Taranto, ancient city of the region to the south.