Abruzzo is a unique region for its geographical
characteristics: it looks out over the Adriatic Coast and at the same time, at
only 60km from its beaches, the highest peaks of the Apennine Mountains (Gran
Sasso d'Italia and Maiella Mountains) can admired It is also known as "the
green heart" of Europe for the extensive presence of parks, reserves and protected
areas. In fact, the region hosts three National Parks, a Regional Park
and thirty-eight regional and state oases and reserves. Protected areas
encompass a total of 30% of the entire regional territory. Abruzzo is made up
of four provinces - Chieti, Pescara,
Teramo and L'Aquila
- the latter being also the region's capital.