The tiny antique church in Tossicia of S. Antonio Abate may be small but it is like stumbling upon a chest of hidden treasure when you visit. Its beauty lies in having one of the finest examples of a romanesque portal which once you begin photographing you just can’t stop

Picturesquely located on the outskirts of Isola del Gran Sasso, Ristorante San Giovanni di Fieni Luca sits next to the hill-top romanesque abbey San Giovanni ad Insulam, in part at least dating back to the 11th century

Agriturismo Gran Sasso is a cheery agriturismo that has all the trappings you expect from an Italian family eatery in Abruzzo. Its bright yellow tablecloths and the option to dine al fresco in its intimate wooden pagoda like structure away from the sun is fabulous in the summer if like us you like to enjoy the warmth

Agriturismo Collecera is a fantastic agriturismo for those looking for a full food and lodging service in Abruzzo that is both near to Pescara and the olive groves of Loreta Aprutino. A short[ish] side-road led us to a very pleasant and tranquil group of white buildings, one the main house, 3 terraced guest lodges and the last

Agriturismo Viola in greater Tossicia is our nearest food-serving agriturismo. It is approximately 4km away, a 5-minute drive or, if you are interested in building up an appetite, a 2-hour walk each way (max, for those that like to dawdle, bearing in mind partly uphill). For those that love impressive sunsets, this road provides the best setting and light for panoramic photograph opportunities

Agriturismo Vaccari is the first Abruzzo agriturismo that we ever ate in, and it’s been our favourite ever since for its friendliness, quality of food and the price. It’s located in the Gran Sasso Mountains, just outside Isola san Grasso with stunning views of the Corno Grande particularly in the Autumn

We have now eaten at Ristorante Da Luisetta, Colledoro (just outside Castelli) several times, each time deliciso, the only problem being the vast quantity. If you are going to go and we do recommend on the quality of the food, do so on the lighter Friday option when Sig Luisetta serves only his beloved Baccala

Christmas Eve Menus (La Vigilia di Natale) at home & restaurants in Abruzzo do uphold the religious aspect of Christmas with the focus being fish, fish and more fish, likewise Italian culture consists of upholding ‘fare bella figura’ - keeping up appearances and making the right impression with dress, bearing and attitude.

A wonderful restaurant that we found unprompted & by chance was Osteria degli Ulivi, hidden in the hills just above Montorio al Vomano on the road to Isola San Grasso. It is seemingly ran single-handedly by the charming Signor Enzo Bernabe who takes the time & effort to explain each perfectly presented course with the same apparent precision & care that he had put into its