We spent two weeks here in August, and hardly met any other non-Italian tourists. Except for the seaside you don't get the usual high summer crowds in this region, which makes for a very relaxing, authentic experience of this beautiful part of Italy. The views from Tom and Pat's lovely cottage are so magnificent, it's hard to tear yourself away from them. We spent the first days just taking in the sight of the delightful hills, the majestic Gran Sasso and the Maiella and the calming sound of the crickets from the very pretty patio by the pool. The pool is set beautifully into the plot, is regularly cleaned and felt like pure luxury to us. It is absolutely private, and a perfect spot to hang out and daydream for days on end. It's also quite a good spot for birdwatching - we spotted and heard some Golden Orioles, Bee-Eaters, Falcons, Buzzards, Hoopoes and others we don't even know.
But there are also many fascinating places to see: we especially liked Sulmona, Castel del Monte, Atri with its Monday market, Elice and Pescocostanzo in the Maiella. The walks in the Gran Sasso are a real treat if you like solitary and slightly adventurous hikes - a fantastic experience and not nearly as crowded with walkers as the Alps (if you don't stay too close to the Rifugio del Campo Imperatore). Mostly, you don't meet a single person all day, except for shepherds. Even in August, there were lots of beautiful wild flowers and dozens of butterflies. The Campo itself and the walks around it are an experience not to be missed in our view. You get there from the cottage in only over an hour by car.
Tom and Pat are lovely hosts who made us feel very welcome in every possible way. We were always delighted to have a little chat with them and were very grateful for their tips, for example a remarkable medieval festival at Elice.
