Remote Abruzzo and Molise

The climate of the Abruzzo region is typically Mediterranean near the coast, where the land levels out. However, high up in the Apennines, which dominate the region with their snowy tops, there are very cold winters and hot summers. These high mountains have become popular for walking and skiing. The landscape in the hills and lower mountains is full of green meadows, sparkling rivers and lakes.

The difficult terrain and contrasting temperatures mean that farming is not easy. The hills allow for the cultivation of figs, carrots and grapes, while down on the plains, farmers can grow wheat, potatoes, beetroot and tobacco. Two rarer specialities of the Abruzzo region are liquorice and saffron, and shepherds tend sheep on the uneven grassy hillsides.