Guide to Abruzzo

Vasto is a gem of a place perched over the Adriatic Sea with a view which, on a good day, stretches to the the Gargano peninsular and the Tremiti Islands. It is a perfect base from where to discover the wonderful Trabocchi Coast towards Ortona or inland along the Sangro Valley as far as Villa Santa Maria. It owes its names to the Greek word for wool 'iston'. Originally called Histon, then Histonium, this ancient farming culture is still clearly reflected in the fine pecorino cheese, typical local dishes and even the traditional coats of the zampognari muscians. Vasto was also…

Caramanico is a great place to base yourself for discovering the Maiella National Park, the province of Chieti and the south Abruzzo coast. The nearby ski slopes at Lanciano are one of the few in the world where it is possible to have a 'white week' in full view of the sea. Time it right and you can combine an early beach holiday with the final runs of the season. The town is built on a hill top spur at the top of which is the medieval walled area housing the 15th century churches of S.Maria Maggiore, S.Tommaso and S.Domenico.

This recipe for spaghetti pasta with clams comes from the Province of Chieti in Abruzzo. It is simple to make and very tasty. We can vouch for this having enjoyed the dish by the beach in Vasto at Bagni Vittoria. The pasta was by Giuseppe Cocco, perhaps the best of all the dried pastas in Italy. ingredients 400g spaghetti, 1 kg clams, 2 cloves garlic, tin of tomatoes, 1 sprig of parsley, 1 red pepper, handful of basil leaves, olive oil.