15 Reasons Why Living in Abruzzo, Italy Makes Me Smile!

“Happiness: a state of emotional well-being that a person experiences as a positive evaluation of one’s life.” as defined by Webster’s dictionary.

I bought my house here in Abruzzo in the winter of 2013. Since then, I’ve lived here on and off (coming back and forth from the Middle East where I taught school). Two years ago, after marrying the love of my life, who is from a local village, I settled in permanently. I love it here.

A highlight of my life is welcoming guests to our B&B and being able to learn and live in our small community of Roccacasale. Yes, of course it’s not perfect, but that’s not what I’m striving for. I have lived outside my home country of the United States for the past 32 years. Though I love my home country (which I visit every year) I also love meeting new people and experiencing other cultures.
When it came time to settle in one place (retire from teaching internationally), I choose Italy. I feel comfortable here.

I often reflect on my current situation, and I came up with 15 reasons why Abruzzo, Italy makes me smile, here they are:

1. The Sea – The Adriatic Sea lies on Abruzzo’s eastern coast. It is stunning. It’s not commercialized like many other coastlines around the world. You can find the famous “Trabocchi” (stilt structures which were an early form of putting a fishing net into the sea – no longer used for fishing. They remain in a form of architecture ingrained in fishing communities along Italy’s Adriatic coast) or a small seafood restaurant hidden away.

2. The Mountains – I’ve always dreamed of living in the mountains. Abruzzo’s mountains are clean, fresh and full of life. Hiking, biking and canoeing are everyday events.

3. Spectacular Views – It doesn’t matter which way you look, north, south, east or west, there are amazing views. Of course, I found the best one of all right outside my door right here in Roccacasale.

4. Farm to Table Food – The nourishment is amazingly fresh right from the earth. We have a wonderful garden full of all the fruits and vegetables we need. And yes, we have an olive grove that we harvest each year in the Fall.

5. The Pasta – made by hand. Every restaurant here serves it.

​6. The Festivals – especially the summer “sagras” are full of people, food and music. Always a good time.

7. Wineries – if you like wine, which I do, Abruzzo has the finest; Pecorino, Trebbiano and Montepulciano D’Abruzzo... award winning wines!

8. Olive Oil – extra virgin, extra fresh, extra delicious! NOTHING compares to ‘freshly pressed’

9. Friendly People – no matter where you go you will always be greeted with a happy “Buon Giorno”.

10. Medieval Villages – everywhere! Sadly many of them are dying out in this region but many of the local ‘mayors’ are trying hard to bring them back to life.

11. Fresh Spring Water and Clean Air – Free refreshing water from mountain springs. Air that is clear and crisp. No need for bottled water here.

12. Castles – I think I heard that there are over 900 castles in the region of Abruzzo. I’m determined to see them all.

13. Abruzzo’s Connection to the Past – this region has an amazing past that the locals boast about.

14. Four Seasons – having lived in the Middle East for over 20 years, being back to having four seasons makes life interesting.

15. Cost of Living – it’s not expensive here, what can I say that makes me smile!
It’s a simple life , and I love it!
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Come visit us here in Abruzzo, we’ll be happy to show you around … you may just want to stay – like I did!