Casa Di Carolina
Experiences + House Manual
Rising stars in the Italy food scene
This family-run, farm-to-table cheese seller and restaurant will make you feel like you have always been part of their family. Daughter Virginia exemplifies everything that is inherently good about Pacentro, and its future. Cheese, pasta, sugo making courses + family al fresco dinners by appointment only. We absolutely love this family, place and can't recommend it enough.
Alla casa vecchia
Vico I S. MarcoThis family-run, farm-to-table cheese seller and restaurant will make you feel like you have always been part of their family. Daughter Virginia exemplifies everything that is inherently good about Pacentro, and its future. Cheese, pasta, sugo making courses + family al fresco dinners by appointment only. We absolutely love this family, place and can't recommend it enough.
This relatively new Niko Romito Italian twist on a California diner in nearby Castel Di Sangro, offers exceptional pastries, breads, service and great design. Our picnic pit stop when heading to Lago di Barea
ALT Stazione del Gusto
This relatively new Niko Romito Italian twist on a California diner in nearby Castel Di Sangro, offers exceptional pastries, breads, service and great design. Our picnic pit stop when heading to Lago di Barea
Niko Romito is the Ottolenghi of Italy; this is a place for special occasions and artistic & culinary inspiration. He offers a hotel, a vineyard, a fixed menu, however be prepared to spend a small fortune. Well worth it; don't be surprised if you see a Napoli footballer or two.
Casadonna Reale
Contrada Piana Santa LiberataNiko Romito is the Ottolenghi of Italy; this is a place for special occasions and artistic & culinary inspiration. He offers a hotel, a vineyard, a fixed menu, however be prepared to spend a small fortune. Well worth it; don't be surprised if you see a Napoli footballer or two.
Viale Regina Elena 49, Rivisondoli, AQ. The original location of REALE (see REALE/Casadonna above), this now houses Niko Romito’s cooking academy where one is allowed to dine on the homework of aspiring, young Italian chefs.
SPAZIO RIVISONDOLI di Niko Romito Formazione
49 Viale Regina ElenaViale Regina Elena 49, Rivisondoli, AQ. The original location of REALE (see REALE/Casadonna above), this now houses Niko Romito’s cooking academy where one is allowed to dine on the homework of aspiring, young Italian chefs.
Pacentro Area Ristorante / Aperitivo
This is one of Italy's original slow food restaurants famous throughout the country. Carmine (founder) and Margharita (daughter) are the absolute consummate professionals and the food, wine is some of the best in the region. Very regal, old world, stylish interiors featuring a photo gallery of poet D'Annunzio's mistresses. There is also a large terrace dining area with epic views during warmer months.
13 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Taverna de li Caldora
Piazza Umberto I°This is one of Italy's original slow food restaurants famous throughout the country. Carmine (founder) and Margharita (daughter) are the absolute consummate professionals and the food, wine is some of the best in the region. Very regal, old world, stylish interiors featuring a photo gallery of poet D'Annunzio's mistresses. There is also a large terrace dining area with epic views during warmer months.
This is just down the road from Pacentro with a beautiful garden setting akin to Napa Valley. The antipasto is one of the most generous in all the region. Sit in Remu's section if you can, our favourite waiter and Pacentro native.
6 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Posta Pacentrana
This is just down the road from Pacentro with a beautiful garden setting akin to Napa Valley. The antipasto is one of the most generous in all the region. Sit in Remu's section if you can, our favourite waiter and Pacentro native.
This is a cozy, intimate setting with generous portions and pizzas. Our favourite pizza is "The Monica", if you are a fan of mushrooms.
8 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Ristorante Pizzeria Majella
146 Via Santa Maria MaggioreThis is a cozy, intimate setting with generous portions and pizzas. Our favourite pizza is "The Monica", if you are a fan of mushrooms.
The beating heart of Pacentro. Everyone loves Gigi! Great place for an aperativo with a cold, non-filtered Ichnusa, Aperol Spritz or Vermouth. It's also your office support centre away from home be it scans, FREE WIFI, bus tickets, photo copies, etc.
Bar Tabaccheria "GIGI"
17/15 Piazza del PopoloThe beating heart of Pacentro. Everyone loves Gigi! Great place for an aperativo with a cold, non-filtered Ichnusa, Aperol Spritz or Vermouth. It's also your office support centre away from home be it scans, FREE WIFI, bus tickets, photo copies, etc.
located at Piazza del Popolo 1, offering extremely generous calzones as well as good pizzas whether dining in or takeaway. A very popular summer spot for children/families to dine alfresco during the cooler evening breeze, when Piazza del Popolo’s social scene hits its peak. Opens at 7 pm.
Pizzeria La Fonte
1 Piazza del Popololocated at Piazza del Popolo 1, offering extremely generous calzones as well as good pizzas whether dining in or takeaway. A very popular summer spot for children/families to dine alfresco during the cooler evening breeze, when Piazza del Popolo’s social scene hits its peak. Opens at 7 pm.
This relatively new patisserie in Pacentro is your go-to place for croissants, cakes, cookies, mille foglio, late night sandwiches, beer, tea and coffee. It's absolutely delicious and our weakness when in Pacentro. Highly recommend.
La Dolce Bottega
This relatively new patisserie in Pacentro is your go-to place for croissants, cakes, cookies, mille foglio, late night sandwiches, beer, tea and coffee. It's absolutely delicious and our weakness when in Pacentro. Highly recommend.
For intrepid hikers, it is possible to trek via the Q1, Q2 Majella trail system from our house to the postcard village of Roccacaramanico. It's a medium-ability hike which takes roughly 4-5 hours. Mind the sheep herds. Once in Roccacaramanico, this is a restaurant with Copella-like tables nested under piazza shade trees. Reservations are encouraged on weekends.
Maiella in Tavola
For intrepid hikers, it is possible to trek via the Q1, Q2 Majella trail system from our house to the postcard village of Roccacaramanico. It's a medium-ability hike which takes roughly 4-5 hours. Mind the sheep herds. Once in Roccacaramanico, this is a restaurant with Copella-like tables nested under piazza shade trees. Reservations are encouraged on weekends.
This idyllic mountain setting, dining al fresco next to a roaring water fountain, is not to be missed. The sister cook of Taverna Caldora, you won't leave hungry and eating amongst the mountain forest is an experience like no other.
Fonte Romana Bar Ristorante
Via CaramanicoThis idyllic mountain setting, dining al fresco next to a roaring water fountain, is not to be missed. The sister cook of Taverna Caldora, you won't leave hungry and eating amongst the mountain forest is an experience like no other.
This is your local cheese store but so much more. It offers by-appointment-only al fresco family dining tables, pasta and cheese-making classes, with the kindest, most gentle family you will ever meet and never forget. Featured on the BBC, this is one to watch and more importantly one to experience. Just a stone throw away from the Bella Vista bar!
Alla casa vecchia
Vico I S. MarcoThis is your local cheese store but so much more. It offers by-appointment-only al fresco family dining tables, pasta and cheese-making classes, with the kindest, most gentle family you will ever meet and never forget. Featured on the BBC, this is one to watch and more importantly one to experience. Just a stone throw away from the Bella Vista bar!
This “Under My Tuscan Sun” stone villa, with a large outdoor dining area/garden, will tick all fantasies of the quintessential Italian dining “al fresco” experience. Be sure to look down the old well in reception. Available for large events, weddings. See their website for all contact details.
Ristorante Frangio Al Casale
This “Under My Tuscan Sun” stone villa, with a large outdoor dining area/garden, will tick all fantasies of the quintessential Italian dining “al fresco” experience. Be sure to look down the old well in reception. Available for large events, weddings. See their website for all contact details.
This restaurant is part of an important network of emerging businesses dedicated to sourcing fresh ingredients from inside the National park whilst working to develop/promote local park biodiversity.
La Scarpetta di Venere
3/a Via Vecchia della StazioneThis restaurant is part of an important network of emerging businesses dedicated to sourcing fresh ingredients from inside the National park whilst working to develop/promote local park biodiversity.
Vineyards / Wine Tastings / Grape Varieties
For the best selection of high quality local beer, wines, vermouths , and knowledgable wine tastings speak to proprietor Massimo. Sulmona-based. He speaks English and is passionate about all things wine/beer.
Altrobere S.A.S. Di Giardini F.
10 Viale Sant'AntonioFor the best selection of high quality local beer, wines, vermouths , and knowledgable wine tastings speak to proprietor Massimo. Sulmona-based. He speaks English and is passionate about all things wine/beer.
Praesidium Vini
24 Via Nazzareno GiovannucciIn our opinion the best local Montepulciano d'Abruzzo there is.
Run by Alice, this is another delicious Montepulciano d'Abruzzo amongst other varieties, offering generous and knowledgeable wine tastings for <20 euros. Driving there from Pacentro feels like driving through Napa Valley.
Casa Vinicola Italo Pietrantonj Sas
38 Via S. SebastianoRun by Alice, this is another delicious Montepulciano d'Abruzzo amongst other varieties, offering generous and knowledgeable wine tastings for <20 euros. Driving there from Pacentro feels like driving through Napa Valley.
Margiotta is the closest winery to the house and offers good value wines, a great vineyard tour and generous wine tasting. Their award-winning Cerasuolo is one of our favourite rose wines.
Cantina Margiotta
snc Strada Provinciale CorfinienseMargiotta is the closest winery to the house and offers good value wines, a great vineyard tour and generous wine tasting. Their award-winning Cerasuolo is one of our favourite rose wines.
A notable vine twig appears on every label, this is a regional winery with more international distribution than some of the others previously listed.
Azienda Agricola Ciccio Zaccagnini LTD
4 Contrada PozzoA notable vine twig appears on every label, this is a regional winery with more international distribution than some of the others previously listed.
Sightseeing / Adventuring
Open daily from May to Sept, Pacentro's castle (people-owned, funded) can be toured by giving a small "upkeep" donation in coins. If visiting outside high season, bespoke appointments can be arranged via the local comune office. Make sure you climb the tower for best photo moments.
7 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Castle Cantelmo-Caldora
Largo del CastelloOpen daily from May to Sept, Pacentro's castle (people-owned, funded) can be toured by giving a small "upkeep" donation in coins. If visiting outside high season, bespoke appointments can be arranged via the local comune office. Make sure you climb the tower for best photo moments.
Rome’s Sapienza University maintains a wildlife & biodiversity research/rescue centre near Popoli (20 mins drive) open to the public by appointment. Its primary focus is on wolf regeneration, however, other national park rescued animals can be observed.
Centro Visita del Lupo
Località ImpianezzaRome’s Sapienza University maintains a wildlife & biodiversity research/rescue centre near Popoli (20 mins drive) open to the public by appointment. Its primary focus is on wolf regeneration, however, other national park rescued animals can be observed.
For thrill seekers Pacentro now boasts one of the longest zip-line adventures in Europe and the excitement takes place just behind our house. To book your tickets, complimentary van service, head down to central square Piazza del Popolo, the ticket office is well marked.
Zipline Majella
numero 13 Piazza del PopoloFor thrill seekers Pacentro now boasts one of the longest zip-line adventures in Europe and the excitement takes place just behind our house. To book your tickets, complimentary van service, head down to central square Piazza del Popolo, the ticket office is well marked.
Roadie and amateur cyclists take note of this railway conversion to a coastal bike trail. The 1300km-long trail extends from Venice to Bari, covering 7 regions of Italy; crescendos along the Abruzzo coastline near our house.
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Vokietija
Roadie and amateur cyclists take note of this railway conversion to a coastal bike trail. The 1300km-long trail extends from Venice to Bari, covering 7 regions of Italy; crescendos along the Abruzzo coastline near our house.
This is your go-to outfitters for all things adventure near Pacentro whether Tirino river adventures, group trekking, walking, bike touring, forest bathing, everything to do with embracing nature.
12 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Il Bosso
7 Via CapodacquaThis is your go-to outfitters for all things adventure near Pacentro whether Tirino river adventures, group trekking, walking, bike touring, forest bathing, everything to do with embracing nature.
Another go-to-outfitter near Pacentro is Majellando where you can book guided Vespa tours, river adventures, trekking, walking, cycling again all things to do with adventure in nature.
Majellando
18 Via Angelo de GregorioAnother go-to-outfitter near Pacentro is Majellando where you can book guided Vespa tours, river adventures, trekking, walking, cycling again all things to do with adventure in nature.
Truffle hunting adventures for small and large groups. Contact Lisa Stokes to organise. Truffle syndicates available to buy!
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Vokietija
Truffle hunting adventures for small and large groups. Contact Lisa Stokes to organise. Truffle syndicates available to buy!
Another adventure outfitter nearer to the Roccaraso ski area based in central Castel Di Sangro. Very communicative (esp. Katjana), you'll quickly become part of their family, passionate society of hikers/adventurers. An active WA ground using any excuse/occasion for a trekking meet up.
Centro Prenotazioni Escursioni INFOPOINT DEL PNALM Natural..Mente Trekking
Another adventure outfitter nearer to the Roccaraso ski area based in central Castel Di Sangro. Very communicative (esp. Katjana), you'll quickly become part of their family, passionate society of hikers/adventurers. An active WA ground using any excuse/occasion for a trekking meet up.
This is one of our favourite hikes we often combine with a visit/stay at Sextantio. The castle restoration has been exquisitely done and worth the effort to get there where you'll experience epic 360 mountain views. Highly recommend.
126 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Rokos Kalasčijas
This is one of our favourite hikes we often combine with a visit/stay at Sextantio. The castle restoration has been exquisitely done and worth the effort to get there where you'll experience epic 360 mountain views. Highly recommend.
Pools / Tennis / Water Parks
A lovely, 25m local pool (indoor and outdoor) just down the mountain from the house in Sulmona available for public use. Dressing gowns, cuffia's, sliders or flip flops required. Very clean.
Centro Sportivo Sulmona
A lovely, 25m local pool (indoor and outdoor) just down the mountain from the house in Sulmona available for public use. Dressing gowns, cuffia's, sliders or flip flops required. Very clean.
For racquet, padel + other sports (eg basketball), there is a tennis club just down the mountain from Pacentro. Same club compound where you'll find the 25m indoor and outdoor pools.
Tennis e Padel Club Sulmona
For racquet, padel + other sports (eg basketball), there is a tennis club just down the mountain from Pacentro. Same club compound where you'll find the 25m indoor and outdoor pools.
A great place for young children, very local with restaurant, sun loungers, English-speaking + classic 80's rock music. Exceptionally clean/hygienic. Cuffia (swim caps) are mandatory.
Acquagarden S.N.C. - Water park
A great place for young children, very local with restaurant, sun loungers, English-speaking + classic 80's rock music. Exceptionally clean/hygienic. Cuffia (swim caps) are mandatory.
Fashion / Beauty / Spa
Wishing a luxury spa + well-being saunas/steams, facials, massage, visit Castel Di Sangro’s Sport Village Hotel & Spa.
Sport Village Hotel & Spa
Wishing a luxury spa + well-being saunas/steams, facials, massage, visit Castel Di Sangro’s Sport Village Hotel & Spa.
OROPEDIUM LUXURY SPA is located inside Hotel 5 Miglia, Rivisondoli approximately 25 mins from our house featuring a large sauna, steam, salt room, hot/cold whirlpools, massages, facials and other well-being classes. The Spa is open to the public.
Hotel 5 Miglia
OROPEDIUM LUXURY SPA is located inside Hotel 5 Miglia, Rivisondoli approximately 25 mins from our house featuring a large sauna, steam, salt room, hot/cold whirlpools, massages, facials and other well-being classes. The Spa is open to the public.
Whilst we have not personally experienced this spa, it comes highly recommended by locals as a very high quality spa experience. Rivisondoli is only a 30 minute drive.
Aqua Montis Resort & Spa
snc Via DifesaWhilst we have not personally experienced this spa, it comes highly recommended by locals as a very high quality spa experience. Rivisondoli is only a 30 minute drive.
Snow Sports / Ski / Snowboard /Snow shoe
Approximately 40 minutes from the house is Italy's 5th largest ski area - ALTO SANGRO - where there's generally snow coverage between 1 Jan thru April, season depending. If you head towards Roccaraso, there's all types of ski equipment rentals, ski sport shops, ski schools, and no shortage of Apres Ski options whether Roccaraso, Castel Di Sangro, Rivisindoli or our favourite, Pescocostanzo. Lift tickets are only 40 euros and ski equipment packages start around 20-25 euros daily depending on level.
6 vietiniai rekomenduoja
Roccaraso Ski Pass AltoSangro Siafas
Via RomaApproximately 40 minutes from the house is Italy's 5th largest ski area - ALTO SANGRO - where there's generally snow coverage between 1 Jan thru April, season depending. If you head towards Roccaraso, there's all types of ski equipment rentals, ski sport shops, ski schools, and no shortage of Apres Ski options whether Roccaraso, Castel Di Sangro, Rivisindoli or our favourite, Pescocostanzo. Lift tickets are only 40 euros and ski equipment packages start around 20-25 euros daily depending on level.
Nearer to our house, and perhaps less well know than Alto Sango is the charming ski area of Campo di Giove. They have fewer runs, however, the runs are decent + they have a good snow sport equipment rental service. If wishing to book your Campo di Giove equipment early (25 euros daily), you can contact Signor UGO SILVI. Contact me directly for his e-mail or mobile number.
Campo di Giove - Maiella
Nearer to our house, and perhaps less well know than Alto Sango is the charming ski area of Campo di Giove. They have fewer runs, however, the runs are decent + they have a good snow sport equipment rental service. If wishing to book your Campo di Giove equipment early (25 euros daily), you can contact Signor UGO SILVI. Contact me directly for his e-mail or mobile number.
Just 2 mins from the house is a very large Majella national park office where trekking, geological maps, wildlife coffee table books, and snow shoe rentals can be purchased/rented. Whilst there, be sure to ask about the brand new spiritual walk Il Cammino de Celestino, the 2nd stage (of 6 stages) that commences just beyond our house. This is as good, if not better, than Spain's famous Camino de Santiago. Most certainly, it will be less full of tourists.
Majella National Park Information Center
7 Piazza del PopoloJust 2 mins from the house is a very large Majella national park office where trekking, geological maps, wildlife coffee table books, and snow shoe rentals can be purchased/rented. Whilst there, be sure to ask about the brand new spiritual walk Il Cammino de Celestino, the 2nd stage (of 6 stages) that commences just beyond our house. This is as good, if not better, than Spain's famous Camino de Santiago. Most certainly, it will be less full of tourists.
30 minutes door-to-door this is our local ski area which is much easier/faster for obtaining ski packages and making first chair avoiding all the weekend crowds from Rome/Naples. Nearly 40 million has been invested in new chair and snow-making equipment in the last 4 years, with access to 100km of Alto Sangro ski trails, 830km vertical drops, and endless blue skies and sun. At EU40/pp for a lift ticket, you won't find better value skiing anywhere else.
Monte Pratello - Rivisondoli
Via Monte Pratello30 minutes door-to-door this is our local ski area which is much easier/faster for obtaining ski packages and making first chair avoiding all the weekend crowds from Rome/Naples. Nearly 40 million has been invested in new chair and snow-making equipment in the last 4 years, with access to 100km of Alto Sangro ski trails, 830km vertical drops, and endless blue skies and sun. At EU40/pp for a lift ticket, you won't find better value skiing anywhere else.