in between. This edition has been thoroughly updated to cover all recent developments, explaining in detail its appeal for active tourism, including wildlife-watching, trekking, skiing and horse-riding, plus family holidays. Abruzzo offers one of Italy's most beautiful coastlines, which lies near the country's tallest mountain ranges outside the Alps. Little wonder that Abruzzo is Italy's second most popular skiing centre bar the Alps and that it offers some the country's finest hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities. Moreover, according to the 'I Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia' ('Italy's most beautiful towns') programme, Abruzzo has 25 such locations, second only to Umbria. What makes the Abruzzo region remarkable is that, despite being so close to Rome, it is still about as unique and authentic an Italian experience as you can get in a country so devoured by international tourism. The Abruzzesi feel a sense of relief about this, viewing theirs as the one truly untouched region in Italy - and this despite increasing accessibility offered by several low-cost airlines serving Pescara airport, its increasing popularity for holiday homes and its emergence as a leading conference destination. Alongside practical information about how to get around, and suggestions for the best places to stay and eat (including both secret urban gems and remote rural idylls), Bradt's Italy: Abruzzo also advises on where to go to enjoy Blue Flag beaches, mountain walks, pristine castles, frescoed churches, World War II commemorative sites, Roman ruins and the chance to spot animals such as brown bears and grey wolves.