Abruzzo is usually associated with mountains, sea, and bucolic landscapes, if not its most famous cities. Yet precisely because of its natural characteristics, Abruzzo is a destination for many extreme sports enthusiasts.
We took a closer look at some sports that can be practiced by the sea as well as in the mountains and valleys.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing, a relatively recent sport, is a branch of surfing and is more popular on the Adriatic coast than surfing itself. It allows you to glide over the water and waves not only with a board, but also by being carried by a kite. Many say it’s a relatively easy discipline to learn: with a few lessons, you can get up and running, but mastery of the equipment only comes with experience. Therefore, it’s apparently a sport for everyone, but one that shouldn’t be approached too easily!
Don’t underestimate the costs, especially for equipment, starting with a wetsuit, which ranges from €80 to €300. The same estimate applies to a harness, while a kite ranges from €1,000 to €1,800, and a board from €300 to €450.
The Abruzzo coast offers countless courses: Alba Adriatica, Giulianova, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Silvi Marina, Pescara, Ortona, San Vito Chietino, and Vasto are just a few of the best-known spots. October is one of the best months because it allows kite surfers to move around without having to worry too much about the tourists, who are numerous in the height of summer, and because the weather conditions are generally more favorable.
Paragliding
Those who love to see the world from different heights and don’t suffer from vertigo will find satisfaction in paragliding. In Abruzzo, there are many options both for places to fly over and for flight options.
You can choose to experience the thrill of tandem flight, accompanied by an instructor, or you can take a full course lasting 3 to 6 months and obtain a flight license to take off alone and soar to altitudes of up to 10,000 meters. The price of a certified course starts at 600 euros and includes theory lessons, numerous practice sessions, and a final exam.
In Abruzzo, there are many panoramas to admire from above. The classics for bungee enthusiasts include Passocardone (PE), Tocco da Casauria (PE), Calascio (AQ), Villa S. Lucia (AQ), Cannatina Brittoli (PE), Colle delle Vacche – Sulmona (AQ), Assergi – Monte Cristo (AQ), Roiano – Ioannella (TE).
Bungee Jumping
Finally, how could we not include bungee jumping among the breathtaking sports? Abruzzo has one of the most suitable locations for bungee jumping, Ponte di Salle (PE), the highest in central Italy, which allows a 90-meter jump from a 22-meter bungee. There are no particular contraindications, except for those with cardio-respiratory problems. The leap into the void, with the appropriate equipment, costs 80 euros. There are three dates in October to experience the thrill of this exotic sport. To see which ones, visit Bungee Jumping Abruzzo
