Things To Do
in Sulmona

Iconic decorated sugared almonds in many flavors and colors; best bought from historic pasticcerie in the city center and sold as gifts or souvenirs.

Must-Try!

Hand-cut egg pasta typical of Abruzzo served with rich ragùs or tomato-and-meat sauces; look for homemade versions at family-run trattorie.

Skewers of small pieces of sheep or lamb grilled over coals — a regional favorite found at street stalls, festivals and traditional osterie.

Sheep and mixed-milk cheeses and cured meats from nearby mountains; available at markets, specialty shops and agriturismi.

Fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats and vendors selling seasonal fruit and baked goods — great for picking up picnic supplies and sampling regional flavors.

During festivals or weekends you’ll find arrosticini stands and simple grills offering quick, tasty local bites in or near the main piazzas.

Polite greetings matter: say buongiorno (morning/day) and buona sera (evening) when entering shops or meeting locals; a firm but brief handshake is common.

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (shoulders and knees covered) and keep voices low inside churches.

Social life is relaxed—appointments may be flexible, but be punctual for formal meetings; enjoy the slower pace of piazza life.

Show appreciation for local cuisine and customs; ask before photographing people at markets or in intimate settings.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: leave small change for café service, round up the bill or add 5–10% in restaurants if service was good. For porters or taxi drivers, a couple of euros is customary.

Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels and many restaurants; smaller shops, markets and rural businesses may prefer cash — carry euros and small notes for convenience.

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and ideal conditions for hiking and sightseeing; festivals and markets resume after winter, making it a pleasant shoulder season.

Hotter days (especially July–August) with lively evenings in the piazzas; high season for tourism — book accommodations early and expect some attractions to have extended hours.

Cooling temperatures, clear air and harvest-time foods; excellent for food-focused travel and longer hikes with colorful foliage.

Cold weather with possible snow in higher elevations; quieter in town, but nearby ski areas become active and local festivals may occur around holidays.

Accessible hikes above Sulmona with viewpoints over Valle Peligna, varied terrain and relatively short routes suitable for half-day excursions.

Extensive network of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging multi-day routes; highlights include high-altitude meadows, hermitages and rich biodiversity.

Scenic valley with riverside paths, forests and charming small villages — good for relaxed hikes, birdwatching and photography.

Well-known park area for nature walks, waterfalls and wildlife — a popular spot for day hikers seeking dramatic mountain scenery.

Soccer is the dominant local sport with community teams and strong grassroots interest.

Popular in winter in nearby mountain resorts; many locals and visitors enjoy downhill and cross-country skiing.

Road and mountain biking are common; the rolling terrain and mountain passes attract cyclists.

Traditional ball game played socially in parks and piazzas, especially among older locals.