La Vecchia Fontana in Abruzzo: an authentic agriturismo surrounded by nature, between the sea and the mountains

Mauro and his family are the fifth generation to call this beautiful natural setting home. An appreciation for the beauty of nature is in the family’s DNA. Here, you’ll be staying with genuine people who love nature and animals, and who do everything with love.

Since 1997, La Vecchia Fontana Farm has been combining tradition and hospitality, offering an authentic experience thanks to its educational farm and authentic cuisine. Everything is prepared using produce they grow themselves on the farm.

La Vecchia Fontana is located in the hills near Penne (Abruzzo): peace and quiet, animals, an educational farm, and a kitchen that focuses on locally sourced products. And the best part about Abruzzo? You’re right between the Adriatic coast and the rugged mountain landscape of Gran Sasso. A day at the beach? Sure. A day in the mountains? That works, too. And then back to the farm, where you can truly “unwind.”

At a Glance: Why La Vecchia Fontana Is Such a Great Base

• Location: in the hills near Penne, with a panoramic view of the valley
• Close to nature: near Gran Sasso National Park and the Campo Imperatore plateau
• Local cuisine: traditional Abruzzese dishes,“kilometro zero,” as well as options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with food intolerances
• Fattoria didattica: educational farm with animals and activities for children
• Practical information: free parking, Wi-Fi, and 5 simple but clean and comfortable rooms, including air conditioning

Authentic Abruzzo: a farmhouse that welcomes the sun, friends, and guests

La Vecchia Fontana is run by the Sciannella family and exudes the warm, genuine hospitality that agriturismi in Italy are so beloved for:
simple comforts, plenty of time outdoors, and the feeling that you’re not staying in a hotel, but rather living in tune with the rhythm of the countryside.

Guests describe the place as quiet, friendly, and above all: great food (with that typical abundance you secretly always hope for in Italy)…

The kitchen: this is where you’ll linger for dinner

If you plan just one thing during your stay, be sure to make a dinner reservation for at least one evening.

La Vecchia Fontana is known for its classic multi-course agriturismo menu:

• House Antipasto
• Handmade pasta
• Main course with side dishes
• Dessert or fruit, plus water/wine and coffee/amaro

And yes: Abruzzo wouldn’t be Abruzzo without “arrosticini” (skewers of grilled meat from local sheep); this is often the moment when everyone at the table falls silent for a moment.

Sustainability bonus: Here, “zero-kilometer” food simply means: less transportation, more seasonal variety, and more flavor.

Educational farm: animals, guided tours, and hands-on learning

La Vecchia Fontana is a “fattoria didattica”: a place where children (and adults, of course) can experience farm life up close. You can take a guided tour of the animal farm. La Vecchia Fontana grows grains, vegetables, fruit, and olives, among other things. What’s more, La Vecchia Fontana is family-friendly, featuring a playground, a picnic area, and even an educational trail in the woods.

This is exactly the kind of travel experience that fits Nature Travel Lab’s philosophy: not about consumption, but about connection—with the landscape, food, and their origins.

The Surroundings: Gran Sasso, Campo Imperatore, and the Surprisingly Green Side of Penne

1. Gran Sasso & Campo Imperatore: “Little Tibet” vibes in Italy

Campo Imperatore is a high plateau where you feel small (in the best possible way). Sweeping panoramas, rugged peaks, and routes you can tailor to your skill level. One recommendation is the Ippovia del Gran Sasso: a long loop trail that you can tackle in stages on foot, on horseback, or by mountain bike.

Tip: Head out early and bring a packed lunch. The morning silence here is truly next level.

2. WWF Oasi Lago di Penne: Birdwatching and Easy Hiking

A short distance away is the WWF Oasi Lago di Penne, a protected area of about 1,300 hectares surrounding a reservoir, featuring wetlands, riparian vegetation, and a mosaic of farmland.
It’s perfect for a peaceful nature walk and also interesting if you want to learn about biodiversity.

3. Penne itself: an authentic little town without mass tourism

Penne is the kind of place where you just want to wander aimlessly for an hour: narrow streets, scenic viewpoints, and a historic center that includes the cathedral, located on a higher part of the city.

And yes… the ocean is close by for a day at the beach whenever you feel like it

If you really want to make the most of your “sea & mountains” trip, you can spend a day in Montesilvano or Pescara. Montesilvano is less than 10 km from Pescara, and the two share a long stretch of coastline. It’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon relaxing by the water after a hike in the mountains.

Sustainable travel to La Vecchia Fontana: How to Do It with a Low Environmental Impact

A few Nature Travel Lab-approved tips:

• Travel smart: Abruzzo is easy to visit by combining train travel with a (small) rental car from the coastal region. Please note that the accommodation is not accessible by public transportation.
• Stay in one place longer: an agriturismo is most enjoyable when you don’t just stop by briefly, but really get into the rhythm of things (at least 2–4 nights or longer).
• Eat what’s available: ask for seasonal produce and choose local options (which is already the case here with “km-0” cuisine).
• Respect the animals: interacting with them is fun, but always do so calmly and follow the farm staff’s instructions.