A peaceful refuge to return to! Guest House Casa da Carmine is ideal for exploring the treasures Abruzzo offers, then returning to a restful place to relax and recoup. With easy access to paved roads, no long driveway to navigate, and little traffic, many varied day trips are easily doable.
We strive to be more than just lodging. You are welcomed as a visiting friend with whom we enjoy sharing the town, the region, the people, and ways of getting to know what we know and love about them. We invite you to ask us for suggestions, guidance, and recommendations.
Most of our guests are people we know or who have been recommended by people we know. This allows us to maintain our high standards for cleanliness and personalized attention. We are available to provide what is needed to make the stay enjoyable - don't hesitate to ask! We want this to feel like home - comfortable, secure, relaxing.
At Guesthouse Casa da Carmine you can choose to relax in our quiet mountain town or venture out and about to hike in the mountains, swim in the Adriatic, or sample local delicacies produced in surrounding towns.
Abruzzo is all that Italy offers without the crowds.
Romantic, scenic, historic delicious Italy is all contained within Abruzzo's borders. Guesthouse Casa da Carmine is the perfect place from which to explore Abruzzo's ample natural and cultural riches. Proprietor Teresa Mastrobuono will gladly help you plan and execute an itinerary tailored to your interests.
From Casa da Carmine, you easily slip into the rhythm of authentic everyday life, free of the restrictions of tightly organized tours:
- Sip espresso from the terrace of the Bar Lanterna while gazing at the majestic Gran Sasso mountains;
- listen to the hum of women's voices in the piazza outside the church next door; - -
- stroll nearby markets as the locals greet you and help you find the best fresh produce, cheese, and salami.
- Wave to Pasquale as he ferries his little dog, Camilla in the basket of his bike.
No matter what you do, you will find the real Italy here!
The main road is convenient for exploring the surrounding small towns of Arsita, Montefino, or Bisenti or the town centers of Citta' Sant' Angelo, Penne, Loreto Aprutino, or Teramo city.
For the Food Lover: Abruzzo abounds with some of the best food in Italy.
-The town of Farindola is famous for its pecorino cheese,
-Loreto Aprutino boasts high quality olive oil,
- the wineries of San Lorenzo and Bellfiore are easily reachable.
- Nearby restaurants offer Abruzzese specialties such as fresh fish, porchetta, arrosticini, and the famous regional 'maccheroni alla ghitarra'.
Throughout the spring, summer, and holidays, festivals offer samplings of local foods and products:.
-The town of Sulmona offers its artistic arrangements of 'confetti' candies,
- Bisenti offers world-renowned 'Cellini' chocolates, which must be sampled to be believed!
The town of Castiglione Messer Raimondo has two restaurants which serve excellent, fresh pizza and homemade gelato. The local grocery story contains a pasticieria where you will find 'feratelle' and biscotti made daily.
For the Nature Lover/Active Traveler: -Beautiful beaches can be found in the nearby towns of Montesilvano, Silvi Marina, and Pineto. Abruzzo's Adriatic coast is host to several Blue Flag beaches, where you can swim, kayak, sail, SUP board, or windsurf.The nature reserve of Punta Aderci is just down the autostrada.
- Swimming can also be enjoyed at nearby Abruzzo Incantato, a restaurant/pool complex where you can dine and dip to your heart's content. The nearby town of Castilenti also had a community pool open to the public.
The Gran Sasso afford hikes from mild to wild: through gentle pine forests, to waterfalls, lakes, hermitages, or above tree line.
There is a small playground in town for wee ones, as well as the 'belevedere' near the house for gathering, taking in fresh evening air, or enjoying the views over the Fino Valley. The promenade on the west side of town offers a lovely place for an evening stroll.
Bicycling, country walks, or horseback riding are also availably nearby.
For Cultural Buffs: You can get to know local and world-class culture in Abruzzo.
-Pescara hosts a jazz festival;
- Atri a blues festival.
-Stroll the ancient streets of Elice during their Medieval fair.
-Or dance to lively traditional folk music at the Valfino Al Canto (Valfino in Song) celebration in Arsita.
Visit art museums in Teramo city and Pescara, or the museums of Olive Oil in Loreto and of the local farming trades in Picciano.
The town of Castelli is famous for its ceramic production.
Every small town in the area celebrates its patron saint with processions, masses, and celebrations, Castlglione included. Its largest and most famous is the festival of San Donato, celebrated August 5, 6, and 7, during which you can enjoy concerts and view fireworks.
Festivals celebrating everything from beer to fish to local crafts to miracles pop up often. Check the posters mounted on the community bulletin boards, or ask the locals. They are always happy to help visitors get to know the area!
Don't miss our capital City of L'Aquila! It's been beautifully restored after the 2009 earthquake and is chock a block full of things to do - museums, award winning gelateria, stunning churches, fresh and delicious food. There is a mini-train that can take you on a tour of the city. Fun with a partner or child!
Citta' Sant' Angelo offers guided tours of the town's points of interest.
Penne has a large outdoor market, and many beautiful churches to visit.
All this can be experienced while you are right at home in a characteristic stone townhouse. Its convenient location in the heart of a traditional hilltop village allows you to walk to the town's businesses and easily reach other points of interest.
The bedroom is spacious and comfortable, with a queen bed and fold-out single. It can accommodate a couple, two singles, or a family with one child.
The house has central heat, and a washing machine on site.
Relax inside a cozy kitchen with the items needed for basic food preparation. Cooking lessons can be arranged by Teresa along with the necessary accouterments for them . She is also happy to arrange tours and offer guidance on how to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking the Gran Sasso or Majella mountains, or enjoying water sports such as kite surfing and SUP boarding.
But Casa da Carmine is more than a place that provides lodging or a base for exploring the area. Casa da Carmine strives to preserve the spirit of the man for whom it is named. A consummate people person, Carmine Mastrobuono took you in to his generous and gregarious heart to care for you like a unique treasure. His daughter, proprietor Teresa Mastrobuono, scoured cities, villages, and country hamlets to find a place that had the ambience that Carmine's presence created. She found that in Castiglione Messer Raimondo. Come experience that same warmth, welcome, and true Italian spirit!
