Returning to Abruzzo next September and looking for a base for 3 nights. We will be doing a half day trip to our grandparents hometown, Bisenti, which is kind of in the middle of that area.

Last stayed in an agriturismo outside of Penne, which we liked very much and where we had great dinners. But am wondering if a town base might be better (sunset is a bit before 7). Have stayed in Sulmona and Lanciano before and both worked great for 3 nights, with good restaurants and activity. But I am thinking these (esp Lanciano) are too far.

I have done day trips to Penne and Loreto Aprutino before. While both are nice, they are fairly small towns (16,000 and 7,000) and were fairly dead during the day. Considering Santo Stefano di Sessanio because we do like to hike, but I am not sure if it will be a hassle to get up there and down if we want to explore towns (which my co-travelers might prefer).

Any thoughts?

Santo Stefano di Sessanio wouldn't be a hassle as far as driving is concerned, IMO. It's easy driving and I can't imagine there would be much traffic. We were there in late-June. However, keep in mind that it is a tiny, tiny town. And the lower town area isn't very big either. So I'm not sure it would meet your desire to be somewhere lively.

Good luck. I love this area too and hope to return within the next few years. I'll be curious to see what you decide.

Thanks, Leely. Not so much looking for lively (as in entertainment) but pleasant to walk around in the evenings. I was also considering Atri, but I am not sure since that would put us some distance from Rocca Calascio and Santo Stefano, although not really farther than Loreto Aprutino or Penne.

I would add that I would prefer to be closer to mountains than coast, since we live in a beach community and enjoy mountain opportunities. It really is a stunning area of Italy. Here is a picture from the agriturismo we stayed at last visit.

What a beautiful photo! I love to hike so that area was heaven for me (also love the Dolomites).

Sunday night in Santo Stefano di Sessanio

Thanks, Leely. I had seen a previous post of yours where you commented on how quiet Santo Stefano was at night. Really just looking for a town where we can walk to a few good restaurants for dinner and have a chance to walk back and digest.

I think I have narrowed it down but would appreciate any insights/comments.
Santo Stefano: I would enjoy the proximity to hiking, but my cousin (for whom this trip is a thank you) might enjoy wandering towns.
Loreto Aprutino. There are several restaurants in town that get international attention (L'Antico Torchio in Il Castello Di Chiola, La Bilancia)

Also looking at two agriturismi:
Home - Farmhouse - Agriturismo Le Magnolie - Loreto Aprutino (PE) - Abruzzo (italy) Just outside of Loreto Aprutino. Has a restaurant.
Home - Agriturismo Azienda Agricola Cignale This is where we stayed before. Fantastic hosts and dinners.

Any insight or thoughts? Had seen in fairly recent reviews (last year) that there were still repairs being done in Santo Stefano. Any recent info? Thanks.