Beautifully restored, the towering medieval castle at Roccascalegna is a memorable and majestic Abruzzo sightseeing must on your villa holiday for two.

Though there’s been a settlement at Roccascelegna since pre-Roman times, there’s no record of the castle before the 14th century. Over the next four hundred years though, it became a place of still-remembered myth and legend, replete with ghosts, hidden treasure, evil barons and bloody murder before being abandoned in the early 1700’s.

The oldest part of the castle is the Square Tower at its very pinnacle. It also features Roccascalegna’s greatest mystery. ..

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Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico. 2006. Colonnara

After last week’s little debacle in the shape of a thoroughly dud Chianti Classico, it’s been a relief to sample a thoroughly pleasurable bottle of one of Italy’s best-known whites.

This particular Verdicchio has a sweet tartness that lingers on your tongue with just a little hint of spritz at the very end. Very good. Very moreish. Fine on its own, better I think with food. Excellent with pork, chicken or pasta in creamy sauces, where the acidity cuts through the richness; and of course just perfect with the seafood with which this particular stretch of Adriatic coastline is blessed…

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October 2007. We move from England to Italy to start a new venture providing Abruzzo vacations in villas just for two. What’s happened since ? Time for an update !

On Monday - April 21 - we thought we’d take advantage of the glorious weather strolling the long and magnificent sandy beach at nearby Le Morgie. The temperature was 26C/79F. During our walk, we counted two swimmers; five sunbathers; and two other couples out walking their dog. We had it all to ourselves…

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