Stretching along the southern Adriatic in Abruzzo’s Chieti province, the Trabocchi Coast covers roughly 42 kilometres between Ortona and San Salvo. It is famous for its rugged cliffs, pebble and sandy beaches, and traditional wooden fishing platforms known as trabocchi. This enchanting shoreline blends nature, culture, and slow travel, with cycling paths, historic towns, and seafood feasts by the sea.
What and Where is the Trabocchi Coast?
Named after the historic wooden fishing machines along its shore, the Trabocchi Coast showcases unique maritime heritage. These stilted structures, connected to land by narrow walkways, were once essential for fishing without boats. Today, many have been restored and transformed into atmospheric seafood restaurants, especially between San Vito Chietino and Fossacesia.
The coastline offers sandy bays such as Punta Penna, pebbly coves like Ripari di Giobbe, and protected areas including Punta Aderci. Inland, rolling hills covered with olive groves and vineyards frame the coastal views.
Cycling the Via Verde Trabocchi Coast
The Via Verde (Trabocchi Coast Greenway) is a 42-kilometre cycling and walking route along a former railway line. Mostly flat and traffic-free, it stretches from Ortona in the north to Vasto/San Salvo in the south, offering uninterrupted sea views.
Highlights of the Greenway
Ortona to San Vito Chietino: Dramatic cliffs, trabocchi, and scenic viewpoints.
San Vito Chietino to Fossacesia: Easy access to trabocchi restaurants and small beaches.
Fossacesia to Vasto: Quieter stretches with fishing villages and countryside backdrops.
Bike rentals, including e-bikes, are available in major towns. Many travellers pair cycling with the coastal train, riding in one direction and returning by rail.
Punta Aderci Nature Reserve
North of Vasto, Punta Aderci is a protected coastal reserve of sandy dunes, wildflowers, pebble beaches, and cliffs. It’s a favourite for nature walks, photography, and snorkelling.
Punta Penna Beach
Next to the reserve, Punta Penna offers a wide sandy shoreline and shallow waters ideal for swimming. Facilities are minimal, keeping its wild charm intact.
Ripari di Giobbe, Ortona
Ripari di Giobbe is a small, protected cove with clear waters, accessible via a cliff path. Its pebbles make water shoes useful. Due to limited space, it’s best to arrive early in peak season.
San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, Fossacesia
Perched above Fossacesia Marina, the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey dates to the 13th century, built on a former Benedictine site. Its Romanesque architecture and sweeping views make it a highlight of the coast.
Trabocco Turchino and D’Annunzio Hermitage
In San Vito Chietino, Trabocco Turchino is an icon of the coast. Nearby, the Eremo Dannunziano (D’Annunzio Hermitage) is where poet Gabriele D’Annunzio stayed in 1889, drawing inspiration for Il Trionfo della Morte.
Towns Worth Visiting (North to South)
Ortona
A historic port with the Aragonese Castle, lively promenade, and access to the northern Greenway. Known for seafood and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo wine.
San Vito Chietino
A colourful hilltop town with panoramic views and easy access to trabocchi and beaches.
Fossacesia Marina
A family-friendly beach town with a pleasant promenade and close to the abbey above.
Vasto Old Town
A historic centre with the Loggia Amblingh viewpoint, vibrant piazzas, and proximity to Punta Aderci.
Where to Stay on the Trabocchi Coast
Options range from boutique hotels to agriturismi:
Ortona: Central hotels and B&Bs near the station and beaches.
San Vito Chietino: Romantic B&Bs with sea views.
Fossacesia Marina: Beachfront hotels suited to families.
Vasto: Boutique stays in the old town or seaside resorts at Marina di Vasto.
Countryside: Agriturismi in the hills with authentic Abruzzo cuisine.
Book early in summer for the best sea-view rooms.
Top Rated Stays in Ortona
- 🔍DOMORA BEDROOMS (Guest House) – Fresh, modern rooms near the historic centre; sound-insulated, great host, high location score. 9.4/10 (265 reviews).
- 🔍CasAzzurra (Apartment) – Elegant, fully equipped flat with balcony/terrace; superb walkable location and thoughtful hosts. 9.7/10 (190 reviews).
- 🔍OrizzonteMare (B&B) – Peaceful setting with sea views; terrace, hot tub/jacuzzi, and praised breakfast. 9.8/10 (148 reviews).
- 🔍La collina sui trabocchi (Country House) – Quiet hilltop overlooking the sea; cosy units, garden spaces, easy coastal access. 9.3/10 (198 reviews).
- 🔍Borgo del Marchese (B&B) – Newly renovated rural house near the Costa dei Trabocchi; spotless rooms and excellent breakfast. 9.7/10 (70 reviews).
Top Rated Stays in San Vito Chietino
- 🔍Il Nido B&B (B&B) – Boutique hilltop stay with panoramic pool, lovely terrace breakfasts, and exceptional hosts; near the marina. 9.8/10 (187 reviews).
- 🔍Casa dell’Orto (Country House) – Peaceful stone house amid vineyards; fully equipped kitchen, patio, and super-clean rooms. 9.6/10 (220 reviews).
- 🔍Relais FraSimon Antico Casale (Resort) – Countryside retreat with pool, sauna/hot tub, free bikes; a short drive to beaches. 9.3/10 (625 reviews).
- 🔍Il Rifugio del Pescatore (Apartment) – Beachfront two-bedroom with terraces and private parking; steps to sea and cycle path. 9.7/10 (52 reviews).
- 🔍B&B Relais Radoccia (B&B) – Renovated rooms in town; homemade breakfasts and very helpful host; handy for Marina di San Vito. 9.3/10 (124 reviews).
Top Rated Stays in Fossacesia Marina
- 🔍Bellavista (Apartment) – Spacious one-bedroom with a big roof terrace and sea views; super clean, friendly hosts, and secure on-site parking. 9.8/10 (43 reviews).
- 🔍Maranto Terra – YourPlace Abruzzo (Apartment) – Beachfront spot right by the Via Verde cycle path; modern, fully equipped kitchen (including dishwasher) and AC. 9.7/10 (28 reviews).
- 🔍LA VENERE DEL MARE (Apartment) – Directly on the seafront with private parking; well-equipped and praised for location. 9.2/10 (17 reviews).
- 🔍B&B L’ARANCIO (Holiday home/B&B) – Quiet in-town base with kitchen, washing machine, and pet-friendly policy; stellar location score. 9.1/10 (25 reviews).
- 🔍La casa di Maria – YourPlace Abruzzo (Apartment) – Beachfront apartment with outdoor gazebo for meals and sea views; handy for the cycle path. 8.9/10 (19 reviews).
Top Rated Stays in Vasto
- 🔍CASA OCRA (Guest House) – Renovated, design-forward rooms in the centro storico; praised for spotless cleanliness and a superb location. 9.5/10 (165 reviews).
- 🔍Al Faro Bianco B&B e Residence (B&B) – Modern, comfortable rooms; friendly host, generous breakfast, and handy parking. 9.4/10 (335 reviews).
- 🔍Il Giardino Nascosto B&B (B&B) – Characterful historic house with garden and terrace; walkable to the old town, lovely breakfasts. 9.1/10 (415 reviews).
- 🔍Il Timbro – Dimore Diffuse (Apartments) – Stylish, central apartments set in the old town; some units with spa bath; excellent location score. 9.0/10 (327 reviews).
- 🔍Appartamento tra città e mare (Apartment) – Beachfront stay with private beach area, terrace/balcony, free parking; 2 bedrooms plus living room. 9.2/10 (150 reviews).
Eating on a Trabocco
Dining on a trabocco offers a unique setting above the water. Most serve multi-course fixed menus featuring brodetto alla vastese, grilled fish, and local seafood. Reservations are essential in summer.
Local Flavours to Try
Brodetto alla Vastese: Tomato-based fish stew.
Ventricina del Vastese: Spicy cured pork sausage.
Fresh Adriatic seafood: Anchovies, squid, mussels, prawns.
Wines: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo.
Best Time to Visit
Late May to September offers warm seas and open trabocchi. July–August is lively but crowded; September is quieter. Spring and early autumn provide mild weather and fewer tourists.
Responsible Travel Tips
Wear water shoes for pebble beaches.
Follow rules in nature reserves.
Avoid handling trabocco fishing gear.
Support local producers and restaurants.
How to Get There and Around
Frequent regional trains run between Pescara and Vasto-San Salvo, stopping in Ortona, San Vito Chietino, and Fossacesia. The A14 motorway parallels the coast.
Bike rentals are widely available, and combining cycling with train travel is a flexible way to explore.
Activities Beyond the Coast
Hiking: Coastal trails and hilltop villages.
Water sports: Kayaking, paddleboarding.
Wine and olive oil tours: Inland farms and wineries.
Festivals: Food and music events in summer.
FAQs
Do I need to book a trabocco restaurant? Yes, especially in peak season.
Are beaches sandy or pebbly? Both – Punta Penna is sandy, Ripari di Giobbe is pebbly.
Is the Via Verde suitable for children? Yes, it is flat and traffic-free.
Can I take my bike on the train? Yes, for a small fee.
Are lifeguards present? Only on larger, managed beaches in summer.
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