5 things to see see on the Trabocchi Coast, the most picturesque coastline in Abruzzo

We are in the province of Chieti, in that part of Abruzzo coast that stretches from Ortona to Vasto for 50 km of coastline, famous for its characteristic Trabocchi. The Trabocchi are ancient fishing machines, built on wooden stilts, which stand on small headlands near the shoreline. The poet and writer Gabriele D'Annunzio had defined them as colossal spiders with long claws. Long nets hung from these machines, in which mostly small fish, the famous blue fish, were entangled.

Today the Trabocchi are no longer in operation, but they are an essential element of Abruzzo's maritime culture. The long stretch of coast sees between one overflow and another, both sandy and pebbly beaches and in the vicinity green valleys and hills cultivated mostly with olive trees and vineyards. We will tell you how to get there and what to see on the Trabocchi Coast, an enchanting place for spring, where you can discover the wonderful Marconi viewpoint in San Vito Chietino, the most beautiful beaches on the Trabocchi Coast, the famous Trabocco Turchino, included among the places in the heart of FAI Abruzzo and the long cycle-pedestrian path.

We suggest you start your itinerary with a view from above, exactly from the town of San Vito Chietino, a small town that rises on a 122 m rocky spur, above sea level, enjoying a panoramic landscape over all the Trabocchi  Coast. It is interesting and beautiful to look out over Belvedere Marconi, because from here, immediately, you will already have an idea of your itinerary on the coast. Belvedere Marconi is also called Promontorio D'Annunziano by some.

This small town was dear to the author and poet Gabriele D'Annunzio, who set several works here, including The Triumph of Death. The residence that hosted the famous writer is now private property, but in good weather it can be visited on request. From the Belvedere you will certainly be able to take beautiful photos that will be part of a precious memory of your visit.

If you are a sea lover, in these parts you will be spoiled for choice. The Trabocchi coast offers many beaches for relaxing in the sun or taking a swim. Most of them are free beaches, but you can also find bathing establishments if you need comfort. We point out what for us are the most beautiful and interesting beaches.

Inside the Punta Aderici Reserve, you will discover Punta Penna, an area of uncontaminated nature with fine sand alternating with rocks and cliffs, with long coves. If you are a bird-watching lover, know that various species of birds’ nest among the rocks, including the marsh harrier and the red heron, so be careful and do not disturb the birds. The second beautiful beach that we propose is Cala Turchino, perhaps the most famous beach among those on the coast where the Trabocco Turchino stands, which we will tell you about later. The beach owes its name to the blue color of the sea waters at this point. The third beach is Punta Cavalluccio, golden sand, and shallow waters suitable for family travellers, furthermore half of the beach is served by a bathing establishment; in the surroundings of this beach there is lush vegetation. The last beach deserves some further information, it is the Ripari di Giobbe, which we will tell you about in the next paragraphs.

On the Trabocchi Coast The Ripari di Giobbe beach deserves all your attention, it is a beach that is difficult to access, and this discourages most. To reach it you will have to walk on a long and suggestive wooden walkway and take numerous stairs. The walkway is immersed in vegetation and covers the extraordinary scenery that will open up before you, when you reach your destination.

The beach is made up of pebbles mixed with golden sand and is extremely welcoming because it is sheltered by two rocky sandstone promontories that reach sheer into the sea. If you are also looking for comfort, know that part of the beach is served by a bathing establishment, but we advise you to arrive early. The beach is protected through the Ripari di Giobbe Regional Nature Reserve, which aims to conserve the marine, animal and plant species that have found their perfect natural habitat here.

The Trabocco Turchino is probably the most beautiful Trabocco. After the collapse suffered in 2014, the Trabocco was faithfully rebuilt and is under the protection of the municipality and therefore can be visited every Saturday and Sunday with a guided tour. Discovering the Trabocco Turchino will allow you to learn about the history of the Trabocchi, the origins of this unusual fishing technique are controversial, which some claim to be a technique imported from the Phoenicians.

The Trabocco Turchino is in the Portelle area near a small rocky spur called the Capo Turchino promontory where you will also have the opportunity to take advantage of the beautiful beach. The Trabocco is made of wooden palisades without foundations but kept in balance by cable stays and fixing the poles to the rock. The Trabocco Turchino is among the heart sites reported by the FAI (Italian Environment Fund), therefore it enjoys FAI protection and its valorization, it is a destination not to be missed.

The Via Verde is the recently built cycle-pedestrian path that allows you to cross approximately 45 km of coast from Ortona to Vasto, skirting the sea and obviously the Trabocchi, but also the nature reserves, the historical places and stopping to eat in one of the Trabocchi.

The cycle path uses the former railway line, which was decommissioned in 2006 after 150 years of activity. There are no longer any tracks on the ground, but you will find the same bridges and tunnels that the train used to travel through. The road, apart from short stretches, is asphalted and this makes it convenient for any type of bicycle or even for a nice walk, you won't be disappointed. Our advice is to leave well-equipped early in the morning to fully enjoy the experience. This was our last tip on what to see on the Trabocchi coast in Abruzzo.

The most convenient way to get to the Trabocchi Coast is with your own or rental vehicle, be it a car, a motorbike or even a camper. By car, starting from Rome, it will take you about 2 and a half hours. From Rome you will have to take the A24 highway, then head on the A25/E80 towards Chieti and Pescara, then take the exit for A14 towards Pescara and exit at Ortona along the SS16 state road.

Arriving by other means, although more inconvenient, is still possible, you can also reach the coast by bus or train, but travel times by train are much longer, expect 5 and a half hours.

If you are in Rome, we recommend adding the Trabocchi Coast to your itinerary, it is greatly worth it. During your stay in the capital, to make everything easier, we suggest you consider the Rome Pass, a useful card that will allow you to simplify and save on the costs of your trip.

If you are in Naples by car, you will reach the Costa dei Trabocchi in just under 3 hours. You must take the A1/E45 highway and exit onto the SS158 state road, then continue the SS16 Adriatica and exit at San Vito Chietino. Travel times by bus are similar and the journey is direct, while by train it will take you around 4 hours and you will have to make 2 changes, so it is not an option recommended.

If you are in Naples, we recommend adding the Trabocchi Coast to your trip, it is greatly worth experiencing this extraordinary area, you can also consider it for a short visit which includes a special dinner in a trabocco. During your stay in Naples, to make everything easier, we suggest you consider the Naples Pass, a useful card that will allow you to simplify and save on the costs of your trip.