The Trabocchi coast (Costa dei Trabocchi) is a stretch of coast located along the Italian region of Abruzzo, including to the north with the city of Ortona and to the south with those of Vasto and San Salvo. It is famous for its “trabocchi”, which are traditional fishing structures built in wood and overlooking the sea. These structures were built in medieval times and are still in use today, although some of them have been converted into restaurants to accommodate tourists.
Why it is famous?
The Trabocchi Coast is an enchanting place, with both sandy and pebble beaches and crystalline sea. A protected area where many animal species live including birds and sea turtles. An ideal place for hiking, water sports, fishing and just enjoying the natural scenery. It is increasingly chosen by Italian and foreign tourists also due to the presence of a cycle and pedestrian path of about 40 km which runs along the sea.
“Via Verde” path, a tourist jewel
This cycle/pedestrian path called Via Verde (Green Way) which runs along the entire Costa dei Trabocchi, from Ortona to Vasto, is having a notable success with tourists. The cycle path along the coast allows you to discover the area and enjoy the beauty of nature and the sea in a sustainable way.
The cycle path along the Trabocchi coast extends for several kilometers and connects some of the most famous towns in the area, including Ortona, Vasto and San Salvo. Most of the trail is flat and easy to ride, but there are some ups and downs as well. It is possible to rent bicycles in some of the towns along the track, such as in San Vito and Fossacesia.
The Costa dei Trabocchi offers a panoramic view and a variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to jagged cliffs, from pine forests to the countryside, the alternation of sea and hills make this route unique, it is possible to stop and enjoy the natural beauties along the path, such as sea caves, inlets and overflows.
What to visit nearby?
There are many things to do and see in the Costa dei Trabocchi area. Here are some ideas:
- Visit the trabocchi themselves: you can admire the beauty of the coast from the wooden platforms and discover how they were used for fishing.
- Walk along the beach of Marina di San Vito: it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area and offers an enchanting view of the sea.
- Take a boat trip: you can sail along the coast and admire the overflows from another perspective.
- Visit the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere: it is an ancient Benedictine monastery located on a hill above the coast. It offers a panoramic view of the coast and holds some historical treasures.
- Visit the small town of Vasto, which is one of the most beautiful towns on the Adriatic coast, and its Palazzo d’Avalos which offers a breathtaking view of the sea.
- Take a walk along the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, a nature reserve that stretches for about 15 kilometers and includes one of the most beautiful beaches in the area.
- Take a bike ride along the coast cycle path, which connects various towns on the coast including Francavilla al Mare, Ortona and Vasto.
There are certainly many other attractions and interesting places to visit in the area, these are just a few ideas to get you started.
In which periods to visit the Trabocchi Coast?
As for the best time to visit, it depends on personal preferences. Summer is the hottest and busiest time, with large numbers of tourists flocking to the area to enjoy the sun and sea. However, autumn and spring are also ideal seasons to visit the Costa dei Trabocchi, as the climate is still pleasant and there are fewer tourists around, so you can enjoy greater peace and privacy.
What to eat typically?
The Trabocchi Coast, located in the Italian region of Abruzzo, is famous for its traditional seafood cuisine.
Typical dishes of the area include:
- Brodetto alla Vastese, a fish soup based on different types of fresh fish, such as cod, grouper and cuttlefish, cooked with garlic, onion, tomato and spices.
- Fritture di paranza, a dish of freshly fried fish such as sardines, anchovies and squid.
- Grilled octopus, a plate of fresh octopus cooked over charcoal and served with olive oil and lemon.
- Pallott cac e ov a traditional dish of poor cuisine, very tasty, based on eggs and cheese.
- The arrosticini, lamb stew cooked on the traditional grill of Abruzzo
These are just some of the traditional dishes of the Costa dei Trabocchi. The local cuisine varies greatly from country to country, but the tradition of cooking based on fresh fish is common to the whole area. We recommend trying the typical local dishes for a truly authentic culinary experience.
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