BEACH AND MORE
In proportion to the region’s relatively small surface, the coast seems endless:
an astonishing 133 kilometres of beaches, lapped by clean waters and drenched in sun for months on end. Many localities on the Abruzzo coast, both to the north and to the south, have often been awarded the prestigious “Blue Flag”, symbolizing and certifying clean waters and treasured ecological values. The coast of Abruzzo lies in the three provinces ofTeramo, Pescara and Chieti, and for decades has been considered one of the most important and popular tourist attractions in the region, a destination for seaside tourism from the late 1800s. Riviera North The coast is low and sandy from the mouth of theTronto, which marks the Marches boundary, as far as the mouth of the river Foro, between Francavilla al Mare and Ortona.
The beach appears as a wide, regular strip of fine golden sand, with a shore up to 300 metres deep; in some stretches, typical Mediterranean maquis survives, with dunes marking the border between the beach and the green pine groves behind, offering resinscented respite in their shade. A splendid and famous pine grove escorts the town of Pineto as far as its beach; a little further on thick umbrella and Aleppo pine groves embrace the mighty and enigmatic Torre di Cerrano, once a watchtower and bastion against Moorish pirates.The heart of Pescara, for example, offers the large, valorized d’Avalos and Santa Filomena pine groves, the latter is now a State Nature Reserve that separates Montesilvano from its beach. It is a popular, lively coast, driven by an enormous selection of amusing, fun activities that make it enjoyable, and it offers plenty of accommodation and entertainment options.
Perfect for families seeking large beaches and suitable facilities, for the younger age groups who want sport and nightlife, for singles or for groups of friends who want to socialize in an upbeat atmosphere, but also for the older age group seeking a slower pace of holiday, with amenities on hand. Riviera South The south coast starts to become rocky near Ortona, soaring out of the sea to form the stunning reefs of Punta di Ferruccio and Punta di Acquabella, Punta del Cavalluccio and Punta Aderci (or Punta d’Erce). In many spots, the coast is jagged with cliffs and small bays, concealing beaches and coves, combined with lovely pebbly areas for diving with goggles and flippers to gaze on the busy seabed, rich in marine life, always visible thanks to the clean waters. Amidst these tall cliffs and bluffs, we will discover the gentleVenere gulf, and slightly south the bigger, livelier gulf ofVasto, whose large beaches are sandy again, as far as the Molise border.The rolling hills in the neighbouring hinterland are farmed and glow with the colours of the crops, a striking backdrop to this sea and at times seeming to encroach on the shore, guarded by its ancient “trabocchi” fishing platforms. In this district the small coastal towns are mainly little ports, and in the evening tiny local fishing boats dock here to unload the traditional crates overflowing with their catch, sold and served in the many family-run eateries.This is a romantic, snug coast, more natural and untamed, its charm enhanced by the peaceful niches of isolated coves and beaches protected by tall cliffs, and by the unique atmospheres of the little seaside towns.
Gabriele d’Annunzio, adored the coast and spent periods here seeking inspiration, making it the scenario of his “Trionfo della Morte”. Sailing and ports Sailing enthusiasts, in particular, will find excellent facilities for their boats along the Abruzzo coast: as well as countless storage and mooring facilities, and ramps found all along the coast, so that holidaymakers who bring small craft with them can enjoy the sea and thrills of the Abruzzo area, there are also several marinas installed along the whole shoreline, from north to south. The ports begin at Giulianova, with excellent berthing and mooring facilities, followed by Roseto with a characteristic small marina; at the centre of the coast we find Marina di Pescara, one of the largest in the Mediterranean, and further south there are the important trade ports and marinas of Ortona andVasto, with services connecting the splendid Tremiti islands, a Marine Nature Reserve, even just for day trips; between the two, Fossacesia, which has a newly-installed marina.
