Weekend on the Costa dei Trabocchi: the complete guide for 2, 3 or 7 days

Forty kilometers of Adriatic coastline in Abruzzo, thirty-one trabocchi standing over the water, a flat 42-kilometer cycling path, two nature reserves, a handful of medieval borghi suspended between sea and hillside, a twelfth-century Romanesque abbey, a D'Annunzian hermitage and a story of World War II battles. All of this is called the Costa dei Trabocchi, and it fits comfortably into a long weekend — two or three days, or a full week if you want to go deeper. It's the perfect destination for anyone looking for a smart alternative to Cinque Terre, Salento or the Costiera Amalfitana: fewer tourists, more reasonable prices, more authentic experiences.

This guide is the operational heart of Stravagando's articles dedicated to the Costa dei Trabocchi: everything you need to plan an unforgettable weekend, from the right number of days to the best place to base yourself, from ready-made itineraries to details on when to go, what to pack, and how much to budget. At the end, you'll find links to all the in-depth articles: Vasto, the Punta Aderci Reserve, the experience of dining in a trabocco and the Via Verde.

What the Costa dei Trabocchi really is

The Costa dei Trabocchi is the stretch of Adriatic coastline in the province of Chieti, in Abruzzo, running from Francavilla al Mare to San Salvo Marina, passing through Ortona, San Vito Chietino, Rocca San Giovanni, Fossacesia, Torino di Sangro, Casalbordino and Vasto. Forty-five kilometers of coastline — 42 of which are cyclable along the Via Verde — with one feature unique in the world: the presence of around thirty trabocchi, ancient wooden fishing machines suspended over the water, many now converted into panoramic restaurants and others protected as cultural heritage.

The landscape alternates rocky cliffs with pebbly coves, sandy beaches with nature reserves (Punta Aderci and Ripari di Giobbe), backed by a hilly hinterland rich in medieval borghi, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo vineyards, century-old olive groves and outstanding gastronomy. The Costa is a candidate for UNESCO recognition: the process is underway, led by the Abruzzo Region, the Province of Chieti and the GAL Costa dei Trabocchi.

How many days do you need?

The short answer depends on your travel style:

• 1 day: too little, but workable as a "taste" if you're passing through. Focus on a single stretch (say, Ortona to San Vito Chietino) and dinner in a trabocco. You'll be back.

• 2 days (classic weekend): the decent minimum. You'll see the most iconic highlights, spend half a day cycling the Via Verde, have dinner in a trabocco and visit at least one borgo. It's what most people choose.

• 3 days (ideal long weekend): the perfect format. You can cycle the entire Via Verde, visit the main borghi, explore a nature reserve, dine in two different trabocchi and sample the full range of local cuisine.

• One week: the slow option for those who crave real immersion. You'll live the territory properly, take detours into the hinterland (Lanciano, the Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere), get to know local hosts and head home with a bottle of agrumato olive oil under your arm.

2-day weekend: the classic itinerary

The most popular option: two full days, arriving Friday evening or Saturday morning and leaving Sunday evening. Recommended base: San Vito Chietino or Rocca San Giovanni, both perfectly central.

Saturday

Morning: arrive, check in, grab a local breakfast (a cornetto and cappuccino at the village pastry shop). Head by bike or car to Ortona: visit the Castello Aragonese on the "La Pizzuta" headland, built between 1448 and 1452, partly open to the public today, with a breathtaking view over the port and the coast. Walk to the historic center, stop at the Cattedrale di San Tommaso Apostolo, which since September 6, 1258 has housed the relics of the saint, brought from Chios in Greece. The cathedral was almost entirely rebuilt after the bombings of December 21, 1943 — a story of destruction and reconstruction that deserves a moment of quiet reflection. Also worth seeing: the conservatory of the Terravecchia quarter, Piazza degli Eroi Canadesi (with a maple leaf inlaid in the pavement, a tribute to the Canadians who liberated the city), and the Passeggiata Orientale (400 meters of panoramic promenade).

Lunch: a traditional restaurant in Ortona's historic center or a beachside spot at the port — or your first stop along the Via Verde.

Afternoon: rent a bike (or e-bike) at the Porto di Ortona and pedal south along the Via Verde. Not-to-miss stops: the three illuminated tunnels, the beaches of Acquabella, Ripari Bardella and Mucchiola; the first trabocco (Mucchiola); the mouth of the Moro river (site of the Battle of the Moro, December 1943); the Promontorio Dannunziano and the Eremo Dannunziano at San Vito Chietino. A swim in one of the pebbly coves. Return to base (10–15 km total).

Dinner: in a trabocco. Book in advance — at least a few days ahead in summer months. For details on trabocco restaurants and how to choose the right one, check out our guide to dining in a trabocco.

Sunday

Morning: after breakfast, head inland to Fossacesia to visit the Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere, one of the most important Benedictine abbeys in Abruzzo, built in the twelfth century by Abbot Oderisio over a previous temple dedicated to Venus. Romanesque style of Eastern derivation, three semicircular apses with geometric reliefs and a spectacular view over the gulf. Allow half an hour, but take the time to walk down to the twelfth-century wooden portal — it's worth it.

Lunch: a trabocco restaurant at Fossacesia Marina or an agriturismo in the hinterland (this is the home of agrumato olive oil, a unique specialty of the Teatina coast).

Afternoon: head to Vasto and explore the historic center, one of Abruzzo's jewels: the Castello Caldoresco (14th–15th century), the Cattedrale di San Giuseppe with Michele Greco da Valona's Triptych (1505), Palazzo d'Avalos with its museums and garden-belvedere overlooking the Giardini Napoletani, the Loggia Amblingh on the ancient medieval walls, and Piazza Rossetti. For all the details, see our dedicated guide to Vasto. If time allows, head down to Vasto Marina for a swim and a sunset aperitivo.

Dinner: one last trabocco before heading home, or a fish restaurant in Vasto's center. Try the brodetto alla vastese, the coast's signature dish.

3-day long weekend: the ideal itinerary

Three days let you experience the Costa without rushing. Recommended base: San Vito Chietino or Fossacesia — or split between two bases (Ortona the first night, Vasto the second).

Day 1 — Ortona and the north

Much like the Saturday itinerary above, but more relaxed. Arrive in the morning, explore Ortona (the Castello, the Cattedrale, the Passeggiata Orientale, and the Museo della Battaglia di Ortona — essential for understanding the Battle of Ortona, December 21–28, 1943, one of the bloodiest of the Italian campaign). A quick lunch, then an afternoon bike ride along the Via Verde to San Vito Chietino, with a stop at Trabocco Turchino, the quintessential D'Annunzian trabocco. Dinner in a trabocco. Overnight.

Day 2 — The Via Verde from center to south

A full day on the Via Verde. Pedal from San Vito or Fossacesia all the way to Vasto Marina, passing through Rocca San Giovanni (one of the Borghi più belli d'Italia), Fossacesia with a detour to the Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere, Torino di Sangro with the British Cemetery of the Battle of the Sangro, and Casalbordino Lido. 30–35 km of actual cycling, accounting for stops at a realistic average pace. A recommended swim at Cala Le Morge (white pebble beach) or at the Lido Le Morge.

Arrive in Vasto in the afternoon: explore the historic center, and enjoy an aperitivo at the Loggia Amblingh overlooking the Giardini Napoletani. Dinner of fresh fish in the center or in a trabocco at Punta Penna.

Day 3 — Vasto, Punta Aderci and the journey home

Morning dedicated to the Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci: 285 hectares of wild coastline between Vasto and the mouth of the Sinello river. Abruzzo's most beautiful beaches (Punta Penna, Libertini, Punta Aderci, Mottagrossa, Torre Sinello), a panoramic clifftop trail (~3 km), the Faro di Punta Penna lighthouse (70 meters tall, the second tallest in Italy), and the chance to spot Kentish plovers and flamingos. The reserve was established in 1998 (Regional Law no. 9 of February 20) and is Abruzzo's first regional coastal reserve.

Lunch at Vasto Marina or at a lido at Punta Penna. Afternoon: one last shop for local products (agrumato olive oil, wines from local estates, jams, preserves), a final gelato, and departure in the late afternoon.

Full week: the slow option

A week on the Costa dei Trabocchi is exactly what many Europeans — Germans and Dutch in particular — come back to do every year. It gives you time to:

• Cycle the Via Verde in daily stages of 8–12 km, with long breaks and midday swims.

• Explore the hinterland too: the borgo of Lanciano (15 km from the coast) with the Church of San Francesco, home of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano (which Catholic tradition dates to the 8th century, first written documentation in the 17th century, with scientific analyses carried out in 1970–1981 by Dr. Linoli confirming the presence of myocardial tissue and human blood); the borgo of Lanciano is also notable for the Madonna del Ponte, the Ponte Diocleziano and its medieval historic center.

• Explore the Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano wineries, with tastings at organic estates.

• Take part in a guided visit with a fishing demonstration at a trabocco (by reservation).

• Join an Abruzzese cooking class with a local home cook.

• Visit Castel del Monte (heart of the Gran Sasso) or Roccascalegna (a castle perched on a rocky spur, 30 km from the coast) for a mountain day trip.

• Enjoy dinner at a different trabocco each evening during high season.

Which base to choose: 3 options

Ortona (north)

Best for: travelers arriving from the north (especially from Pescara, Bologna or Milan), those who want a strategic starting point for the Via Verde, and those who enjoy port life and a more urban feel.

Pros: a rich historic center, excellent dining, direct access to the train station, and close proximity to Pescara-Abruzzo Airport (35 km, 30 minutes). Quality hotels, B&Bs in the center, agriturismi in the hinterland.

Cons: slightly more "urban" than the southern end of the coast, traffic in summer months, higher prices in peak season.

San Vito Chietino / Rocca San Giovanni (center)

Best for: those seeking the most central location, drawn to the charm of historic borghi perched above the sea, and interested in the D'Annunzian atmosphere and trabocchi culture.

Pros: Trabocco Turchino, the Eremo Dannunziano and the Promontorio Dannunziano are all on your doorstep. Rocca San Giovanni is listed among the "Borghi più belli d'Italia". Charming B&Bs in the historic centers, agriturismi among olive groves. Short distances to all points of interest.

Cons: fewer services and shops than Vasto, slightly less convenient for those driving long distances.

Vasto / Vasto Marina (south)

Best for: those who want the appeal of a real historic city (Vasto has 41,000 inhabitants — the largest town on the coast), direct access to Punta Aderci and the best beaches, and travelers coming from the south (Puglia, Rome).

Pros: a first-rate historic center (Palazzo d'Avalos, Castello Caldoresco, Loggia Amblingh, the cathedral, Piazza Rossetti), direct access to Punta Aderci and Punta Penna, a wide range of accommodation at all price points, a lively evening scene in high season, and good rail connections at Vasto-San Salvo station.

Cons: slightly more crowded in peak season, less direct access to the northern stretch of the Via Verde.

Getting there

By plane

Pescara-Abruzzo Airport ("Abruzzo International Airport") is 30–40 minutes by car from Ortona and around 70 minutes from Vasto. Low-cost flights from Milan, Turin, Catania, Bucharest, Tirana, London Stansted and Barcelona, plus numerous seasonal summer routes. From the airport, take the train or rent a car. This is the fastest option for international travelers.

By train

The Adriatic rail line serves all towns along the coast with regional stations close to the sea: Pescara, Francavilla, Ortona, San Vito-Lanciano, Fossacesia-Torino di Sangro, Casalbordino-Pollutri, Porto di Vasto, Vasto-San Salvo. From Rome, the Frecciargento takes 3h15 from Roma Termini to Pescara. From Milan, the Frecciarossa takes 5 hours. From Bologna, around 3 hours. On regional services, bikes travel free on equipped trains (look for the bicycle pictogram).

By car

Take the A14 Adriatica motorway: exits at Ortona, Lanciano-Val di Sangro, Vasto Nord and Vasto Sud. From Rome: A24-A25-A14, around 3–3.5 hours. From Milan: 6–7 hours. From Naples: 3.5–4 hours. Parking is available in all coastal towns (free outside the beach season, paid parking in summer).

When to go

May–June: the sweet spot

Probably the best period of all. Temperatures of 20–27°C, long days, the sea already warm enough for swimming by late May, all trabocco restaurants open, and pre-season prices (15–30% cheaper than August). Moderate crowds: beaches largely to yourself.

July–August: peak season

Everything at full throttle: trabocchi booked weeks in advance, busy lidos, animated beaches. The heat is real (30–35°C in the middle of the day) — cycle at dawn or dusk. Ferragosto is the absolute peak: book hotels and trabocco dinners at least a month ahead. Festivals and sagre in full swing.

September–October: the "second peak"

September is beloved by those in the know: the sea is still warm, temperatures are ideal for cycling (22–28°C), crowds thin out and prices drop again. October brings beautiful light and autumn colors; some trabocco restaurants close on October 31, but many stay open until mid-month. Harvest time at the wineries: unique tasting opportunities.

Winter (November–March)

A much quieter coast. Stormy seas, deserted promenades, a different kind of beauty. Trabocco restaurants are generally closed, but many traditional restaurants in the historic centers stay open year-round. Ideal for photographers, writers and contemplative travelers. Hotels at their lowest prices.

Annual events worth timing your visit around

• Festa del Perdono di San Tommaso in Ortona (first Sunday in May): a historical re-enactment with a sea procession of three galleys recreating the 1258 arrival of the saint's relics from Chios. A spectacular ceremony in the port.

• Toson d'Oro in Vasto (early August): a historical re-enactment of 1723, when Cesare Michelangelo d'Avalos received the highest Spanish honor from the Austrian emperor for Prince Colonna. Costumed parade and processions through the historic center.

• Sagra del Brodetto Vastese in Vasto (July): a celebration of the coast's iconic fish stew, in its many home-style interpretations.

• Festival I Sette Capodogli at Punta Aderci (September): an environmental festival commemorating the seven sperm whales that beached on September 12, 2014 (four of whom were saved thanks to an epic rescue operation). Talks, excursions and activities for children.

• San Vito Mercatino dei Trabocchi (July–August, dates vary by year): a food and wine fair in the historic center.

• Mostra Trabocchi at the Centro di Documentazione di Vallevò (Rocca San Giovanni): open year-round with an events calendar and guided visits.

Eating well during your weekend

The Costa dei Trabocchi offers three levels of gastronomic experience, best combined throughout your stay:

1. Dinner in a trabocco: at least one per weekend is non-negotiable. For the full guide with all trabocco restaurants, prices and booking details, see our guide to dining in a trabocco. Budget: €60–90 per person.

2. Traditional fish restaurant in the historic centers: brodetto vastese, mixed fried fish, seafood pasta. Budget: €35–50 per person. Excellent options in Vasto, San Vito Chietino and Ortona.

3. Agriturismo in the hinterland: farmhouse cooking, cured meats (the ventricina vastese), handmade pasta (rintrocili, maccheroni alla chitarra), lamb arrosticini, estate wines. Budget: €25–40 per person.

Local products not to miss — and to bring home: agrumato olive oil from the Teatina coast (San Vito, Rocca, Fossacesia), Montepulciano d'Abruzzo DOC and DOCG, Trebbiano and Pecorino d'Abruzzo, ventricina vastese, citrus preserves, trabocco liqueurs, and traditional sweets (nevole di Ortona, parrozzo, cellipieni).

What to pack

• Beach gear (swimsuit, towel, flip-flops) and cycling clothes (shorts or leggings, a breathable t-shirt, sneakers). If you're visiting in spring or autumn, bring a fleece for the evenings.

• High-SPF sunscreen: the Adriatic sun is intense from May through September.

• A hat and sunglasses.

• A water bottle: for cycling and walking.

• Comfortable shoes for the historic centers (cobblestones can be slippery).

• A camera (your phone is fine, but trabocchi at sunset deserve something more).

• Binoculars (optional): for birdwatching in the Punta Aderci Reserve.

• A bike adapter: if you're traveling by train with your own bike, check Trenitalia schedules in advance.

Who is a weekend here perfect for?

Couples

Abruzzo's most romantic setting. Sunsets from the trabocchi, candlelit dinners suspended over the sea, charming B&Bs in medieval borghi, secluded beaches, D'Annunzian hermitages with love stories woven into their walls. A top destination in Italy for anniversaries and marriage proposals — some trabocco restaurants even offer dedicated packages.

Families with children

Excellent for families. The Via Verde is flat and car-free, suitable even for young children. The nature reserves offer educational activities. Dining in a trabocco with children is absolutely doable (with a few precautions — see the dedicated guide). Beach clubs have family-friendly facilities. The pebbly beaches work well for children over 5.

Cyclists

One of the most beautiful cycling paths in Italy, with bike rental services at every train station, a train-plus-bike option, and the possibility of comb-route detours into the hinterland (Lanciano, Treglio, Castel Frentano). International cycling groups discover the Costa dei Trabocchi every season.

Foodies and wine lovers

Supremely fresh Adriatic fish, bold whites and reds, award-winning olive oils, cheeses (pecorino di Farindola, scamorze from Podolian cattle), cured meats (ventricina), traditional sweets. Organic and biodynamic wineries open for visits. Weekly markets in the borghi.

History and art enthusiasts

Three distinct threads: Roman and medieval history (Ortona, Lanciano, the Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere); World War II military history (the Battle of Ortona, the Battle of the Moro, the British Cemetery at Torino di Sangro); and literary history tied to D'Annunzio (the Eremo Dannunziano, Trabocco Turchino).

How much does a weekend on the Costa dei Trabocchi cost?

Indicative budgets for 2 people, 2 nights (Saturday–Sunday), all-inclusive:

• Economy (simple B&B, meals at a trattoria, one trabocco dinner): €250–400.

• Standard (3-star hotel or charming B&B, one gourmet dinner + one trabocco dinner): €400–600.

• Premium (boutique hotel or top agriturismo, two trabocco dinners, guided experiences, quality bike rental): €600–1,000.

Add fuel costs (~€80–150 round trip for those coming from Milan or Rome), or train fares (~€70–100 round trip Rome–Pescara, ~€150–200 round trip Milan–Pescara), or a low-cost flight (from around €50 round trip Milan–Pescara).

Frequently asked questions about a Costa dei Trabocchi weekend

Is it worth coming outside of peak season?

Absolutely, if you're after peace and quiet. In October, November and March the coast is gorgeous, deserted and photographically perfect. The downsides: many trabocco restaurants are closed and some activities are reduced. Hotels are at their lowest prices.

Can I explore the Costa dei Trabocchi without a car?

Yes, with the train + rental bike combination. The Adriatic line stations are close to the sea and all the main towns are reachable. For the hinterland (Lanciano, the Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere) you'll need extra transport: a taxi, local bus or e-bike.

How worthwhile is a detour into the hinterland?

Very much so — but only if you have at least 3 days. The unmissable stops are Lanciano (for the Eucharistic Miracle and the medieval center), the Abbazia di San Giovanni in Venere at Fossacesia, and optionally Roccascalegna (castle on a rocky spur) or Guardiagrele (a goldsmiths' center). All of these are within 30 km of the coast.

Are the trabocchi safe to visit?

Yes, perfectly safe. The structures are certified, regularly maintained (mandatory by law) and insured. The access walkway may look dramatic, but it's solidly built. Just watch out for thin-soled heels on the wooden planks.

Can I visit the coast with a dog?

Yes — pet-friendly options are growing. Dog-friendly beaches exist in several towns (Vasto Marina, Casalbordino, Torino di Sangro). Many B&Bs welcome dogs. The Via Verde can be cycled with a dog on a leash. In the nature reserves, follow the specific rules posted on-site.

Is the Costa dei Trabocchi accessible for people with disabilities?

Partly yes. The Via Verde is flat and can be navigated by handbike or electric wheelchair. Vasto's historic center has some slopes but is largely accessible. Some trabocco restaurants have accessible entrances. The reserves have partially accessible trails. Always check before booking.

How much does bike rental cost?

City bike €10–15/day, mountain bike €15–25/day, e-bike €25–35/day. Discounts for longer rentals (3 days, one week). Many B&Bs include free city bike loans for guests.

Plan your weekend with Stravagando

This article closes Stravagando's series dedicated to the Costa dei Trabocchi. For the full picture:

• The complete overview: Costa dei Trabocchi: complete itinerary.

• To cycle the Via Verde: Via Verde della Costa dei Trabocchi: complete guide.

• To dine suspended over the water: Dining in a trabocco.

• For Vasto: Vasto: what to see and do.

• For the Punta Aderci Reserve: Punta Aderci: Abruzzo's most beautiful nature reserve.

Stravagando is the Italian marketplace dedicated to experiences on the Costa dei Trabocchi: pre-packaged weekends with hotel and tours included, curated trabocco dinners, bike rental with luggage transfer service, guided excursions in the Punta Aderci Reserve, cultural visits to historic borghi, and winery tastings. We're currently building our experience catalog for the Costa — in the coming months, you'll be able to book directly from here.

In the meantime, if you're a accommodation provider, tour operator, guide, traboccante, winery or local producer on the Costa dei Trabocchi and you'd like to join our network, drop us a line: you're exactly who we're looking for, ahead of the 2026–2027 season.

And if you're a traveler, subscribe to the Stravagando newsletter: we'll let you know as soon as the first Costa dei Trabocchi experiences are bookable online — with transparent pricing, certified hosts and an editorial approach we promise is unlike anything you'll find on the big generalist platforms.

Buon viaggio.