Wine & food tasting tour on the Trabocchi Coast: a unique cycling experience
This cycling tour with tasting is the perfect way to discover the beauty of the region, combining physical activity, culture, and the pleasure of good food. It offers a fun and sustainable experience to experience Abruzzo in a brand-new way.
The cycling route stretches for about 42 km along the Adriatic Sea. Pedaling along the Via Verde bike path, famous for the characteristic trabocchi that dot the shoreline, you will admire breathtaking landscapes and unique views of the sea and the rocky coast.
Along the way, you will come across Trabocco Punta Rocciosa, Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio, and the Trabocco of San Vito Chietino. These unique wooden structures reach out over the water from the cliffs; once used by local fishermen, they are now the ultimate symbol of the Abruzzo coast. The Via Verde itself was created by reclaiming an old, discontinued railway line, and today it stands as one of the most picturesque cycle paths in Italy.
But that is not all. The tour includes delightful stops to taste the genuine flavors of Abruzzo’s food and wine, ranging from cheeses and cured meats to local wines and varieties of honey.
In short, this tour is the perfect solution to combine the pleasure of cycling along one of Italy’s most beautiful bike paths with the thrill of savoring local specialties—an ideal journey to discover the hidden treasures of the Trabocchi Coast.
Starting point: Ortona
The tour starts from Ortona, a vibrant town with thousands of years of history and a true gem of Italian historical heritage.
You will pedal along a well-maintained bike path leading toward Lido Saraceni. The safe and flat route allows everyone to enjoy a pleasant, completely relaxing ride.
Continuing onward, the itinerary embraces the coastline, where the blue waves of the Adriatic gently lap against the shore. Following the shoreline, you will reach the historic Port and the Ritorna Lighthouse—places that tell the ancient stories of Ortona and still seem to keep their essence alive within the town's fabric. In the Middle Ages, this port was an important commercial hub, later becoming a base for the Bourbon naval fleet. Remnants of the old docks are still visible today while walking along the East Pier (Molo di Levante). The lighthouse, built in 1903, dominates the harbor entrance.
After following the bike path close to the Peticcio River, the route includes a climb up the Ripari di Giobbe hill. Although it may seem demanding, the ascent proves highly rewarding thanks to the panoramic views waiting for you at the top.
In the background, the grand Majella mountain comes into view, while your attention is drawn to the heart of Ortona's vineyards. Cultivated with love and dedication, these vineyards are the cradle of some of the region's finest wines.
Local wine tasting
Among the vine rows of the Giovenzo estate, you can sample prestigious indigenous wines. Typical grape varieties include Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Trebbiano, and Pecorino. Pairings with local cured meats and cheeses perfectly enhance the characteristics of these small-scale, sustainable productions.
After this delightful stop, it's back on the bikes along quiet lanes immersed in the rural countryside. With every bend in the road, the view sweeps from rolling vineyards to the crests of the Majella mountain.
Breathtaking views
At this point, you will head down toward the sea, admiring the coastline and the Ripari di Giobbe Regional Nature Reserve from above. This protected area, perched on a cliffside, preserves the local cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation while offering spectacular views of the Trabocchi Coast and the Majella mountain. It is the perfect panoramic spot for a souvenir photo.
You will then rejoin the Via Verde, riding along the renowned Trabocchi Coast back to the starting point—a picturesque finale that completes the loop of this tour, dedicated to discovering the natural beauty and traditional flavors of Abruzzo.
A cycling tour along the Trabocchi Coast is an adventure accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. This unique route, stretching over several kilometers, offers a rich variety of experiences that bring together nature, culture, and food and wine.
The route is not particularly demanding, making it suitable for families, groups of friends, or solo cyclists wishing to enjoy a day outdoors in a truly unique setting. The itinerary alternates between coastal stretches—with views of the blue Adriatic and the characteristic trabocchi—and inland detours, where you can admire the beauty of the Abruzzo countryside and its historic villages.
One of the unique features of this tour is the freedom to go at your own pace, with absolutely no rush. You have the flexibility to stop whenever you like to take in the spectacular views, break for a picnic, or taste traditional dishes in local restaurants. This flexibility makes the tour a relaxing and rewarding experience, where the journey itself is just as valuable as the destination.
This cycling tour allows you to discover a fascinating corner of Abruzzo—a treasure that can only be truly uncovered by pedaling along its roads, breathing in the sea scents, and letting yourself be captivated by local traditions. There is no better way to enjoy an immersive and authentic experience in this extraordinary region.
