The sections of the Trabocchi cycle path
Pedaling from Ortona to San Vito: discovering the beauty of the Abruzzo coast
The Via Verde starts in Ortona: three ancient railway tunnels lead you to a breathtaking view of the city's port and the Saraceni beach.
After the long Acquabella Tunnel, a stunning coastal panorama awaits you, stretching northward with the pebble beaches of Acquabella and Ripari-Bardella. Along the way, you can also see the mouth of the Moro River, a crucial point of the Gustav Line during World War II and the theater of the Battle of the Moro River (December 1943). Today, this stretch of coastline is a famous spot where surfers challenge the waves.
And then, here is the first trabocco: the Mucchiola trabocco, a centuries-old structure, the only one remaining in the municipality of Ortona and recently restored and transformed into a renowned restaurant, like most trabocchi. This trabocco introduces you to a wonderful rocky coastline, with its small beach below. You are still within the territory of Ortona.
From here, getting back on the track, you will arrive in just a few minutes at the tourist village of San Vito Marina, where you will find all kinds of services: bars, ice cream parlors, bakeries, restaurants, street food, and the famous fried fish shops (*friggitorie*). The landscape, in this case too, is enchanting: on one side, the picturesque town of San Vito Chietino, rising 122 meters above sea level, and on the other, the San Vito beach with the San Giacomo and Punta Scirocco trabocchi, which have also been transformed into restaurants. Turning your gaze, you can still catch a glimpse of Ortona's skyline with the profile of its port.
Exploring the coast: from San Vito to Fossacesia by bicycle
Between San Vito and Fossacesia, a fascinating coastline unfolds, dotted with *trabocchi*, which – as we have seen – are ancient wooden stilt houses used for fishing. These structures, defined by Gabriele D'Annunzio as "antediluvian amphibians," are a symbol of Abruzzo and its maritime tradition. Some of the most beautiful trabocchi include Punta Fornace, Turchino, and Punta Torre, which can be reached via paths or tunnels cutting through the Dannunzian Promontory. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea and the coastline stretching from Ortona to Vasto. Those who wish can also visit the Belvedere Dannunziano and the poet's residence, located along the Adriatic State Road. Along the Trabocchi cycle path, you will encounter other suggestive beaches, such as La Foce and Fuggitella, and other historical trabocchi like Punta Rocciosa and Punta Cavalluccio. An itinerary rich in history, nature, and beauty.
Cycling adventure from Fossacesia to Torino di Sangro: between sea and evocative landscapes
The route from Fossacesia Marina (old station) to the northern coast of Torino di Sangro is simple and easy, featuring a well-maintained bridge that crosses the mouth of the Sangro River. However, it is important to pay attention when the cycle path intersects with roads leading to the beaches, especially during the summer season when traffic can be heavier. Unfortunately, the cycle path breaks off near Lago Dragoni beach (20 km of track from Ortona), and for about two kilometers, it is necessary to either take the state road or cross the construction site with great care (see the "Detour Alert" section below), as the road is very uneven, exposed, and prone to landslides.
Therefore, we recommend walking your bike through the most critical sections, especially if you lack experience or do not have the appropriate bikes (we suggest premium MTBs or premium e-bikes with puncture-proof tires).
Despite the interruption, Cala le Morge beach is well worth a visit, both in summer, when the sea takes on bright, turquoise hues, and in winter, when the waves crash against the pure white pebbles, filling the air with the scent of the sea and a touch of melancholy. Continuing from the entrance of Cala le Morge, you can ride for a few kilometers along a newly paved stretch of the cycle path that leads to Lido Le Morge, a tourist beach in Torino di Sangro equipped with numerous beach clubs and dining options, making it ideal for a pleasant, relaxing break.
Discovering Torino di Sangro and Punta Aderci
The journey continues southward, starting from Lido Le Morge and heading toward Casalbordino Lido. We cross a short bridge that symbolically marks the border between the municipalities of Torino di Sangro and Casalbordino. After a few hundred meters, the path splits and the cycle track leaves the former railway line to follow the Casalbordino seafront. Here we are welcomed by a short but fascinating stretch of coast characterized by a sandy beach dotted with sand ripples and "dune vegetation" that is rare to find elsewhere in Italy.
Leaving the beach behind after riding alongside it for a long stretch, we head inland and face a short but steep climb next to the Residence Poker, which leads us to the entrance of the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve (well marked by information signs about the nature trail). This part of our itinerary is truly enchanting from a scenic point of view, as here the cycle path blends perfectly with the Natural Park, creating an evocative trail.
The bike path immediately plunges into a dense forest, which we ride through for a few kilometers until the Mottagrossa junction. Here, a gentle curve to the left finally brings us to the Punta Aderci Promontory. The landscape in this area is dominated by lush green vegetation, reminding us at times of the Portuguese cliffs of Cabo da Roca, and at others of the wild Scottish and Irish coasts. We follow the path that winds near the beach and the characteristic Punta Aderci Trabocco, enjoying a series of rolling hills that offer an unforgettable experience, as the bright green grass gives way to the deep blue of the Adriatic Sea stretching eastward, making us dream of ancient Dalmatian and Saracen adventures.
To fully enjoy the spectacle of Punta Aderci, we highly recommend visiting the panoramic viewpoint before heading down to the beach and the Trabocco.
From Punta Aderci to Vasto Marina: the fifth and final stage of the Via Verde dei Trabocchi
An exciting journey awaits you through natural wonders along the section stretching from Punta Aderci to Vasto Marina. In this fascinating area, you can immerse yourself in the magnificent view of the Punta Penna cove, a true paradise in the heart of Vasto. By avoiding the busy road, you will follow a path that leads you directly to the parking lot. From there, you can continue along Via Osca to rejoin the Via Verde dei Trabocchi and its enchanting cycle path.
You absolutely cannot miss a detour toward the Port of Vasto and the majestic Punta Penna Tower, an imposing lighthouse that dominates the marine horizon. Once back on the cycle path, you will pass through safe and well-lit tunnels that will lead you to the suggestive San Nicola Beach, where you can admire a typical *trabocco* up close, a testament to ancient local traditions.
The bike path continues to Vasto Marina, from where you can admire the beautiful city of Vasto rising majestically on the hill. If you wish to enjoy a unique experience, you can take on a 3 km climb along Via Istonia to reach the old town of Vasto and take in a spectacular, breathtaking panorama of the gulf.
At the end of the cycle path, you will find the Monumento alla Bagnante (Bather's Monument), also known as the Little Mermaid of Vasto, watching over the beach from the top of a rock. Vasto will welcome you with its mild climate and lively atmosphere. If you wish to continue the adventure, you can explore the Marina di Vasto Nature Reserve all the way to San Salvo Marina and the charming Mediterranean Botanical Garden. This is where the evocative journey of the Via Verde dei Trabocchi comes to an end.
Trabocchi Coast cycle path map
The Trabocchi Coast cycle path is a unique opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful and evocative areas of Abruzzo, balanced perfectly between the sea and nature. To better find your way along the Via Verde dei Trabocchi, you can consult the interactive map, which shows the route of the cycle path, the points of interest to visit, and current trail conditions. The map is accessible from both desktops and other devices. As a reminder, the map also allows you to calculate distances and travel times between the various stages.
Detour alerts
If you wish to continue toward Vasto–San Salvo, please note that the Via Verde currently breaks off in two places due to an active construction site and a landslide.
Borgata Marina – Le Morge Construction Site
After the first 20 km of the cycle-pedestrian path, the paved track ends and you will find yourself in front of a construction site. Depending on the type of bike you choose and your level of road-riding experience, there are currently two alternatives available:
Continue along the construction section (recommended option, but with great caution)
This option is generally preferable for those who are not particularly comfortable riding on open roads with traffic. The most suitable bicycles are:
- Premium MTBs
- Premium E-bikes (trekking or MTB) Equipped with puncture-proof tires and better suited for uneven surfaces.
This is the option we recommend, especially on the way there.
Detour via the state road (for experienced cyclists only)
Alternatively, you can ride for about 2 km on the state road. The road features:
- narrow lanes;
- bends (some with blind spots);
- no shoulders or side margins for bicycles;
- traffic including heavy vehicles;
- high-speed traffic.
On the way there, you will need to cross the road to both enter and subsequently exit the state road. The first useful point to rejoin the cycle path is near the sign for "Ristoro Le Morge".
On the way back, the situation is simpler, as both entering and rejoining the path take place on the right side of the road, with no need to cross lanes.
This option is recommended exclusively for experienced cyclists, without children in tow or accessories such as bike trailers.
Roadworks: Punta Aderci Nature Reserve
At Casalbordino, near the mouth of the Sinello River (about 30 km from the start), there is a second detour, marked by a "detour due to roadworks" sign. This is caused by a landslide located just ahead, near the entrance to the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve.
We recommend following the official detour for cycle tourists (not the one for experienced cyclists).
This is an alternative route of about 5 km, very pleasant and surrounded by nature, featuring rolling hills on unpaved countryside roads. It is a fun and scenic section that offers authentic views of the coastal hinterland.
Pay attention near intersections: signs are provided, but it is important to watch them carefully to avoid missing a turn.
The detour allows you to rejoin the cycle path in the Mottagrossa area, immediately after the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve. Therefore, to visit the reserve, you will need to head back slightly in a northerly direction.
Some visitors choose not to follow the detour and ride straight to the landslide area, bypassing it from the side or crossing it while carrying their bikes on their shoulders. For safety reasons, we do not recommend this option, as it is an unstable area subject to further ground movement, especially after rain.
You can view the updated detours on the digital map you downloaded (also available in paper format upon request).
