Via Verde dei Trabocchi
A Practical Guide to Cycling the Costa dei Trabocchi
Welcome to the Via Verde dei Trabocchi, one of the most picturesque cycling and pedestrian paths along the Italian Adriatic coast.
The Costa dei Trabocchi stretches along the Abruzzo coastline, starting from Ortona and heading south to Vasto and San Salvo. Following much of the former Adriatic railway line, the Via Verde winds through some of the region's most captivating coastal landscapes.
As you pedal past the sea, hidden coves, rugged cliffs, beaches, historic railway tunnels, and ancient trabocchi (traditional fishing piers), you'll discover a region rich in nature, history, culture, and traditions.
NOTE
Some sections of the Via Verde are currently subject to roadworks and detours. Before setting off, always check for updates in the "Via Verde" section of the Green Road website and pay close attention to the signage along the route.
1. VIA VERDE INFORMATION
Ortona → San Vito Marina
Heading south, the Costa dei Trabocchi begins in the municipality of Ortona.
The route starts in the Lido Saraceni area and passes through several characteristic tunnels of the old railway, offering stunning views of the harbor and the coastline.
Trabocco Mucchiola
Trabocco Mucchiola is the first trabocco you encounter heading south from Ortona.
It makes for an excellent first stop: in the surrounding area, you can take a dip in the sea, snap panoramic photos, and soak in the coastal views. There is also a small picnic area with tables nearby—ideal for a quick break along your ride.
Past Mucchiola, the route leads to the Acquabella area, the pebble beaches of Acquabella and Ripari-Bardella, and the mouth of the Moro River, a site of significant historical interest due to its WWII events.
Continuing along, you’ll reach San Vito Marina, a great spot for a pit stop with its local bars, restaurants, ice cream parlors, bakeries, and street food options.
San Vito Marina → Fossacesia
The stretch between San Vito and Fossacesia features a continuous succession of trabocchi, secluded coves, and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea.
Among the main points of interest are Trabocco Turchino, Punta Fornace, Punta Torre, Punta Rocciosa, and Punta Cavalluccio. It is one of the most picturesque sections of the entire Via Verde, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the history and traditions of the Costa dei Trabocchi.
The route passes through the area of the Promontorio Dannunziano, offering breathtaking views over the coast and the open sea.
Fossacesia → Torino di Sangro
From Fossacesia Marina, the route continues southward, crossing the mouth of the Sangro River.
The scenery alternates between beaches, coastal vegetation, and open sea views.
Heading further south toward Torino di Sangro, you'll reach Cala Le Morge and Lido Le Morge—ideal spots to pause and take a break along the way.
Torino di Sangro → Casalbordino
Once back on the Via Verde at Lido Le Morge, the route continues along the coast toward Casalbordino.
The Cala Le Morge area offers one of the most distinctive landscapes of the Costa dei Trabocchi, with its sea views, pebble beaches, and coastal vegetation.
As you push on toward Casalbordino, you'll pass through a particularly picturesque natural environment defined by sandy beaches, coastal dune flora, and beautiful sea panoramas.
Casalbordino → Punta Aderci
After crossing the bridge over the Sinello River, the previous detour along the river is no longer necessary.
You can pass beyond the barrier located immediately after the bridge and continue along the nature path that leads toward the Punta Aderci Regional Nature Reserve.
The trail gradually immerses you in the reserve's natural landscape—one of the most spectacular settings along the Costa dei Trabocchi. Within the reserve, you can reach the Punta Aderci Promontory, which offers one of the finest panoramic views along the entire coast.
Punta Aderci → Vasto Marina
Between Punta Aderci and Vasto Marina, the route is not yet fully continuous.
To reach Vasto Marina, you need to follow a detour through the industrial area of the Port of Punta Penna. The route then continues along Via Osca until reaching Vignola, where you can rejoin the Via Verde trail.
From Vignola onward, the path resumes as a dedicated cycle lane all the way to Vasto Marina.
3. BEACHES AND COVES
The Costa dei Trabocchi is defined by numerous small beaches, secluded coves, and stretches of rocky coastline.
Many of these spots are easily accessible directly from the Via Verde, making them perfect places to take a break, go for a swim, or simply sit back and enjoy the view.
Ripari di Giobbe
About 3 km north of our rental shop lies the picturesque area of Ripari di Giobbe.
It is one of the most distinctive coastal spots in the Ortona area, featuring a rocky coastline, small coves, and crystal-clear waters.
It makes a great option for anyone looking for a short northbound bike excursion.
Trabocco Mucchiola
Heading south from Ortona, Trabocco Mucchiola is the first trabocco you come across.
It makes for a fantastic stopping point, offering the chance to go for a swim and capture panoramic photos right by the trabocco itself.
Near the trabocco, you'll also find a small picnic area with tables—ideal for a quick break along your ride.
Riserva Naturale dell’Acquabella – Ortona
A stunning natural area in the Ortona region, home to a picturesque cove ideal for a quick break and a swim. The crystal-clear water and natural surroundings make this spot one of the most pleasant places along the coast.
Trabocco Turchino – San Vito Chietino
Another cove we highly recommend is Calata Turchino beach, located right near Trabocco Turchino.
Its clear waters, pebble shore, and enchanting scenery make this area a delightful spot to pull over, relax, and take a dip.
Trabocco Valle Grotte
Trabocco Valle Grotte is another particularly great spot for a seaside break.
This area is generally known for its clear, calm waters, making it an ideal place to pause, relax, and go for a swim.
Località Cavalluccio
Heading further south, you'll reach the Punta Cavalluccio area, home to a small sandy beach.
It is a great option if you want to mix up your ride with a quick break by the sea.
The area is located right near Da Masino, one of our partner dining spots.
Punta Rocciosa
Un altro tratto particolarmente suggestivo è quello di Punta Rocciosa, caratterizzato da piccole insenature e dalla presenza di una spiaggetta.
È uno dei punti in cui il paesaggio della Via Verde mostra in modo particolarmente evidente il rapporto tra la ferrovia storica, la costa rocciosa e il mare.
Cala Le Morge
Further south, in the municipality of Torino di Sangro, lies Cala Le Morge—one of the most famous beaches along the Costa dei Trabocchi.
The landscape is defined by smooth, light-colored pebbles, crystal-clear waters, and coastal greenery.
Continuing toward Lido Le Morge, you'll also find several beach clubs and eateries, making it an ideal spot to stop for a break along your route.
Punta Aderci
The Punta Aderci Nature Reserve offers one of the most spectacular settings along the Costa dei Trabocchi.
The viewpoint allows you to admire the coastline from above, while heading down toward the sea brings you to the beach and the Trabocco di Punta Aderci.
It is undoubtedly one of our top recommended stops that you shouldn't miss on your route south.
7. THE TRABOCCHI
Trabocchi are ancient wooden fishing structures typical of the Abruzzo coast.
Suspended over the sea and connected to the mainland by long wooden footbridges, they are one of the most recognizable symbols of the Costa dei Trabocchi.
Heading south from Ortona, Trabocco Mucchiola is the very first trabocco you will encounter.
Originally built as fishing platforms, today many trabocchi have been restored, with some housing restaurants and tasting experiences.
They stand as a valuable testament to the historic bond between local communities and the sea.
8. Costa dei Trabocchi Cycle Path Map
The Via Verde map helps you find your way along the route and locate key points of interest, detours, and useful trail information.
To stay informed about current trail conditions, roadworks, detours, or route changes, check our "Via Verde" section on the Green Road website regularly.
The QR code on our map gives you direct access to these online updates.
Before Setting Off
We recommend always checking the latest updates before starting your ride, especially if you plan to reach Vasto or San Salvo.
Trail conditions can change depending on ongoing roadworks and route status.