an unexpected journey to the beach
Located between the towns of Pineto and Silvi stands the Torre di Cerrano (The Tower of Cerrano), an ancient fortress and symbol of one of the many Natural Protected Areas in Abruzzo, the Area Marina Protetta Torre di Cerrano (The Protected Sea Area of the Tower of Cerrano).
The initial plan when my wife and I went to the Torre di Cerrano was to visit my cousin and his family in Atri, a lovely town, also considered an “Art City” (don’t worry, there will be posts about Atri too). I knew about the Torre di Cerrano but I had never been there, neither my wife; and by driving through the Belvedere di Pineto, we thought, let’s go, “just to see the tower”. Well that “just the see the tower” turned into a full and proper beach day.
So, our trip started in the Belvedere di Pineto, a narrow and panoramic street that offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the countryside. You may be wondering, sea and countryside in one view? Yess!! From where we were, if you made a 365-degree turn you could appreciate both, sea and countryside! How cool is that?? 🙂
This was the view we had on our right hand side.
This was the view we had on our left hand side.
After the Belvedere di Pineto, we left the car in a parking lot right next to the beach where we didn’t have to pay anything. When we started walking, first we had to walk through a pedestrian and cycle track (that goes much further this area) for nearly 20 minutes, until we got to the tower. The tower itself dominates this part of the coast and it’s surrounded, not only by the beach but also by dunes, pines, flowers and other types of plants, making it quite an enjoyable place. The insides of the tower and its installations, including the Museo del Mare (Museum of the Sea), can be only visited under guidance and it’s a must to do!
A few meters further the Tower, we found the Pineta, “a wood of pines” that extends all over the Spiaggia di Cerrano (Cerrano beach) and beyond. The Pineta offers you more than an escape from the sun or a fresh breeze during the summer. It can also be the place for early runs, meditation or simply a quiet place where you can read your favourite book and, if you like bikes, you can cross it with yours. All of this having as background the sound of the sea.
The Tower of Cerrano
The tower and the Pineta can be appreciated from the Spiaggia di Cerrano (the Cerrano Beach) which is part of the Natural Protected Area. The entrance is free, and the beach itself is quite big. It’s also sandy, clean, calm and its waters are shallow. You can bring your own stuff, so you can make yourself the more comfortable you can.
Since the very first we enjoyed the reserve. We spent most of the time walking and exploring the surroundings, although you can do many other things like snorkelling, kitesurfing or sailing. It’s quite amazing how one place can contain so much diversity. But the thing we liked the most about this place was that we felt like we were owning it and turning it into whatever we like. Do you like to take pictures as I do? This place is the perfect spot, it can be your natural studio. You like to meditate and do yoga? This place can be a natural gym. It’s up to you!!
So, it seems like a tower surrounded by dunes, pines, flowers and a calm and clean beach it’s not a bad place to restore your mind and body by doing what you like!
Ohh and by the way, at the of the day, we did manage to visit my cousin and his family 🙂
April 20, 2020