We love to write about Abruzzo, but sometimes words are not enough to describe the beauty you will find in every corner of the region. This is why we made a selection of our favourite spots from Ortona to Vasto, including short descriptions and some interesting facts.
This is the first of a series of posts we’ve been working on to show you the paradise that Abruzzo is. For this one, we are collaborating with Oltrenatura Abruzzo, so you don’t want to miss this one out! Let’s take a virtual trip together.
The natural reserve of Ripari di Giobbe
The Natural Reserve of the Ripari di Giobbe is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole region. Small and charming with incredible surroundings and crystal-clear waters, it’s a must! To get to the beach you will have to go down through a wooden staircase and take the same path back. You can find a camping area, a restaurant and a parking lot close to the beach, so you can enjoy your day with no worries.
The beach of Punta dell'Acquabella
Punta dell’Acquabella is a wild and beautiful beach located in Ortona. If you love to explore and discover new corners, you’ll love this one. Because it’s not the easiest to access, the beach is never too crowded and the waters are crystalline. It’s just a hidden paradise!
The town of Rocca San Giovanni
The town of Rocca San Giovanni, belongs to the club of the most beautiful towns in Italy. Its location, between the hills and the sea, makes it the ideal place to disconnect from everything and restore yourself. The main place of the town is the Piazza degli Eroi (the heroes square) where you can find the Palazzo Ducale, la Torre Civica and the Chiesa of San Matteo Apostolo. Other places of interest are the medieval walls, the terrace with a panoramic view of the coast and the many colourful “vicoli” (alleys), like the one you see in the picture.
The Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere
The abbey of San Giovanni in Venere is located in the town of Fossacesia, on a hill that offers a panoramic view of the coast. Many believe that the reference to Venere (Venus), comes from the presence of a temple dedicated to the goddess. Apart from the abbey, it’s also possible to visit the cloister which includes a well-maintained garden, the crypt with its ancient frescoes and relaxing natural scenarios.
Belvedere Guglielmo Marconi
The Corso Trento e Trieste in San Vito Chietino leads to the Belvedere Guglielmo Marconi, a place where is possible to have a 360° view of Abruzzo from the very top of San Vito. When you are standing there, you can have an incredible view of the mountain and the sea at the same time, something not many places can offer!
The Trabocchi
The Costa dei Trabocchi owns its name to these old fashioned fishing machines (still functioning) located a few metres away from the shores, they are considered to be a symbol of Abruzzo. Nowadays the majority of them are restaurants where you can eat the tastiest Abruzzo’s plates while you enjoy stunning views of the coast.
Promontorio d'Annunziano
Promontorio D’Annunziano is one of the most representatives places in the Costa dei Trabocchi. This area offers an amazing view of the coast (it’s also possible to see the Traboccho Turchino) but is also a place surrounded by magic. In fact, not too far away there is the Eremo D’Annunziano, the place where the poet Gabriele D’Annunzio found the inspiration for his novel, “Il Trionfo della Morte” (The Triumph of Death).
In the middle of the Belvedere area, there is a particular bench with the shape of the Italian map known as “La Panchina dei Sogni” (The Bench of the Dreams) by Vito Bucciarelli.
The description of the last two pictures were kindly provided by Angela and Francesa from Oltrenatura Abruzzo. They offer tour escort services with the aim to promote the beauty of Abruzzo. These services are through some of the most beautiful places in the region such as Vasto, Abbazia di San Liberatore a Maiella (The Abbey of San Liberatore a Maiella) and the Eremo di San Bartolomeo in Legio (the Hermitage of San Bartlomeo in Legio). You can also check the Facebook and Instagram profiles to know more.
Vasto
The Loggia Ambligh is one of the best places to admire the famous Golden Gulf of the city of Vasto. Along this panoramic walk, you will have the chance to visit two representative places of Vasto: a small 19th-century chapel dedicated to the Madonna della Catena and the Arco di Porta Santa Maria o Porta Catena, from which is possible to get to the medieval town. The loggia takes its name from Guglielmo Ambligh, a lieutenant under Cesare Michelangelo D’Avalos’s command.
Natural Reserve of Punta Aderci
The promontorio of the Natural Reserve of Punta Aderci is the first protected area established in Abruzzo on the coastal side. The whole area extends from the beach of Punta Penna, located in the town of Vasto, to the Foce del Fiume Sinello (The River of Sinello).
From this promontorio, located approximately 26 m a.s.l., is possible to admire one of the most stunning landscapes of the region. Your gaze will be captured by the wild beach of Mottagrossa, the iconic trabocco, and the shape of the Gran Sasso and the Maiella.
