The Costa dei Trabocchi: the charm of the southern coastline

The long and extraordinary Abruzzo coastline acquires a unique, perhaps little-known face in the province of Chieti, where high cliffs, promontories and coves embellish what is commonly known as the Trabocchi coastline.

The trabocchi, which have become a symbol of this stretch of coastline, are ancient and typical maritime constructions. Compared by Gabriele D'Annunzio to 'colossal spiders', these complex fishing machines are hoisted on stilts and supported by a web of cables and planks.

Placed perpendicular to the coastline and anchored to the rocks, these structures have captivated tourists and visitors alike thanks to their particular and primitive architecture that seems to evoke and tell stories of times gone by.

Set in a marvellous environmental context, characterised by a clear sea, transparent seabed and unspoilt nature, the trabocchi thus dominate the coastline and ensure a magical and exciting experience for those who visit this area.

There are many towns and places to visit along this stretch of coastline, starting with Ortona, one of the most interesting seaside resorts together with the hamlet of Ripari di Giobbe, famous for its crystal-clear sea; San Vito Chietino, one of the most evocative corners of the Abruzzo coastline; Rocca San Giovanni, where one can observe one of the most unspoilt stretches of coastline, here characterised by pebble beaches and cliffs dropping sheer to the sea; and Fossacesia, offering the exceptional panorama of the Gulf of Venus. Continuing southwards, we come to Torino di Sangro, where we can find the famous 'Lecceta' forest, a regional nature reserve, Casalbordino, whose beach is characterised by fine sand, and Vasto, which overlooks the suggestive Golfo d'Oro (Golden Gulf) and has a beautiful historic centre.

Also of interest in the area is the extraordinary Punta Aderci nature reserve. Finally, San Salvo, a seaside resort with some wild and unspoilt stretches of beach.

There are therefore many places to visit in a wonderful and surprising territory, suitable for the traveller who wants to be moved by the magnificence and extraordinary beauty offered by nature.

There are also excellent accommodation facilities, such as campsites and tourist villages that will be ready to welcome you with the proverbial Abruzzese hospitality. If you also want to crown your trip with an unusual experience, you will be able to dine romantically on one of the present trabocchi, directly on the sea, tasting the extraordinary fish dishes linked to tradition and the territory.