28/05/2025

Have you ever dreamed of waking up to the smell of coffee beneath an ancient stilt house suspended over the sea? That’s exactly what happened to me during my trek along the Trabocchi Coast, in the company of a dear friend. Five days on foot, with a light backpack and a desire to be amazed – the result was one of the most intense and surprising experiences I’ve ever had.

The Trabocchi Coast is a true jewel of the Abruzzo coastline, characterized by a unique landscape where the ancient wooden fishing machines, known as trabocchi, rise from the sea like timeless sentinels. These structures, built on stilts and anchored to rocks and promontories, tell stories of hard work, ingenuity, and a respectful coexistence with nature. Possibly dating back to the Phoenician era, the trabocchi are now the symbol of the Teatine coast, especially along the stretch from Ortona to Vasto.

We began our journey in Ortona, arriving independently and enjoying a relaxed first evening to soak in the sea breeze and get settled. The next day, the real adventure began: from Ortona to San Vito Chietino, a stunning section that partly follows the old railway line, winding through nature reserves, pine forests, rocky coves, and dreamlike trabocchi. The Punta dell’Acquabella Regional Nature Reserve, the Trabocco della Mucchiola, and the Roman archaeological remains along the way gave us our first full immersion in history and landscape.

On Day Three, we walked from San Vito to Fossacesia, likely the most trabocco-rich part of the trail. It felt like strolling through an open-air museum of maritime architecture: from the iconic Trabocco Turchino (beloved by D’Annunzio) to Punta Rocciosa, every view was a perfect postcard. The day ended with a delicious dinner right on a trabocco, where the smell of the sea and the flavor of freshly caught fish revealed the most authentic side of Abruzzo.

Day Four led us along the coast from Fossacesia to Casalbordino. This segment took us through the Lecceta di Torino di Sangro Nature Reserve, a peaceful green haven where the silence of the trails invites reflection. We paused by the milestones of the Tratturo Magno and walked among coastal dunes and untamed beaches. A moving stop was the British WWII cemetery, which added a solemn and profound note to the landscape.

The final stage, from Casalbordino to Vasto Marina, was the most scenic of all. The long pebble beach of Mottagrossa, the Punta Aderci promontory with its breathtaking views, and the shallow turquoise waters left us speechless. Punta Penna Beach and the bike-pedestrian path leading to the famous “Bagnante” statue welcomed us to our final destination with a blend of satisfaction and nostalgia.

Walking the Trabocchi Coast Trail means taking a journey into nature, history, and even a little bit into yourself. Sharing this experience with a friend made everything even more special: every sunrise, every laugh, every step along the sea reminded us how wonderful it is to slow down and be amazed together. If you're looking for an authentic, accessible, and deeply rejuvenating experience, pack your hiking boots and set off on this unforgettable trail.