The Greenway of the Trabocchi Coast: Pedaling through History, Nature, and Flavors

Abruzzo is a region that captivates with its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and irresistible food traditions. Exploring the Greenway of the Trabocchi Coast by bike is an unforgettable experience, as Silvia Donatiello  shares in her cycling adventure along this fascinating coastline. Six days and 131 km of pure wonder, through nature reserves, charming seaside villages, wild beaches, and the iconic trabocchi, the fascinating fishing machines suspended over the Adriatic Sea.

From San Benedetto del Tronto to Roseto degli Abruzzi: A Dive into History and Nature

The adventure began in San Benedetto del Tronto, exploring the Borgo Alto and the striking Gualtieri Tower, offering a breathtaking panoramic view. From there, the bike journey continued through the Sentina Reserve, a protected natural area of great environmental value, leading to Martinsicuro, the starting point of the Abruzzo Bike to Coast. Cycling along the coast, we passed through Alba Adriatica, Tortoreto Lido, and Giulianova, before reaching the Borsacchio Nature Reserve, a paradise of untouched dunes and Mediterranean vegetation. The day ended in Roseto degli Abruzzi, where we toasted with a glass of wine from the historic Mazzarosa Winery, fully immersing ourselves in the authentic flavors of Abruzzo.

From the Marine Park of Torre di Cerrano to Francavilla al Mare

Continuing along the Greenway of the Trabocchi Coast, we rode through Pineto and the Marine Park of Torre di Cerrano, one of Abruzzo’s most enchanting spots. Inside the tower, the museum tells the story of the coastline and its marine ecosystem—an unmissable experience for nature and history lovers. In Francavilla al Mare, we took a detour into the Teatine hills to visit Torrevecchia Teatina and the Michetti Museum (MU.MI.), a place rich in art and history. The day ended with a relaxing dinner at a charming countryside relais and a spa session with a sea view—a well-deserved treat after an intense day of cycling!

The Trabocchi Coast: Stunning Views and Traditional Flavors

Our journey then led us to Ortona, where we visited the majestic Aragonese Castle, perched above the sea. Passing through the Acquabella Nature Reserve, we arrived in San Vito Chietino, the gateway to the Trabocchi Coast. The trabocchi, with their long wooden arms extending over the water, immediately captivated us. One of the most unforgettable moments was visiting the Trabocco Turchino, mentioned by Gabriele D’Annunzio in "The Triumph of Death". The day ended with an exclusive dinner on an authentic trabocco, savoring traditional Abruzzese seafood dishes with the sound of the waves as our soundtrack—an experience that will stay in our hearts forever!

The Final Wonder: Punta Aderci and the Village of Vasto

The last leg of our journey gifted us with one of the most spectacular landscapes: the Punta Aderci and Punta Penna Nature Reserve. Here, Mediterranean vegetation blends with breathtaking views of the Adriatic, offering postcard-perfect scenery reminiscent of the Scottish cliffs. Our trip concluded in the stunning town of Vasto, where we wandered through the charming historic center, admiring Palazzo D’Avalos and the Loggia Ambling, which, on clear days, offers a glimpse of the Tremiti Islands. We celebrated our final night with a feast of traditional Vasto cuisine and a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, marking the perfect end to this extraordinary adventure.

The Greenway of the Trabocchi Coast: A Must-Experience Journey

The Greenway of the Trabocchi Coast is more than just a cycling route—it’s a journey through nature, culture, and authentic flavors. Ideal for enthusiasts of bike touring, slow travel, and food tourism, this experience showcases the best of Abruzzo, blending enchanting landscapes with delicious local cuisine. To wrap up our adventure, we boarded the Trabocchi Train, which took us back to our starting point, our hearts filled with memories and already planning our next cycling trip!