The Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo: A Beach & Dining Destination

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If you feel like everyone around you is headed to the same four places in Italy, you’re not the only one imagining this. Italy is a myriad of incredible destinations, but some places have just been too spoiled by the masses.

If you dare to be a little different and venture off the much beaten path, you’ll be rewarded with corners of Italy that are lesser known and sure to amaze. At the top of the list of underrated places to visit in Italy is the Trabocchi Coast, a piece of Adriatic shoreline that many have never even heard of.

From the most unparalleled beaches on the east coast of Italy to fascinating landmarks, the Trabocchi Coast is undoubtedly one nook of Italy that is guaranteed to surprise every visitor.

In this guide, discover the significance of the Trabocchi Coast, when to visit, what to see and how to get there.

Where Is the Trabocchi Coast in Italy?

The Trabocchi Coast is considered the coastline between Ortona and Vasto, two coastal towns in the Italian region of Abruzzo. Just over 40km (24 miles) long, it runs along the Adriatic Sea and on the east coast of Italy.

On the other side of the Adriatic Sea and far into the distance, the Trabocchi Coast is opposite of Split in Croatia.

Abruzzo is a region in central Italy which tends to fly under the radar with most tourists. It is comprised of all the best landscapes in one package – mountains, rolling hills, forests, and the sea.

To the south of Abruzzo are the regions of Molise and then the beloved Puglia. The region of Lazio also borders Abruzzo to the west, which makes Rome about 3 hours from the Trabocchi Coast but on the other side of Italy.

→ ✈️ Find flights to Abruzzo←

Why Is It Called the Trabocchi Coast?

The Trabocchi Coast, or Costa dei Trabocchi in Italian, is named after the numerous trabocchi structures built along a specific section of the coast. A trabocco is a fishing hut which is built out of wood and on stilts.

The fishing huts are constructed out in the sea, usually 50 metres or more from land. There are between 15 – 20 trabocco buildings still standing, most of which have been renovated into restaurants.

The origin of the trabocchi in Abruzzo is a bit uncertain, but some believe that the trabocco’s construction style has origins of Phoenician Engineers. Back then, the trabocco structures were used as the primary method of fishing in the Abruzzo region.

The trabocco is defined by its covered shelter and, most importantly, the network of pulleys and nets which allowed for efficient fishing.

Their design allows the fishing huts to withstand even the most intense storms as the pillars are rooted deep into the ground. From afar, the trabocchi structures appear to float atop the water’s surface.

Reasons to Visit the Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo

Beautiful Quiet Beaches

When summer hits, plenty of tourists will continue to flock to the Italian coast classics like Amalfi, Cinque Terre, and the island of Sardinia. This leaves untapped destinations, like the Trabocchi Coast, unspoiled by mass tourism, crowds, and a wave of inauthenticity.

The beaches along the Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo are some of the best beaches in Italy, and the best part is, most tourists don’t know about them.

Italy’s east coast along the Adriatic Sea is a mix of small pebble beaches, large bays, cliff sides and idyllic sandy beaches. There is a type of beach for anyone, whether you enjoy swimming or hanging in the shallow end with the kids.

You’ll find smaller inlets in addition to long stretches of find sand that extend for miles. The Trabocchi Coast is a beautiful blend of private waterfront areas that require a short walk as well as full service lido beach clubs with sun beds for rent.

→ ✈️ Find flights to Abruzzo←

One of a Kind Dining Experience

Many of the historic trabocchi structures are repurposed as restaurants. More often than not, these are not casual beach shacks serving fish and chips but instead, fine dining eateries. During the summer, reservations are absolutely necessary as the experience is seen as a special and novelty event.

The trabocchi restaurants are positioned out in the water so it’s as if you’re eating while floating above the sea. The views are incredible, the atmosphere is dreamy, and as expected, the food is divine.

A majority of the trabocchi restaurants focus on local Abruzzese cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. While visiting the Trabocchi Coast, enjoying a nice dinner or long lunch at one of the trabocchi establishments is one of the most unique things to do in Italy.

Keep scrolling down in this post to find some of the best rated restaurants on the Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo. It’s important to remember that most of the restaurants are only open from April – October due to the weather.

Biking & Running

One of the most distinct features of the Abruzzo region includes a 131 km long bicycle path. This path isn’t just convenient; it’s also incredibly scenic because it runs in parallel with the Adriatic Sea.

Furthermore, it’s primarily flat, which means it covers a lot of ground without being too challenging. It’s a great activity for people of all ages. Whether or not you plan on enjoying the beaches, the bike path alone is a reason to make the Trabocchi Coast a destination.

The bike path is widely popular with avid cyclists, runners or anyone looking to take a stroll without the distraction of cars.

We’ve spent a lot of time around Italy and have yet to come across another bike route like this one. It is just one of the many options that make Abruzzo one of the most bike-friendly regions in the entire country.

An Affordable Holiday

Italy’s popularity will never come to a complete stop. You can expect summers along the admired coastal destinations to continuously be packed with people. This is unless… you venture off the beaten path.

The Trabocchi Coast is a hidden gem when it comes to summer and beach destinations in Italy. Comparatively, the number of visitors is very low which accomplishes two major things – fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation. 

If you’re not keen on spending €100 for two sun beds on the beach in Amalfi, then you’re much better off visiting The Trabocchi Coast. Everything from hotels, dining out, a simple espresso, and activities costs less than in other parts of Italy, simply because it’s lesser known.

The Trabocchi Cost is a perfect beach destinations that doesn’t cost a fortune to experience.

💎 See the full list of the best hidden gems to visit in Italy!

How to Get To Costa Dei Trabocchi in Abruzzo

Flying

To plan a visit to the Trabocchi Coast means you must first reach the Abruzzo region. Although there is an imposing mountain range which separates Abruzzo from Rome, it is possible to get from Rome (and therefore the Rome Airport) in less than three hours.

If you’re travelling to the Trabocchi Coast from outside of Italy, flying into Rome will ensure the most affordable and flexible flight options. Alternatively, flying into Naples International Airport is also a solid choice and only three hours from Abruzzo by car.

The absolute ideal scenario for getting to the Trabocchi Coast by plane is to fly into Abruzzo’s International Airport in Pescara.

This airport is comparatively tiny, but completely functional and convenient if your end destination is anywhere in the Abruzzo region. By flying into Abruzzo Airport, you’re only 45 minutes away from the Trabocchi Coast and are guaranteed to get off the plane and out of the airport in less than 30 minutes.

Since the Abruzzo Airport is small and not considered a major transportation hub, it tends to be seasonal. This means, do not plan on finding many (if any) flight paths during the off-season.

The Abruzzo Airport is most active during the warmer months and summer time when more passengers start to travel again.

→ 🛫 Find affordable flights to Abruzzo←

Train

By train, it is possible to not only get to the Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo but also travel along it. At the beginning of the Trabocchi Coast and in the town of Ortona, there is a train station which should be used as a starting point for travelers. From there, you can get to the south of the Trabocchi Coast in Vasto – San Salvo.

The railway along the east coast runs in parallel with the Adriatica motorway and is one of the most underrated scenic train rides in Italy. Following the sea for a majority of the way, it is a convenient form of public transportation that connects the north and south.

If you’re traveling from or to the northern end of Italy, it’s super easy to get to the Trabocchi Coast by train. In fact, you can hop on a train near the Trabocchi Coast and ride it all the way to Milan. The train tracks also run directly along the coastline from the southern regions of Italy to Abruzzo.

Since central Italy’s landscape is interrupted by mountains, it makes getting across the country from east to west (or vice versa) more indirect by train.

It is possible to reach the Trabocchi Coast by train from Rome or Naples but requires multiple changes of trains and possible bus rides.

→ 🚉 Find routes and book train tickets in Italy ←

Driving

The Trabocchi Coast is best explored with a car. There are many beaches and restaurants along the coastline that aren’t easily accessible when relying solely on public transportation.

If you’re not already traveling with a car, rent a car at the airport in Pescara, Abruzzo or Naples depending on where you fly into. By driving, it’ll allow you to scope out and find the hidden corners of the Trabocchi Coast where you’ll have the opportunity to find a beach all to yourself!

Driving around the Trabocchi Coast and Abruzzo in general is uncomplicated, especially when compared to driving in Rome or Naples. The roads along the sea are well developed to accommodate tourists, but the roads in the countryside tend to be curvy and narrow.

If you consider yourself a confident driver in your home country, you can definitely drive along the Trabocchi Coast.

→ 🚙 Find an inexpensive rental car in Abruzzo ←

When to Visit the Trabocchi Coast, Abruzzo

The Trabocchi Coast is 100% a seasonal destination, assuming you want to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Much of what the Trabocchi Coast has to offer is outdoors and naturally, you’ll likely want good weather for hitting the many pristine beaches and extensive cycling paths.

Additionally, a majority of the trabocchi restaurants are only open during shoulder and peak season. Do not plan a visit during off-season if you want a dining experience at one of the renowned fishing huts.

→ 🛫 Search for summer flights to Abruzzo←

The Trabocchi Coast, Abruzzo Weather

The Trabocchi Coast is best enjoyed when it’s warm outside. Summer may sound like the ideal time to visit, but it can get especially crowded in July and August. During these months, temperatures teeter around 29°C/ 85°F. Although there will be other tourists around, the amount of people visiting the Trabocchi Coast is nothing compared to other popular beach destinations in Italy.

If your schedule allows it, the perfect time to visit the Trabocchi Coast is September (average of 24°C / 75°F) or even early October. The beaches are virtually empty, the sun is shining, and the sea’s temperature is still comfortable for swimming.

While planning your trip, keep in mind that most of the beach clubs (lido in Italian) will shut down by the second week in September. This only affects those who want to pay for a sunbed and umbrella rental or want a full-service experience (showers, drink service, etc.). Free beaches on the Trabocchi Coast are open year-round.

Abruzzo is a diverse region and made up of various landscapes. Although much of Abruzzo is mountainous, the cold weather remains in places with higher altitude. It is never truly very cold by the sea and the Trabocchi Coast in Abruzzo.

Even in January, the average temperatures on the coast sit around 7°C / 45°F. If you’re not planning on swimming or dining, you can visit the Trabocchi Coast to admire the fishing huts any time of the year.

Map of Costa Dei Trabocchi in Abruzzo

🔵 = Beaches

🟢 = Restaurants

Beautiful Beaches on Abruzzo’s Trabocchi Coast

Spiaggia di Ripari Bardella

Location and Parking: You can reach this beach directly from the green bike path. By car, the closest places to park are here and here, both are free. There is a trabocco located directly at the beach.

Type of Beach: Free beach with a mix of sand and pebble, plus a fantastic view of Trabocco Mucchiola.

Spiaggia di Calata Cintioni

Location and Parking: There is a huge paid parking lot about 5 minutes away by walking. Or, you can try to find free street parking near the “secret” entrance to the beach here.

Type of Beach: The beach area where you lay out is pebbles but the water area is sandy. There are free sections of the beach to the sides and the middle of the beach is paid.

Al Murè Beach Bar

Location and Parking: The closest parking is a free dirt lot right next to the bike path. This beach bar is constructed on top of the giant stones behind the waterfront and is relatively new.

Type of Beach: The beach club is elevated and more of a bar than a classic lido. There is the option to rent chairs on the deck above the beach or you can use the stairs to access the water.

Spiaggia di Calata Turchino

Location and Parking: You must walk along the green bike path in order to reach this wild beach. From the dirt parking lot, it shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes. You can also access the beach from the main road here.

Type of Beach: A free and wild pebble beach with a trabocco and stone wave barriers.

Spiaggia di Valle Grotte

Location and Parking: You’ll find a big free parking lot on the opposite side of the motorway here. From there, it’s a short 5 minute walk to reach the beach.

Type of Beach: Free and small pebble beach with multiple wave barriers for extremely calm water.

Spiaggia della Foce

Location and Parking: On the opposite side of the green bike path, you have two limited opportunities for parking. One here and another here.

Type of Beach: The beach is comprised of rough sand and many small inlets which are all free.

Spiaggia della Fuggitella

Location and Parking: From the SS16 Adriatica motorway, you can enter the beach here. Parking is challenging but there are a few street parking spots at the entrance.

Type of Beach: Depending on the tide, you may be able to lay on either pebble or sand. The entrance to the sea floor is sandy and the beach is free.

Spiaggia di Fossacesia Marina

Location and Parking: This area is comprised of a large stretch of sand and divided into various beach clubs. Parking is conveniently available along the entire boulevard of Via Lungomare.

Type of Beach: A populated waterfront with many restaurants, bars and services. The beaches are mostly paid and a mix of fine pebbles and sand.

Spiaggia Le Morge

Location and Parking: The street of Lungomare Le Morge has street parking directly along the beaches.

Type of Beach: Sandy beach with a very shallow and clear entrance that’s perfect for young kids.

Spiaggia di Punta Aderci

Location and Parking: Located within a nature reserve and requires a short hike to reach from the parking lot.

Type of Beach: A scenic beach beneath a cliffside that is accompanied by a picturesque trabocco landmark. It is a wild beach with no facilities.

Spiaggia dei Libertini

Location and Parking: From the parking lot for the nature reserve, you’ll follow the same trail to Punta Aderci but turn right onto a dirt path before reaching Punta Aderci. Then, you must walk down a set of stairs and down the hill to the reach the beach.

Type of Beach: Wild, free and wide beach with plenty of places to sit.

Spiaggia di Punta Penna

Location and Parking: There is designated parking at the top of the trail.

Type of Beach: Free, large and made up of fine sand with an easy entrance into the water. An ideal beach for families with children.

Spiaggia della Canale

Location and Parking: There is a dirt road which leads directly to the beach and only street parking available. Be aware of “no parking” signs in case there are areas which are private property.

Type of Beach: The beach is wild with a pebble beach and rock formation in the water which are great for snorkeling. Depending on how much walking you’re OK with, you can find a private area on the beach for yourself. There are two trabocco fishing machines on both sides of the beach.

Spiaggia di San Nicola

Location and Parking: The free designated parking lot is located on the other side of the motorway. You must walk on a pedestrian path which runs under the Adriatica motorway and leads to the green bike path before reaching the entrance to the beach here. The trail through the greenery includes stairs and walking along gravel.

Type of Beach: A free and pebble beach with many areas to sit without being close to anyone. On a calm day, it’s a great place to snorkel.

Spiaggia e Scogliera di Casarza

Location and Parking: A large, free and paved parking lot located directly above the bike path and beach. From your car to the beach, it is a 5 minute walk.

Type of Beach: Untamed, free and pebble beach without any facilities.

Spiaggia di Vasto Marina

Location and Parking: Situated within walking distance of the many hotels and vacation homes in Marina di Vasto. During peak season, parking in the blue lines is available along the Lungomare.

Type of Beach: Fine gold sand with many paid beach clubs (lido) as well as free sections. Bars, restaurants and equipment rental shops (bikes, paddle boards, kayaks) line the beach promenade.

Spiaggia di Petacciato Marina

Location and Parking: There is a paved paid parking lot near the beach clubs here. Or, you can drive a bit further and park in this gravel lot instead if you don’t plan on staying at a lido.

Type of Beach: Fine sand with various beach clubs, plus many free sections to set up your own umbrella. There are wave barriers which help keep the water calm and perfect for swimming.

The Best Dining On the Trabocchi Coast, Abruzzo

Trabocco Punta Punciosa

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation by calling +39 320 232 5052 or emailing traboccopuntapunciosa@gmail.com

Trabocco Mucchiola

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation by calling +39 347 543 5830 or emailing info@gliostinatirestaurant.it

Trabocco Punta Isolata

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation by calling +39 339 581 1338 or emailing info@traboccopuntaisolata.com

Trabocco Punta Tufano

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation by calling +39 333 443 6831

Trabocco Diamante

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation by calling +39 087 380 1736

Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation by calling +39 338 598 0985

Trabocco Pesce Palombo

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation by calling +39 333 305 5300

Trabocco San Giacomo

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation online

Trabocco Cungarelle

📍Location here

📞 Make a reservation by calling +39 340 862 9815

Where to Stay On the Trabocchi Coast

CasAzzurra (Apartment in Ortona) – CHECK PRICES

La Vista Sul Trabocco (Best Beachfront Apartment) – CHECK PRICES

Villa dei Trabocchi (Private Villa) – CHECK PRICES

Residenze Longhi (Best View) – CHECK PRICES

More Abruzzo Travel Posts:

• Where to Stay in Abruzzo
• Is Abruzzo Worth Visiting?
• Cutest Towns in Abruzzo
• How to Get to Abruzzo
• Visiting Rocca Calascio

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some links found in our posts are affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.