A coastline like no other in Italy
The Costa dei Trabocchi, stretching for more than 40 kilometres along Abruzzo’s southern Adriatic, is a rare meeting of sea, history, and ingenuity. Instead of endless sand, you find rocky coves, cliffs veined with vegetation, and a series of wooden fishing platforms – trabocchi – that appear to float above the water. These ingenious structures, built centuries ago by fishermen who feared the sea’s waves, have become symbols of Abruzzo’s coastal identity.
Exploring this shoreline by kayak or small boat reveals hidden beaches and caves invisible from the coastal road. It is an intimate way to experience the Adriatic, moving quietly through turquoise shallows while seabirds skim the surface.
Kayaking routes and highlights
From San Vito Chietino to Fossacesia
One of the most rewarding sections runs between the villages of San Vito Chietino and Fossacesia Marina. Here the coast alternates between low limestone cliffs and tranquil coves perfect for a swim. Kayakers glide past trabocchi whose long arms stretch out like giant insects, their wooden beams creaking gently with the tide.
It’s common to combine paddling with short stops at small beaches only reachable from the sea. In calm weather, you can even paddle under the nets of a trabocco, feeling its shadow drift over the water – a perspective that few visitors ever see.
Boat tours and family options
Travellers who prefer relaxation can join half-day or full-day boat excursions departing from Ortona or Vasto. Captains often include swimming stops, light lunches, and commentary about the coastal ecology and history of the fishing tradition. Families with children appreciate the comfort of these trips, while couples find them ideal for sunset outings with views of the glowing wooden platforms against a rose-gold horizon.
Dining on a trabocco
Many trabocchi have been converted into intimate seafood restaurants. Dining here is a unique ritual: walking along a narrow wooden pier to a cabin poised over the waves, where each course arrives in rhythm with the movement of the sea below. Dishes are simple – spaghetti alle vongole, grilled fish, mussels steamed with white wine – but the setting makes them unforgettable. Booking ahead is essential during summer months, especially at sunset.
Best times and travel tips
The coast is calmest from May to September. Early summer brings mild temperatures and clear water, while late September offers warm seas with fewer crowds. Morning paddles are best for photography, with soft light and still waters. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and reef shoes for rocky entries, and carry a dry bag for valuables. For sustainability, avoid touching the delicate marine vegetation around trabocchi and leave no litter on beaches.
