The 7 most beautiful beaches of the Trabocchi Coast

Overlooking a crystal clear sea with spectacular colors, the Costa dei Trabocchi is one of Italy’s most fascinating coastal stretches. A fascination given not only by nature but also by the presence of the trabocchi, the spectacular “fishing machines” compared by Gabriele D’Annunzio to “colossal spiders,” which with their bizarre architecture make the atmosphere magical. Along the coastline, which runs from Ortona to Vasto, there are a large number of beautiful beaches where you can spend moments of fun and pure relaxation. Below we have selected seven that everyone, at least once in their lives, should visit to realize that heaven is on earth.

RIPARI DI GIOBBE BEACH

Among the most beautiful beaches on the Costa dei Trabocchi is definitely that of Ripari di Giobbe, located in the northern part of the Ortonese coast. The crescent-shaped beach, composed of golden sand mixed with white pebbles, is nestled between two stacks and bathed by incredibly blue water. The submerged reefs have marine habitats of considerable interest, with the presence of important marine species. It can be reached by sea or on foot via a flight of steps from the top of the promontory to the shore. The area, due to difficult accessibility, still retains a pristine and wild coastal environment. It is part of the Ripari di Giobbe Regional Nature Reserve.

PUNTA DELL’ACQUABELLA BEACH

One of the most beautiful and famous is the beach of Punta dell’Acquabella, located within the nature reserve of the same name, which covers an area of about 28 hectares along the Orton coast. The cove has remained untouched thanks in part to the difficult access. In fact, to reach it you have to cross a footpath between abandoned cottages, but once you arrive at your destination you are sure to be speechless at its beauty. Protected by a cliff, it is lapped by particularly clear waters (from which the reserve takes its name) that let you admire the pebble and sandy seabed.

ORTONA FORO BEACH

Also in the municipality of Ortona, less than 400 meters from our vacation homes with sea views, is the Foro beach, which stretches south and north of Tollo station. Crystal-clear water and the finest sand make it a jewel waiting to be discovered. The beach, extraordinarily preserved in its wild and inviolate dimension, is characterized by a dune environment whose habitat contemplates peculiar plant and animal species protected by special conventions and regulations, including the sea lily and the plover.

PUNTA PENNA BEACH

Also wonderful is Punta Penna beach, located in the area of the municipality of Vasto. It delimits with an area of about 2 sq. km the southernmost area of the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, the first to be established in Abruzzo’s coastal strip. The beach, beloved by Abruzzi residents and tourists alike for the purity of its waters, is bordered by a striking cordon of sinuous dunes. These sandy waves are dotted with very rare plants and populated by animals such as the herring gull, little gull and plover. We highly recommend climbing to the top of the Punta Penna lighthouse (the second highest lighthouse in Italy after the Lanterna in Genoa), from which you can enjoy a magnificent view.

CALATA TURCHINO BEACH

Another beach not to be missed is Calata Turchino. Lying on the southern coast of San Vito Chietino, it takes its name from the crystal-clear color of its waters that make one with the sky in the morning. This small pristine beach, only 100 meters long, consists of white pebbles and is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation. The seabed is high a few meters from the shore and teeming with fish. Here is the eponymous overflow, so dear to D’Annunzio, which has preserved its original structure intact.

PUNTA CAVALLUCCIO BEACH

Along the coast of Rocca San Giovanni (one of Italy’s most beautiful villages), halfway between Vallevò and Fossacesia Marina, lies the small and enchanting beach of Punta Cavalluccio. Bathed by cobalt blue waters, it features fine sand and is surrounded by lush vegetation. Its shallow waters make it the perfect destination for families with young children. The beach is guarded by the overflow of the same name (dating back to the second half of the 19th century and now converted into a restaurant) and a large stack called the “scoglione,” while behind it is an imposing promontory that hems the entire bay.

FUGGITELLA BEACH

Finally, among the most beautiful beaches on the Trabocchi Coast we could not fail to mention Fuggitella Beach. It lies on the northern shoreline of Fossacesia Marina and is particularly suitable for families with children as the seabed remains shallow several meters from the shore. Washed by a crystal clear sea, it is characterized by its white pebbles mixed with sand. Near the beach are as many as two trabocchi, Trabocco Pesce Palombo and Trabocco Punta Rocciosa, both of which have been converted into restaurants. A strip of Mediterranean scrubland divides the beach from the Green Way of the Trabocchi Coast.