Trabocchi Coast, Abruzzo

What should you know before visiting Trabocchi Coast, Abruzzo?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €14 (Italy).

• The coast runs from the mouth of the river Foro, between Francavilla al Mare and Ortona, to San Salvo at the Molise border. Sources count roughly 20 to 30 trabocchi still standing.
• The state road SS 16 Adriatica links the coast, so a drive from north to south is simple. Main stops: Ortona, San Vito Chietino, Rocca San Giovanni, Fossacesia, Torino di Sangro, Vasto and San Salvo.
• The Via Verde, a car-free path of just over 40 km on the former railway, suits bikes and walkers. An older report mentions detours near Fossacesia and Torino di Sangro, so check its current state.

The drive

Drive south on the SS 16 Adriatica from Ortona to Vasto and San Salvo. The trabocchi are old fishing machines built from Aleppo pine on piles. Many are restored, and some now house restaurants or can be visited. The Punta Aderci reserve near Vasto is a good stop for a walk. Plan time for the coast rather than distance, because the stops are close together.

Planning

No camper-specific rules for this coast were found, so the general Italian rules apply. A motorhome is parked under the same rules as a car, but camping behaviour on public roads, such as awning, table, chairs or discharging waste water, is banned. Camping activity belongs in equipped areas or campsites. Local signs can differ from town to town, so check them on arrival and ask the municipality or tourist office when in doubt.

FAQs