Punta Aderci reserve
Vasto, Italy
A headland of clay cliffs and wild beaches north of Vasto. Walk out to the point for the view along the coast; in summer part of the car park is paid.
The Punta Aderci nature reserve, north of Vasto, was the first protected area on the Abruzzo coast. It covers 285 hectares between the port of Vasto and the mouth of the Sinello. The headland rises about 26 m above the sea, and the dunes reach up to 10 m. The beaches include the sandy Punta Penna, the Spiaggia dei Libertini and the quiet pebble beach of Mottagrossa. Birds include flamingos, grey herons, kingfishers and the Kentish plover (fratino), the symbol of the reserve.
A path of about 3 km leads from Mottagrossa to the mouth of the Sinello, on foot or by mountain bike. Bring binoculars and keep your distance from the plovers nesting on the beach. The 70 m Punta Penna lighthouse is said to be the second tallest in Italy; 307 steps lead up it. You can get a trail map from the reserve's administration.
- Nearest town
- Vasto, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 42.1740, 14.6840
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping BelvedereCampsite8 km from Punta Aderci reserveTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Verdemare CampingCampsite8 km from Punta Aderci reserve · 97 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Internazionale Free Beach ResidenceCampsite11 km from Punta Aderci reserve · 150 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Sun BeachCampsite13 km from Punta Aderci reserve · 25 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Sabbia d'OroCampsite14 km from Punta Aderci reserveTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Area Camper Il Chiosco sul MareMotorhome stopover15 km from Punta Aderci reserve · 24 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Punta Aderci reserve?
Punta Aderci reserve is in Vasto, Italy, at GPS 42.1740, 14.6840. It is about 18 km from Fossacesia.
Can you camp near Punta Aderci reserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Oasi Punta Aderci, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Punta Aderci reserve?
Punta Aderci reserve is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Trabocchi Coast to the Molise and Abruzzo mountains.
What is there to see near Punta Aderci reserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: San Giovanni in Venere abbey (18 km), Trabocco Turchino (23 km), Samnite theatre of Pietrabbondante (55 km) and Lago di Scanno (73 km).
When is the best time to visit Punta Aderci reserve?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)