The Costa dei Trabocchi
The Costa dei Trabocchi is a rugged stretch of coastline in the Abruzzo region of Italy, known for its unique fishing structures called "trabocchi" and its crystal-clear waters.
Italy's Costa dei Trabocchi
The “Costa dei Trabocchi” is an absolute highlight on the southern coast of Abruzzo! It owes its name to the strange but extremely photogenic pile dwellings called the Trabocchi. You will come across them particularly often between Ortona and Fossacesia Marina. The filigree construction of long poles, fishing nets and ropes, however, is hardly comprehensible to the layman. They have been used for fishing in the lower Adriatic since the 19th century.
The ideal location for a “trabocco” is a few metres from the rocky coast. However, the water should not be too deep yet – because this is where most shoals of fish cavort! The net with the catch is used to pull up a complicated pulling and winching construction.
The Costa dei Trabocchi also has a lot of scenery to offer. It forms a beautiful contrast to the endless wide beaches in the north, with lots of greenery and a rugged coastline with small bays. Especially Punta Aderci, south of Ortona, enchants with lonely bays before you can almost plunge back into the lively beach life in Vasto.
But the harbour town of Ortona is also worth a visit, especially since it is situated on a plateau at an altitude of 62m, steeply above the sea with the mighty hump of the Majella massif in the background. The historic old town offers several sights, such as the still partially preserved “Castello Aragonese” from the 15th century and the “Cattedrale San Tommaso” with its beautiful Gothic portal from the early 14th century.
The lively town of Vasto is almost on the border with Molise and is also enthroned high above the sea at an altitude of 144m. Below the town is the popular seaside resort of Marina di Vasto with its wide sandy beach. The picturesque old town invites you to stroll through the tranquil alleys. From the main shopping street “Via de’ Parma,” one can walk for a short distance to the town’s “Balcone” and the “Loggia Ambling,” from which there is a dreamlike view of the sea of lights of the coastal towns, especially in the evening.
Abruzzo - A hidden gem worth exploring
Cuisine of Abruzzo
Confetti from Sulmona
The Costa dei Trabocchi
Beautiful towns and villages
Geographical location
Landscapes of Abruzzo
The golden saffron from Navelli
The "Laboratori Nazionale del Gran Sasso"
Provinces & Capitals
