Begin your journey in Ortona, the gateway to the Via Verde dei Trabocchi—one of Europe’s top cycling routes, awarded at the European Greenways Award 2023. Passing through Lido Saraceni, we’ll be right on the cycle path, where three historic railway tunnels lead you to a breathtaking view over the city’s harbor.
After the long Acquabella tunnel, a stunning coastal panorama awaits, stretching northward across the pebble beaches of the Punta dell’Acquabella Regional Nature Reserve and Ripari-Bardella—once small fishermen’s harbors, now well-known spots where surfers come to challenge the waves.
Then, your first trabocco comes into view: Trabocco Mucchiola, a centuries-old fishing structure—the only one remaining in the municipality of Ortona—recently restored and transformed into a renowned restaurant, like many of the trabocchi along this stretch of coast. This iconic structure introduces you to the area’s breathtaking rocky shoreline.
Along the way, pause to admire the celebrated Trabocco Turchino, immortalized in Gabriele D'Annunzio's The Triumph of Death. The poet's deep affection for the Costa dei Trabocchi is evident in his works, inspired by the area's striking scenery and rich fishing heritage. Continue to a panoramic viewpoint within the Acquabella Reserve, where you can capture sweeping views of the coast and sea—an ideal spot for a memorable photo.
Your route then takes you through an area of profound historical significance. Cross the Moro River, a site of pivotal battles during World War II and a key point along the Gustav Line. Here, the landscape tells stories of resilience and remembrance. Visit the Canadian War Cemetery, also known as the Moro River Canadian Cemetery, a peaceful and moving memorial to those who fought in the region.
To conclude the tour, descend back towards the shoreline and rejoin the Via Verde, following the scenic coastal path all the way back to Ortona, where the tour ends at the starting point.
This guided e-bike tour invites you to experience the authentic beauty of the Trabocchi Coast, a stretch renowned for its rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and the iconic trabocchi. These historic wooden fishing platforms, perched above the water, are enduring symbols of Abruzzo’s maritime heritage. As you cycle along the shoreline, you'll pass through charming fishing villages, with the majestic Majella mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
The experience blends natural beauty, historical depth, and the enduring spirit of the Trabocchi Coast, leaving you with lasting memories of Abruzzo’s authentic soul.
