What are trabocchi?
Trabocchi (singular trabocco) are old wooden fishing platforms that resemble a kind of hut on stilts with long arms. These arms carry nets that are lowered directly into the sea - an original and clever way of fishing without having to set sail. Today, most trabocchi no longer serve fishermen, but have been turned into small restaurants over the sea where you can taste fresh seafood with a view that never gets old.
The entire coastline winds roughly from Ortona to Vasto, but some of the most picturesque stretches are:
- San Vito Chietino - with one of the most photogenic trabocchi ever.
- Fossacesia - where the Punta Cavalluccio trabocco often appears on postcards.
- Rocca San Giovanni - a peaceful place with dramatic cliffs and clear water.
The landscape here is varied - one minute you're driving through vineyards and olive trees, then the view of the turquoise sea opens up before your eyes. The Via Verde cycle path runs along the coast, following the route of the dismantled railway. Cyclists and pedestrians alike will find something to do here - and with the sea view, even a simple stroll is an experience.
Gastronomic heaven
The Costa dei Trabocchi is a paradise for lovers of seafood cuisine. The Trabocchi restaurants often serve what has just been caught: fresh sardines, calamari, octopus or brodetto alla vastese - a thick fish soup with tomatoes and white wine. And don't miss a glass of Abruzzo wine, such as Pecorino or Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
The Costa dei Trabocchi is not about big sights or crowds of tourists. It's a destination for those looking for authenticity, tranquillity and a touch of history. And if you want to see the Trabocca sunset with a glass of wine in hand, you'd be hard pressed to find a better place.
