The best road cycling routes around Guardiagrele

Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere – The divine balcony of Abruzzo. Resolutely hit the brakes and swap the coastline for a short, sporty climb up the hill for a moment. Atop the Promontorio di Venere awaits one of Italy's most magical and spiritual places. The Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere. This impressive 12th-century abbey was built on the foundations of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the goddess of love, Venus. Surrounded by ancient olive groves, this place exudes a serene tranquility that contrasts beautifully with the lively beaches below. Why is this an absolute top highlight? The ultimate Belvedere! Next to the abbey is a beautiful viewing platform. From this 'balcony', you look down in bird's-eye view on the perfect crescent bay of the Golfo di Venere and see the trabocchi like small wooden spiders lying in the turquoise sea. The hidden monastery garden: step inside for free and wander through the idyllic cloister (chiostro). The inner courtyard full of flowers and the graceful arched windows offer welcome coolness on a warm summer day. The mysterious crypt: descend the stairs under the altar. In the crypt, you can admire beautiful, well-preserved 13th-century frescoes. Komoot tip: the climb from the Via Verde in Fossacesia Marina to the abbey is short but steep. With an e-bike, you'll be there in no time, but even under your own power, this panorama is truly worth every drop of sweat. An unforgettable cultural and photo stop!

Costa dei Trabocchi – Cycling between ‘giant wooden spiders’. The Via Verde dei Trabocchi is without a doubt one of the most spectacular cycle paths in Europe! This smoothly asphalted and largely flat path is over 50 kilometers long and reuses an old, abandoned railway line. You literally cycle a stone's throw from the Adriatic Sea, right through cooling historic railway tunnels, past hidden pebble coves (calette) and idyllic little harbors. The absolute stars of this route are the trabocchi. These unique, monumental wooden fishing huts on stilts rise above the turquoise water like gigantic spiders. In the past, they were used by resourceful farming families to fish safely from dry land, and today they house the most exclusive fish restaurants in the Abruzzo region. Why you must cycle this route: 🌊 Continuous sea view: No cars, no stress, just the sound of the surf and the smell of the sea. 🐟 Culinary stops: From a quick espresso in an authentic little harbor to a lavish lunch on a wooden platform floating above the waves. 🛠️ Unique heritage: The route breathes history and brings you face to face with centuries-old fishing traditions. 💡 Komoot tip! Rent an e-bike, bring your swimwear for a refreshing dip in one of the hidden bays, and don't forget to book your fish lunch on a trabocco weeks in advance!

Castello Aragonese – Historic viewpoint above the Adriatic Sea The Castello Aragonese is the impressive northern starting point of the Costa dei Trabocchi. This 15th-century fortress stands high on a steep cliff and offers you a magnificent view over the Adriatic Sea, the port of Ortona, and the coastline of the Via Verde dei Trabocchi. The massive round towers and thick fortress walls are reminiscent of a turbulent past. The castle withstood heavy fighting during World War II, after which part of the complex was lost. As if that were not enough, in 1946, a landslide caused almost half of the fortress to disappear into the sea. Today, it is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Ortona and an ideal stop during your cycling or hiking tour. The castle ruins and inner courtyard are freely accessible. A short, steep climb awaits from the port, but it is amply rewarded with beautiful panoramas. Around the castle, you will also find cozy terraces and shady benches to catch your breath.

The stretch around San Vito Chietino and Marina di San Vito is considered the absolute highlight of the route. Here, spectacular views, historic railway tunnels, and the largest concentration of trabocchi alternate. An unforgettable coastal tour not to be missed.

Imagine: the Adriatic Sea shimmering beside you, a fresh sea breeze on your face, and an endless cycle path winding along the coast. The Via Verde dei Trabocchi is one of those routes where you don't really want the ride to end. This cycle path, over 50 kilometers long and largely flat, follows a former railway line and takes you along one of the most beautiful coastal stretches of Abruzzo. Along the way, you'll pass the iconic trabocchi: impressive wooden fishing platforms that seem to float on the sea on stilts. With their long arms and nets, they stand out against the horizon like gigantic wooden works of art. Thanks to the flat course, this route is suitable for almost everyone, from recreational cyclists to avid mileage eaters. Along the way, charming beaches, atmospheric villages, and countless spots beckon where you can stop for an espresso, an ice cream, or a fresh fish lunch with a sea view. The Via Verde dei Trabocchi is not just a cycle path, but an experience that effortlessly combines nature, culture, and relaxation. A route you must cycle at least once.

The inhabitants of Abruzzo and the neighboring region of Lazio have their own local observation related to this Passo Lanciano. When the sun sets in the spring behind the mighty Majella massif, it quickly gets dark on the Abruzzo side (i.e., where Passo Lanciano is located) and dusk falls, while on the other side of the mountains, in Lazio, it is still bright daylight. Locals joke that at the same moment, one half of Italy goes to sleep, and the other goes for an aperitivo.

7. Stage of the Giro on 15.05.26

Very cute little village in Abruzzo