The best road cycling routes around Ortona
4.5
(213)
5,011
riders
42
rides
Road cycling routes around Ortona offer a diverse landscape along Italy's Adriatic coast. The region features a mix of flat, traffic-free coastal paths and rolling hills inland, characterized by vineyards and historic towns. The prominent Trabocchi Coast provides scenic rides alongside unique fishing structures, while routes extending further inland present more challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. This varied Ortona cycling terrain caters to different preferences, from gentle coastal spins to demanding climbs through the Abruzzo countryside.
Best road cycling…
Last updated: August 30, 2026
4.0
(2)
88
riders
86.6km
04:07
1,220m
1,220m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(7)
105
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(3)
37
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
42
riders
56.2km
02:31
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(1)
41
riders
58.5km
02:51
760m
760m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
Suitable for Gravel or MTB, less so for road bikes on the dirt sections
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Beautiful and really interesting
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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!
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Flat and car-free: The route is laid out on a former railway line directly on the Adriatic Sea. It is fully asphalted, flat, and 100% car-free, making it perfect for any type of cyclist (from road cyclists to families).Unique setting: You cycle right past the iconic trabocchi: wooden, spider-like fishing platforms that hover over the waves. At many of these platforms, you can stop nowadays for a unique lunch or dinner with fresh fish.
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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.
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Cycling through historic railway tunnels 🚂🚴 One of the most special experiences on the Via Verde dei Trabocchi is cycling through the beautifully restored railway tunnels. These impressive passages, carved out of brick and tuff stone, literally take you back in time. You follow the original route of the Ferrovia Adriatica from 1863 here. For more than 140 years, steam and diesel trains ran here right along the coast and the waves, until the railway line was moved inland in 2005. Today, the tunnels have been transformed into comfortable cycle paths with a smooth surface and automatic LED lighting. On warm summer days, the thick stone walls provide a wonderful natural coolness. Some tunnels still have the old openings to the sea, which now serve as beautiful viewing windows onto the azure Adriatic Sea. A unique combination of history, adventure, and spectacular views along the way.
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Alessandro Fantini Mural: A Tribute to a Cycling Legend 🚴♂️🎨Near the beach of Spiaggia Ripari Bardella, you will find this impressive mural. The artwork was created in April 2023 by street artists Nicola Di Totto (Dueneko) and Lorenzo Nicoletti (Skugio). This was done especially for the Grand Départ of the Giro d'Italia 2023 on the Costa dei Trabocchi.Who was Alessandro Fantini?The sprint king of Abruzzo: "Sandrino" Fantini was born in 1932 in nearby Fossacesia.Great successes: As an explosive sprinter, he won no fewer than seven stages in the Giro d'Italia and two stages in the Tour de France during his professional career (1955–1961).Tragic end: In 1961, during a mass sprint in the Tour of Germany, he crashed heavily, passing away at the young age of 29.What else do you see here?Right next to Fantini's portrait, you will find the colourful, multi-metre-long artwork "Dal primo all'ultimo" (From the first to the last). This mural depicts a compact cycling peloton stretching for a good 60 metres along the wall.
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Taken at the beginning of June, a wonderful place and the best time to tackle it. I already miss it 🙁
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I find around Ortona?
Ortona offers a diverse range of road cycling experiences. You'll find flat, traffic-free coastal paths along the famous Trabocchi Coast, as well as more challenging hilly sections that wind through vineyards and historic towns further inland. The region caters to various preferences, from gentle coastal spins to demanding climbs through the Abruzzo countryside.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Ortona area?
There are over 30 road cycling routes around Ortona documented on komoot, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels for you to explore.
Are there any easy or family-friendly road cycling routes in Ortona?
Yes, Ortona is home to the Via Verde dei Trabocchi, a spectacular 42-kilometer cycling path that is almost entirely traffic-free, flat, and has a smooth surface. This makes it ideal for cyclists of all levels, including families. An excellent example is the Via Verde dei Trabocchi – Mouth of the Sangro River loop from Ortona, which is an easy 25.2-mile (40.5 km) ride.
What are the most challenging road cycling routes near Ortona?
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes venturing inland offer significant elevation gain. A notable difficult route is the Ortona to Pretoro: Eastern Majella Loop, which spans 53.8 miles (86.6 km) and features substantial climbs through hilly sections and vineyards. Another demanding option is the View from Colle Felice – Francavilla al Mare Seafront loop from Ortona.
What scenic landmarks or natural features can I see along the road cycling routes?
The routes offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the unique 'trabocchi,' traditional wooden fishing structures, many of which are now restaurants. You can also explore natural reserves like the Punta dell'Acquabella Nature Reserve, known for its wild beaches and crystal-clear waters. The historic Castello Aragonese also provides panoramic views and is a prominent landmark.
Are there any circular road cycling routes around Ortona?
Yes, many routes in the Ortona area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. The broader Trabocchi Cycle Network, which Ortona is part of, specifically features a system of loop routes to help cyclists explore both coastal and inland areas. Examples include the Via Verde dei Trabocchi – Mouth of the Sangro River loop from Ortona and the Ortona to Pretoro: Eastern Majella Loop.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Ortona?
The road cycling routes in Ortona are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 55 reviews. Cyclists often praise the beautiful coastal scenery, the unique experience of riding along the Via Verde dei Trabocchi, and the variety of terrain available, from flat paths to challenging climbs.
Can I combine cycling with public transport in Ortona?
Yes, the broader Trabocchi Cycle Network, which includes routes around Ortona, is designed with convenient access to nine railway stations. This allows for bike-and-train intermodality, making it easier to plan longer rides or return journeys without cycling the entire distance.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Ortona?
Ortona's Mediterranean climate makes it suitable for road cycling for much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring both coastal and inland routes. Summer can be warm, especially along the coast, but early morning or late afternoon rides are still enjoyable.
Are there opportunities to explore beyond the immediate Ortona area?
Absolutely. Ortona is a great base for reaching other natural parks in the Abruzzo region, such as the Majella National Park. The Bike to Coast Abruzzo path, which the Via Verde is part of, extends 131 kilometers along the entire Abruzzo coast, connecting 19 municipalities and beautiful beaches, offering extensive exploration opportunities.
Where can I find more information about the Trabocchi Coast and its unique features?
The Trabocchi Coast is a defining feature of the region. You can learn more about this unique stretch of coastline, famous for its traditional fishing structures and scenic beauty, by visiting resources like Visit Italy's guide to Ortona.
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