The best cycling routes around Spoltore

Suitable for Gravel or MTB, less so for road bikes on the dirt sections

The Trabucchi cycle path (officially known as the Via Verde dei Trabocchi) is a beautiful, largely flat cycle path over 50 kilometers long that runs along the Adriatic coast of the Italian region of Abruzzo on a former railway line. The path owes its name to the trabocchi (singular: trabocco): unique, monumental wooden fishing platforms on stilts that rise above the water like giant spiders.

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.

Riserva Naturale Punta dell'Acquabella: a wild coastal paradise 🌿🌊 One of the absolute ecological pearls along this route is the Riserva Naturale Punta dell'Acquabella. While many coastal towns are busy and touristy, here you'll discover a hidden oasis where rugged cliffs, fragrant pine forests, and an azure sea come together perfectly. Why you should definitely stop here: 💧 Crystal clear water The name Acquabella – “beautiful water” – says it all. The sheltered bay boasts remarkably clear seawater that invites a refreshing dip. 🎨 Art along the route The reserve lies right next to the Galleria Aurelia. Just before you dive into the tunnel, you'll cycle past impressive murals by street artist Millo, a tribute to the local war resistance. 🏚️ An abandoned fishing village in the green Hidden behind the pebble beach lie the ruins of Borgo dell’Acquabella. This small fishing hamlet was abandoned in the '70s and has since been slowly reclaimed by nature. 🚴 A place made for cyclists By car, this hidden bay is barely accessible due to the narrow and steep access roads. By bike, you reach the reserve via the Via Verde and roll almost effortlessly to this unique coastal spot. A short stop that feels like a discovery: wild nature, sea views, and a piece of hidden history in one place.

Trabocco Mucchiola – Picnic with sea view Trabocco Mucchiola is a lovely place to take a break during your tour along the Via Verde dei Trabocchi. Next to the cycle path, there is a shady picnic area with tables, ideal for resting, eating something, or simply enjoying the view of the Adriatic Sea. The charming wooden trabocco stands on the rocky Punta Mucchiola and is one of the first fishing platforms you will encounter south of Ortona. Thanks to its splendid location, this is also a beautiful stop along the route to capture a beautiful memory.

Trabocco Torre Il Sole – The wooden spider above the Adriatic Sea 🌊🪵 Along the Via Verde dei Trabocchi, you'll encounter special wooden fishing platforms, but the Trabocco Torre Il Sole is a real eye-catcher. This impressive 'wooden spider' hovers on high stilts above the waves, forming one of the most photogenic spots along the coast of San Vito Chietino. The trabocchi were built centuries ago not by seafarers, but by local farmers. They sought a safe way to fish without having to venture onto the dangerous open sea. With long wooden arms, nets, and an ingenious construction, they could catch deep-sea fish from the shore. Built from strong and flexible Aleppo pine wood, these special structures have defied the salty sea air and powerful coastal winds for generations. A perfect place to pause, enjoy the view, and take an unforgettable photo with the azure Adriatic Sea as a backdrop.

Francavilla al Mare – Sandy beach and cycling fun by the sea Francavilla al Mare marks the transition between the wide sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast and the wilder Costa dei Trabocchi. Here you can cycle relaxedly along a kilometers-long golden-yellow beach with a wide, car-free boulevard right by the sea. The modern Pontile di Francavilla extends far into the Adriatic Sea, offering a beautiful view of the coastline. Along the way, you can enjoy cozy beach bars, terraces, and ice cream parlors – the perfect place for a break or a refreshing dip. Thanks to the flat, well-maintained cycle path, this is an ideal stop for any cyclist, from road bike to city bike. A wonderful place to start or relaxingly end your coastal tour.

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 actually 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 above the sea on stilts. With their long arms and nets, they stand out against the horizon like gigantic wooden works of art.