The best cycling routes in Chieti

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

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.

Grotta-Sacrario di Bocca di Valle – Stillness and history at the foot of the Majella ⛰️ Hidden among the forests at the foot of the Majella mountains lies the impressive Sacrario di Bocca di Valle. This special war memorial is carved into the limestone of the mountain and pays tribute to the Abruzzese soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. The artificial cave with its monumental arches exudes a special tranquility. Inside, you will find the tomb of Andrea Bafile, a national war hero, and beautiful majolica panels by the famous artists Basilio and Tommaso Cascella, made up of hundreds of hand-painted ceramic tiles. Besides being a place full of history, it is also a beautiful starting point for walks through the cool beech forest, including the route to the spectacular Cascate di San Giovanni. A hidden gem where nature, art, and remembrance come together.

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.

Nature trail Punta Aderci – Wild gravel paradise along the coast 🌊🚴 Here you cycle through the wildest and most untouched part of the Via Verde dei Trabocchi. The unpaved Sentiero Natura winds through the protected nature reserve Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci, past cliffs, golden fields, and the azure Adriatic Sea. The gravel stretch takes you to spectacular viewpoints, where you overlook the iconic Trabocco di Punta Aderci and the impressive coastline. On clear days, you can even see the peaks of the Majella mountains on the horizon. A unique mix of wild nature, sea views, and adventure. Perfect for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and sturdy e-bikes. Don't forget your camera and bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities along the way.

The Ciclovia Adriatica in Abruzzo (better known as Bike to Coast) is a 131-kilometer cycle path that covers the entire coastline of the Abruzzo region. The route runs from Martinsicuro (coastal border with Marche) to San Salvo (border with Molise). The route is mostly flat, mostly car-free, and crosses 19 coastal municipalities.

Interesting facts about the location: Family heirloom: this specific trabocco was built in 1887 by the Verì family. To this day, the structure is still in the hands of their great-grandchildren. Floating restaurant: Nowadays, the platform serves as a unique fish restaurant. You literally dine on a wooden platform above the waves. In the middle of the restaurant, there is even a section of transparent glass floor that allows you to see the Adriatic Sea splashing beneath your feet while you eat. Marathon lunch: If you want to eat here, you need to significantly adjust your Komoot planning. They work with an extensive fixed fish menu (approx. €60 - €70 p.p.) of no less than 11 courses. Lunch starts punctually at 1:00 PM for all guests simultaneously and lasts at least 3 hours. Plan your time and enjoy !