The best traffic-free bike rides around Fossacesia

Let the law of gravity work and enjoy the landscape.

Trabocco Punta Le Morge – Step into the world of fishermen Along the Via Verde lies one of the most authentic trabocchi on the Costa dei Trabocchi. Trabocco Punta Le Morge is special because it was not converted into a restaurant, but preserved as a public cultural monument. Here you can discover how generations of fishermen used ingenious wooden structures and enormous nets to bring in their catch. With a bit of luck, in the summer you can see the volunteers of Lu Travocche give a real fishing demonstration. The gigantic net is then hoisted from the Adriatic Sea using hand winches – just like a hundred years ago – an impressive spectacle. The surroundings are also worth a stop. The rugged coast with colorful pebbles and the imposing wooden structure form a beautiful photo location. If access is open, walk across the wooden bridge for free and admire up close the clever system of ropes, pulleys, and poles that has kept this iconic 'fishing spider' standing for over a century. Komoot tip: Put your bike aside for a moment and take the time to look around. There's a good chance a local traboccante will enthusiastically tell you about the history and operation of this unique fishing machine.

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.

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.

Christ of Vallevò – Get off for a special view ✨ Take a moment here to pause at the bronze statue of the Christ of Vallevò. With arms raised to the heavens, it symbolizes peace, hope, and protection for fishermen, sailors, and divers who have sailed the Adriatic Sea for generations. The statue along the Via Verde dei Trabocchi is a replica. The original bronze artwork rests on the seabed off the coast of Vallevò, silently watching over the sea. A special place where nature, art, and maritime tradition come together – and a beautiful moment to stop and enjoy the view over the Adriatic Sea.

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.

Via Verde dei Trabocchi – Enjoyment along the Adriatic Sea Get on your bike and discover one of Italy's most beautiful coastal routes. The Via Verde dei Trabocchi follows a former railway line and is completely flat, car-free, and perfectly asphalted. Ideal for a relaxing tour, whether you cycle sportily or just want to enjoy the view. Along the way, you'll cycle past the iconic trabocchi: centuries-old wooden fishing platforms that rise like giant works of art above the Adriatic Sea. Today, several trabocchi are atmospheric seafood restaurants where you can stop for a delicious lunch or dinner with fresh fish and a beautiful sea view.

Spiaggia di Punta dell'Acquabella – Hidden nature gem Near the cycle tunnel in Ortona lies Spiaggia di Punta dell'Acquabella, one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on the Costa dei Trabocchi. This protected nature reserve is surrounded by high cliffs and a fragrant pine forest and is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water – ideal for a refreshing dip during a hot bike ride. Behind the beach lie the silent ruins of the former fishing village Borgo dell'Acquabella, which has been abandoned since the 1970s. The turn-off to the beach is also located near the impressive murals by Millo, making both highlights perfectly combinable. Please note that this is a natural pebble beach without any facilities. Bring plenty of drinking water, and water shoes are definitely recommended if you want to enter the clear water.