Attractions and Places To See around Francavilla Al Mare - Top 20

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.

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.

Street Art by Millo: Tribute to the Resistance 🎨🚴‍♀️Just before the cycle tunnel at the Punta dell'Acquabella nature reserve, you'll cycle past the impressive diptych "Dalle Radici al Fiore" by the famous Italian street artist Millo. This gigantic black-and-white artwork with bright red poppies tells a special historical story.Why you should stop here:Beautiful Street Art: Admire Millo's unique, recognizable style, directly on the retaining wall along the cycle path.Historical Story: The diptych honors the resistance during the Battle of Ortona (1943) in World War II.Heroic Women: The mural specifically draws attention to the 'staffette': brave local women who used bicycles to deliver coded messages between the lines.Symbolism: The red poppies (papaveri) symbolize the Italian partisans and regained freedom.Practical cycling tip:Location: You can't miss this artwork. It's located directly on the Via Verde (heading south from Ortona), just before entering the illuminated cycle tunnel. Pull over for a unique photo!

It was one of the most beautiful bike routes we've ridden in recent months. If you're in the area or just passing through, you absolutely should do this tour; it's unforgettable.

During the Second World War, a gunpowder depot blew up and seriously damaged the facility. A subsequent landslide destroyed further parts. The facility was restored in 2001. Now it looks almost a bit too new, but the next few centuries will change that again :-)

The Punta dell'Acquabella Nature Reserve is a nature reserve located in the San Donato district in the municipality of Ortona, composed of a promontory and a beach in front of it which occupies a coastal area of approximately 100 meters and was established in 2007

The “Ponte del Mare”, a cable-stayed bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, with its 466 meters in length and 172 meters in span, is the largest bridge for cyclists and pedestrians in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. It ensures the continuity of the cycle path between the north and south of Pescara.