2. Punta Aderci Natural Reserve

Punta Aderci is a paradise for lovers of mountain biking, walking and natural beaches. Crystalline waters, pebbles and no commercial services. On a quiet day, feels almost like a desert island. See this video to get an idea.

The natural reserve is about 9km from us, so it’s easy to get there by car. Alternatively, you can rent bikes and ride there on the new bike path that runs along the coastline.

3. Eating Arrosticini

Arrosticini are the quintessential dish of our region. Traditional arrosticini are made with lean sheep's meat, cut into small cubes and stuck onto skewers with pieces of fat in between. They are then grilled on a special elongated grill.

We're lucky because the best place to eat arrosticini is just a few steps from us: “il Tagliere”, featuring hand-cut local meat. Absolutely delicious. By the way, a real Abruzzo man can easily eat twenty of them!

5. Romantic Dinner at a Trabocco Restaurant

The “trabocchi” are old fishing machines, typical of our coastal strip. Many have been converted into restaurants, and dining at a trabocco has become one of the most sought-after experiences.

If you’d like to have this wonderful experience, please let me know well in advance and I’ll make reservations for you.

Read more about Trabocco Magic in my blog.

6. Cycling on the Trabocchi Coast

If you love adventures on two wheels, you've come to the right place. Nature lovers know Abruzzo as "the greenest region in Europe" as almost half of its territory is covered by national parks and protected nature reserves.

If you’f like to take a ride along the breathtaking coastline, I’ll be delighted to advice you on bike rental and give you my favorite route suggestions.

7. Cookery Class

Have a fun and relaxing day with friends & family, and learn to cook some Abruzzo specialities!

This hands-on cooking course is organized by the Fontefico winery so of course you’ll get a taste of some of the best and most famous local wines: Pecorino d’Abruzzo, Cerasolo d’Abruzzo and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.

8. Brodetto Vastese

Make your Vasto experience complete by tasting the brodetto, a rich tomato-based fish stew.

It’s made with over ten different types of fish and seafood. Doesn’t sound that heavy but, if enjoyed the traditional way, you dip bits of bread in the tomato stew. And to finish it off, a bowl of pasta is emptied into the terracotta dish!

Eating brodetto vastese is a fun and tasty experience. The dish has recently achieved international fame as CNN Travel listed it as one of the classic Italian dishes that everyone should try!

9. Exploring Abruzzo’s History and Mountains

Abruzzo is a versatile and culturally rich region known for “mare e monti”, the sea and the mountain.

Vasto is perfectly located for day trips to explore historical sights and the mountains. We love, for instance, visiting the medieval castle of Roccascalegna, or driving out for lunch in one of the small mountain villages. My personal favorites among many options include Pacentro (where Madonna’s grandparents emigrated from!) and Scanno, on the heart-shaped Lake Scanno.

10. The View across the Bay

The view from the historic city over the gulf of Vasto takes your breath away.

Whereas we warmly recommend a panoramic stroll and a dinner with a view, we’d also like to warn you:

This view can change your life!

(I arrived here on a Sunday nine years ago and the next day bought an apartment. No kidding. And I’m still here! If you’re curious, check out the full story here here.)

11. La Bagnante, Vasto Marina

And last but not least…

You may have already spotted her far away in the distance on your panoramic walk.

When you’re in Vasto Marina, make sure you go and say hello to La Bagnante, this graceful statue that’s standing on a cliff, fixing her bathing suit.

You can find out more about her in my blog.