The best gravel rides around Ortona

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

Via Verde dei Trabocchi – Cycling on the most beautiful balcony of the Adriatic Sea. If there is one cycling route you must ride in your life, it is the Via Verde dei Trabocchi. This breathtaking cycle path, over 50 kilometers long, is built on the spectacular route of a former railway line, right along the rugged coast of the Italian region of Abruzzo. Because the route is nowhere steep and is completely car-free, it is pure, carefree enjoyment for EVERY type of cyclist. You are literally cycling just a stone's throw from the lapping water. Historical, cool railway tunnels, hidden pebble coves (calette), and idyllic little harbors alternate at a dizzying pace. The absolute stars of the route are the iconic trabocchi: monumental, centuries-old wooden fishing platforms on stilts that hover like giant spiders above the turquoise sea. Once a clever invention of local fishermen, today they are the most unique seafood restaurants you will ever see.

Costa dei Trabocchi – Cycling between ‘giant wooden spiders’. The Via Verde dei Trabocchi is without a doubt one of the most spectacular cycle paths in Europe! This smoothly asphalted and largely flat path is over 50 kilometers long and reuses an old, abandoned railway line. You literally cycle a stone's throw from the Adriatic Sea, right through cooling historic railway tunnels, past hidden pebble coves (calette) and idyllic little harbors. The absolute stars of this route are the trabocchi. These unique, monumental wooden fishing huts on stilts rise above the turquoise water like gigantic spiders. In the past, they were used by resourceful farming families to fish safely from dry land, and today they house the most exclusive fish restaurants in the Abruzzo region. Why you must cycle this route: 🌊 Continuous sea view: No cars, no stress, just the sound of the surf and the smell of the sea. 🐟 Culinary stops: From a quick espresso in an authentic little harbor to a lavish lunch on a wooden platform floating above the waves. 🛠️ Unique heritage: The route breathes history and brings you face to face with centuries-old fishing traditions. 💡 Komoot tip! Rent an e-bike, bring your swimwear for a refreshing dip in one of the hidden bays, and don't forget to book your fish lunch on a trabocco weeks in advance!

The stretch around San Vito Chietino and Marina di San Vito is considered the absolute highlight of the route. Here, spectacular views, historic railway tunnels, and the largest concentration of trabocchi alternate. An unforgettable coastal tour not to be missed.

Cycling through historic railway tunnels 🚂🚴 One of the most special experiences on the Via Verde dei Trabocchi is cycling through the beautifully restored railway tunnels. These impressive passages, carved out of brick and tuff stone, literally take you back in time. You follow the original route of the Ferrovia Adriatica from 1863 here. For more than 140 years, steam and diesel trains ran here right along the coast and the waves, until the railway line was moved inland in 2005. Today, the tunnels have been transformed into comfortable cycle paths with a smooth surface and automatic LED lighting. On warm summer days, the thick stone walls provide a wonderful natural coolness. Some tunnels still have the old openings to the sea, which now serve as beautiful viewing windows onto the azure Adriatic Sea. A unique combination of history, adventure, and spectacular views along the way.

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.