The best cycling routes around Colledimezzo

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

Tribute to the mountain troops in the hills of Atessa. The Chiesa ai Caduti della Julia (locally known as the Chiesa di San Giuseppe) is located on Via Brigata Alpina Julia in the upper outskirts of Atessa. This religious monument and its surrounding street name are dedicated to the legendary Brigata Alpina Julia, the Italian mountain troops who made heavy sacrifices during the World Wars. For outdoor enthusiasts, this church is an excellent navigation point and a symbolic stop. Situated on the hillsides, it often marks the transition from the flatter Sangro valley to the challenging, climbing inland roads towards the historic center of Atessa or Monte Pallano. It is a serene place to catch your breath and reflect on local history.

Historic Franciscan monastery in an oasis of peace. The Convento di San Pasquale (officially the monastery of Santa Maria degli Angeli) is hidden in the greenery on the hill of Vallaspra, just outside the medieval town of Atessa. This impressive complex was founded as early as 1408 by the blessed Tommaso da Firenze. It is built entirely of natural stone and exudes a serene, historic atmosphere. Although the interior and the beautiful monastery garden with the central well (from 1709) are unfortunately often closed to the public due to varying opening hours, the complex is an absolute sight to behold from the outside. Under the large portico at the front, you can still admire a centuries-old fresco of the Pietà. Moreover, the quiet, shady surroundings are perfect for a well-deserved break during your sporting tour. Fun fact: the monastery used to lend its name to the well-known local herbal liqueur "Amaro San Pasquale", which was originally prepared by the monks with herbs from this valley.

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.

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.

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.

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.