The best MTB trails around Poggiofiorito

Beautiful and really interesting

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.

Directly along the busy Via Verde della Costa dei Trabocchi lies a hidden cultural treasure that most cyclists simply whiz past: the Area Archeologica di Murata Bassa (Lungomare di Gualdo). Although the Roman remains are sometimes a bit overgrown, this is the ideal place to put your bike aside and take a break. Why you'll want to dismount here: coolness in the shade. The small, covered archaeological building offers a delightful, shady refuge from the burning afternoon sun. Perfect for catching your breath and having a drink with the thought that 2000 years of history lie beneath your feet. At this exact spot, archaeologists uncovered the foundations of a luxurious Roman coastal villa from the 1st century BC, which was later converted into a small factory with a large oven for terracotta oil lamps. The large information board on site tells you the whole story in Italian and English. Unique photo spot to capture a beautiful memory. From the elevation at the excavations, you have a beautiful, slightly higher view over the coastline and the trabocchi below. In summary: this highlight is a quiet, shady mini-break full of history, just before or after the hustle and bustle around the tunnels of Marina di San Vito!

Flat and car-free: The route is laid out on a former railway line directly on the Adriatic Sea. It is fully asphalted, flat, and 100% car-free, making it perfect for any type of cyclist (from road cyclists to families).Unique setting: You cycle right past the iconic trabocchi: wooden, spider-like fishing platforms that hover over the waves. At many of these platforms, you can stop nowadays for a unique lunch or dinner with fresh fish.

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.

Beyond the sea, also history

Attention: the section is interrupted at 2 points due to the crossing of a small stream.

the small village with the castle is beautiful... it's a challenging climb to get there