The best cycling routes around Vasto

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

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 tufa stone, literally take you back in time. You follow the original route of the Ferrovia Adriatica from 1863. For over 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 Punta Le Morge – Step into the world of fishermen Along the Via Verde lies one of the most authentic trabocchi on the Costa dei Trabocchi. Trabocco Punta Le Morge is special because it was not converted into a restaurant, but preserved as a public cultural monument. Here you can discover how generations of fishermen used ingenious wooden structures and enormous nets to bring in their catch. With a bit of luck, in the summer you can see the volunteers of Lu Travocche give a real fishing demonstration. The gigantic net is then hoisted from the Adriatic Sea using hand winches – just like a hundred years ago – an impressive spectacle. The surroundings are also worth a stop. The rugged coast with colorful pebbles and the imposing wooden structure form a beautiful photo location. If access is open, walk across the wooden bridge for free and admire up close the clever system of ropes, pulleys, and poles that has kept this iconic 'fishing spider' standing for over a century. Komoot tip: Put your bike aside for a moment and take the time to look around. There's a good chance a local traboccante will enthusiastically tell you about the history and operation of this unique fishing machine.

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.

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.

Nature trail Punta Aderci – Wild gravel paradise along the coast 🌊🚴 Here you cycle through the wildest and most untouched part of the Via Verde dei Trabocchi. The unpaved Sentiero Natura winds through the protected nature reserve Riserva Naturale di Punta Aderci, past cliffs, golden fields, and the azure Adriatic Sea. The gravel stretch takes you to spectacular viewpoints, where you overlook the iconic Trabocco di Punta Aderci and the impressive coastline. On clear days, you can even see the peaks of the Majella mountains on the horizon. A unique mix of wild nature, sea views, and adventure. Perfect for gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and sturdy e-bikes. Don't forget your camera and bring plenty of water, as there are no facilities along the way.

The Ciclovia Adriatica in Abruzzo (better known as Bike to Coast) is a 131-kilometer cycle path that covers the entire coastline of the Abruzzo region. The route runs from Martinsicuro (coastal border with Marche) to San Salvo (border with Molise). The route is mostly flat, mostly car-free, and crosses 19 coastal municipalities.

Interesting facts about the location: Family heirloom: this specific trabocco was built in 1887 by the Verì family. To this day, the structure is still in the hands of their great-grandchildren. Floating restaurant: Nowadays, the platform serves as a unique fish restaurant. You literally dine on a wooden platform above the waves. In the middle of the restaurant, there is even a section of transparent glass floor that allows you to see the Adriatic Sea splashing beneath your feet while you eat. Marathon lunch: If you want to eat here, you need to significantly adjust your Komoot planning. They work with an extensive fixed fish menu (approx. €60 - €70 p.p.) of no less than 11 courses. Lunch starts punctually at 1:00 PM for all guests simultaneously and lasts at least 3 hours. Plan your time and enjoy !