Attractions and Places To See around Francavilla Al Mare - Top 20

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.

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.

Alessandro Fantini Mural: A Tribute to a Cycling Legend 🚴‍♂️🎨Near the beach of Spiaggia Ripari Bardella, you will find this impressive mural. The artwork was created in April 2023 by street artists Nicola Di Totto (Dueneko) and Lorenzo Nicoletti (Skugio). This was done especially for the Grand Départ of the Giro d'Italia 2023 on the Costa dei Trabocchi.Who was Alessandro Fantini?The sprint king of Abruzzo: "Sandrino" Fantini was born in 1932 in nearby Fossacesia.Great successes: As an explosive sprinter, he won no fewer than seven stages in the Giro d'Italia and two stages in the Tour de France during his professional career (1955–1961).Tragic end: In 1961, during a mass sprint in the Tour of Germany, he crashed heavily, passing away at the young age of 29.What else do you see here?Right next to Fantini's portrait, you will find the colourful, multi-metre-long artwork "Dal primo all'ultimo" (From the first to the last). This mural depicts a compact cycling peloton stretching for a good 60 metres along the wall.

It was one of the most beautiful bike routes we've ridden in recent months. If you're in the area or just passing through, you absolutely should do this tour; it's unforgettable.

Fantastic, suitable for everyone.

Beautiful mural dedicated to the cyclist Fantini along the cycle/pedestrian path near Ortona.

During the Second World War, a gunpowder depot blew up and seriously damaged the facility. A subsequent landslide destroyed further parts. The facility was restored in 2001. Now it looks almost a bit too new, but the next few centuries will change that again :-)