The best road cycling routes around Ortona
4.3
(209)
4,168
riders
46
rides
Road cycling routes around Ortona offer a diverse landscape along Italy's Adriatic coast. The region features a mix of flat, traffic-free coastal paths and rolling hills inland, characterized by vineyards and historic towns. The prominent Trabocchi Coast provides scenic rides alongside unique fishing structures, while routes extending further inland present more challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. This varied Ortona cycling terrain caters to different preferences, from gentle coastal spins to demanding climbs through the Abruzzo countryside.
Best road cycling routes around Ortona
- The most popular road cycling route is Via Verde dei Trabocchi – Mouth of the Sangro River loop from Ortona, a 25.2 miles (40.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 39 minutes to complete. This easy route follows the traffic-free Via Verde dei Trabocchi, offering continuous views of the Adriatic Sea and its iconic fishing structures.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Ortona to Pretoro: Eastern Majella Loop, a difficult 53.8 miles (86.6 km) path. This route ventures inland, featuring substantial elevation gain through hilly sections and vineyards.
- Local road cyclists also love the Beautiful authentic village – Ortona's Aragonese Castle loop from Arielli, a 23.9 miles (38.5 km) trail leading through historic towns and offering views of the Aragonese Castle, often completed in about 1 hour 51 minutes.
- Road cycling around Ortona is defined by coastal paths along the Trabocchi Coast, hilly inland sections, and routes through vineyards. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy coastal rides to more challenging loops with significant climbs.
- The routes in Ortona are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 55 reviews. More than 900 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Ortona's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 20, 2026
4.0
(2)
86
riders
86.6km
04:07
1,220m
1,220m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
2.7
(3)
51
riders
30.0km
01:29
350m
350m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Sign up for free
3.5
(2)
36
riders
34.2km
01:44
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.3
(4)
56
riders
77.6km
03:50
930m
930m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.6
(8)
55
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
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.
3
0
Spiaggia di Punta dell'Acquabella – Hidden nature gem Near the cycle tunnel in Ortona lies Spiaggia di Punta dell'Acquabella, one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on the Costa dei Trabocchi. This protected nature reserve is surrounded by high cliffs and a fragrant pine forest and is known for its crystal-clear, turquoise water – ideal for a refreshing dip during a hot bike ride. Behind the beach lie the silent ruins of the former fishing village Borgo dell'Acquabella, which has been abandoned since the 1970s. The turn-off to the beach is also located near the impressive murals by Millo, making both highlights perfectly combinable. Please note that this is a natural pebble beach without any facilities. Bring plenty of drinking water, and water shoes are definitely recommended if you want to enter the clear water.
3
0
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.
3
0
Taken at the beginning of June, a wonderful place and the best time to tackle it. I already miss it 🙁
1
0
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 !
3
0
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 really 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 on the sea on stilts. With their long arms and nets, they stand out against the horizon like gigantic wooden works of art. Thanks to the flat course, this route is suitable for almost everyone, from recreational cyclists to avid mileage eaters. Along the way, charming beaches, atmospheric villages, and countless spots beckon where you can stop for an espresso, an ice cream, or a fresh fish lunch with a sea view. The Via Verde dei Trabocchi is not just a cycle path, but an experience that effortlessly combines nature, culture, and relaxation. A route you must cycle at least once.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I find around Ortona?
Ortona offers a diverse range of road cycling experiences. You'll find flat, traffic-free coastal paths along the famous Trabocchi Coast, as well as more challenging hilly sections that wind through vineyards and historic towns further inland. The region caters to various preferences, from gentle coastal spins to demanding climbs through the Abruzzo countryside.
How many road cycling routes are available in the Ortona area?
There are over 30 road cycling routes around Ortona documented on komoot, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulty levels for you to explore.
Are there any easy or family-friendly road cycling routes in Ortona?
Yes, Ortona is home to the Via Verde dei Trabocchi, a spectacular 42-kilometer cycling path that is almost entirely traffic-free, flat, and has a smooth surface. This makes it ideal for cyclists of all levels, including families. An excellent example is the Via Verde dei Trabocchi – Mouth of the Sangro River loop from Ortona, which is an easy 25.2-mile (40.5 km) ride.
What are the most challenging road cycling routes near Ortona?
For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, routes venturing inland offer significant elevation gain. A notable difficult route is the Ortona to Pretoro: Eastern Majella Loop, which spans 53.8 miles (86.6 km) and features substantial climbs through hilly sections and vineyards. Another demanding option is the View from Colle Felice – Francavilla al Mare Seafront loop from Ortona.
What scenic landmarks or natural features can I see along the road cycling routes?
The routes offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the unique 'trabocchi,' traditional wooden fishing structures, many of which are now restaurants. You can also explore natural reserves like the Punta dell'Acquabella Nature Reserve, known for its wild beaches and crystal-clear waters. The historic Castello Aragonese also provides panoramic views and is a prominent landmark.
Are there any circular road cycling routes around Ortona?
Yes, many routes in the Ortona area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. The broader Trabocchi Cycle Network, which Ortona is part of, specifically features a system of loop routes to help cyclists explore both coastal and inland areas. Examples include the Via Verde dei Trabocchi – Mouth of the Sangro River loop from Ortona and the Ortona to Pretoro: Eastern Majella Loop.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Ortona?
The road cycling routes in Ortona are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 55 reviews. Cyclists often praise the beautiful coastal scenery, the unique experience of riding along the Via Verde dei Trabocchi, and the variety of terrain available, from flat paths to challenging climbs.
Can I combine cycling with public transport in Ortona?
Yes, the broader Trabocchi Cycle Network, which includes routes around Ortona, is designed with convenient access to nine railway stations. This allows for bike-and-train intermodality, making it easier to plan longer rides or return journeys without cycling the entire distance.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Ortona?
Ortona's Mediterranean climate makes it suitable for road cycling for much of the year. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring both coastal and inland routes. Summer can be warm, especially along the coast, but early morning or late afternoon rides are still enjoyable.
Are there opportunities to explore beyond the immediate Ortona area?
Absolutely. Ortona is a great base for reaching other natural parks in the Abruzzo region, such as the Majella National Park. The Bike to Coast Abruzzo path, which the Via Verde is part of, extends 131 kilometers along the entire Abruzzo coast, connecting 19 municipalities and beautiful beaches, offering extensive exploration opportunities.
Where can I find more information about the Trabocchi Coast and its unique features?
The Trabocchi Coast is a defining feature of the region. You can learn more about this unique stretch of coastline, famous for its traditional fishing structures and scenic beauty, by visiting resources like Visit Italy's guide to Ortona.
Most popular attractions around Ortona
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
