Top 5 beaches in Abruzzo
From dune-backed sand to small pebble coves, Abruzzo’s Adriatic coast offers plenty of variety. Explore five of our favourite beach settings, then combine your coastal days with our Abruzzo travel guide and 7-day itinerary.
5. Tortoreto Lido
Tortoreto Lido is a useful choice for a straightforward beach day on Abruzzo’s northern coast. Its broad sandy shore combines equipped beach clubs with public sections, while the seafront walking and cycling route connects towards Alba Adriatica and Giulianova. The historic hilltop village is separate from the seaside resort.
Why visit: Fine sand, seafront facilities and an easy combination of beach time and village exploring.
Hidden Italy tip: Finish in Tortoreto Alto for lanes, the clock tower and coastal views. Check beach flags before swimming; a sandy shoreline does not guarantee calm conditions. Explore more village ideas in our Abruzzo hidden gems.
4. Fossacesia Marina
Fossacesia Marina brings together the white-pebble shores and fishing traditions of the Costa dei Trabocchi. Public beach sections alternate with equipped lidos, with some sand towards the southern end. Combine time by the water with the coastal scenery and the hilltop Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere.
Why visit: Pebble beaches, coastal views and Abruzzo’s distinctive wooden fishing platforms.
Hidden Italy tip: Bring water shoes for the stones, then visit the abbey viewpoint. Reserve ahead to eat on a trabocco. Day one of our Abruzzo itinerary combines Fossacesia with Rocca San Giovanni and Vasto.
3. Ripari di Giobbe
Near Ortona, Ripari di Giobbe is a small pebble cove framed by coastal cliffs. Its setting feels different from the long resort beaches farther north: the shore sits below the headland, reached on foot by a descending stairway. The pebbles and climb back up make sensible footwear and light luggage more useful than a large beach trolley.
Why visit: A compact cove with dramatic cliff scenery.
Hidden Italy tip: Bring water shoes and check access signs before descending. Keep clear of closed cliff sections and allow time for the uphill return. Seasonal beach services may be available; check locally before relying on them.
2. Torre del Cerrano
Between Pineto and Silvi, the sandy beach around Torre del Cerrano combines sea views with pinewoods, protected dunes and a historic coastal watchtower. It belongs to the Torre del Cerrano Marine Protected Area, where the beach landscape is part of a sensitive habitat. Use designated approaches and keep off the dunes.
Why visit: Sand, pine trees and a distinctive tower in one coastal setting.
Hidden Italy tip: Combine your beach visit with the tower and Museo del Mare, checking the current visiting programme first. Follow the protected area’s rules and avoid shortcuts through the vegetation.
1. Punta Penna
Punta Penna is the broad sandy beach inside the Punta Aderci Nature Reserve, just north of Vasto’s port. Dunes and coastal vegetation give it a different character from the region’s developed seafronts. This is a specific beach within the reserve: nearby Libertini and Mottagrossa are pebbly, so check your destination when planning a visit.
Why visit: Open sand and a protected coastal landscape.
Hidden Italy tip: Bring water and sun protection, use marked access routes and respect signed cliff and bathing restrictions. Pair the beach with a separate walk to the Punta Aderci viewpoint on day two of our itinerary.
Plan your Abruzzo trip
Explore beyond the coast with our Abruzzo travel guide and seven-day road trip. Beach conditions, parking arrangements and seasonal services can change. Follow local flags and access notices, and check official visitor information for protected areas before setting out.
7-day roadtrip
Follow a seven-day loop from Pescara through the Costa dei Trabocchi, Vasto, Sulmona, Scanno and Gran Sasso, with three practical bases.
Abruzzo Travel Guide
Discover Abruzzo’s hidden gems, medieval villages, mountain landscapes and local flavours, with seasonal advice and practical travel tips.