Abruzzo is a rugged, unspoiled region of central Italy where the Apennine mountains plunge toward the Adriatic Sea. One-third of its territory is protected parkland, sheltering brown bears, Apennine wolves, and golden eagles. Medieval hilltop villages, Roman ruins, saffron fields, and a coastline of blue-flag beaches make this Italy's last great undiscovered destination.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Abruzzo.
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- Pine forest shade behind beach
- Beach clubs (stabilimenti)
- Volleyball courts
- Showers
- Parking
- Restaurants
Pineto Beach (Spiaggia di Pineto)
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- Long sandy beach
- Stabilimenti and spiaggia libera
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
- Parking
- Lifeguards
Silvi Marina Beach
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- 8 km sandy beach
- Beach clubs and free beach sections
- Watersports rental
- Bars and restaurants
- Parking (paid)
- Nightlife
Pescara Beach (Lungomare)
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- Sandy beach
- Stabilimenti balneari
- Seafront promenade
- Restaurants
- Parking
- Lifeguards
Francavilla al Mare Beach
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- Cove beaches with clear water
- Pebble and sand mix
- Snorkeling
- Seafood restaurants
- Parking
Ortona Beach (Lido Riccio)
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- Trabocchi fishing platforms (iconic)
- Crystal-clear water
- Snorkeling
- Bike path (Costa dei Trabocchi)
- Seafood trattatorie
Fossacesia Marina (Trabocchi Coast)
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- Wide sandy beach
- Stabilimenti and free beach
- Watersports
- Seafood restaurants
- Parking
- Lifeguards
Vasto Marina Beach
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- Protected natural area
- Clear turquoise water
- Snorkeling and diving
- No beach clubs — spiaggia libera only
- Wildlife watching
Punta Penna Riserva Naturale
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- Stabilimenti
- Free beach sections
- Pier (molo)
- Marina
- Seafood restaurants
- Nightlife
Giulianova Lido Beach
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- Wide sandy beach
- Rose gardens on promenade
- Beach clubs
- Restaurants and bars
- Watersports
Roseto degli Abruzzi Beach
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.