Pescara is Abruzzo's largest city and its principal seaside resort. The coastline stretching from Pineto in the north to Francavilla al Mare and Ortona in the south represents the region's most developed and accessible stretch: sandy beaches, well-organised facilities, and straightforward rail and road connections.
This forms part of our complete guide to Abruzzo's seaside, covering the entire regional coast.
Pescara's beach
Pescara's urban beach extends for nearly seven kilometres, running parallel to Viale della Riviera, the seafront road that cuts through the promenade from north to south. It's a fine sand beach lined with well-established beach clubs: sun loungers and umbrellas for hire, showers, bars and restaurants, and nearby parking.
It's not Abruzzo's most peaceful beach, but it's certainly the most convenient. Arriving by train, the central station is just a few minutes' walk away. Arriving by car, parking along the seafront is plentiful, though it fills quickly during peak weeks.
Pescara's beach culture has an urban character: you can head into the city centre for dinner, there are venues open late into the evening, and the city offers museums, markets, and a historic centre with shops and restaurants. For those wanting to combine beach time with a proper city experience, Pescara is the obvious choice in the region.
Pineto and its seafront pine forest
About twenty kilometres north of Pescara, Pineto is one of Abruzzo's most appreciated beach destinations for those seeking a less hectic atmosphere than the city.
Its defining feature is the pine forest that reaches just metres from the sea. A band of maritime pines accompanies the shoreline for almost the entire length of the town, providing natural shade that's invaluable during summer. The beach alternates between equipped beach clubs and well-maintained free sections.
Pineto also serves as the starting point for the Costa Teatina Nature Reserve to the south, a protected coastal stretch with sandy dunes and Mediterranean scrubland. Less crowded than the developed beaches, it's ideal if you want a few hours of solitude.
Silvi Marina
Silvi Marina sits between Pineto and Pescara and is one of the region's historic seaside destinations, frequented by Abruzzo families for generations. The beach is long and sandy, sheltered by an artificial breakwater that reduces wave action.
The choice of beach clubs is wide and well-organised. Compared to Pescara, Silvi Marina moves at a slower pace and feels more like a seaside town than a city: everything is within easy reach, the centre is compact, and the atmosphere is unmistakably that of a family holiday.
From Silvi Alta, the medieval village perched on the hillside above the marina, you get a panoramic view of the entire Adriatic coast stretching both north and south.
Francavilla al Mare and Ortona
South of Pescara, Francavilla al Mare is the first beach you encounter. It's an urban beach like Pescara's, but more compact and less crowded. The seafront has well-organised beach clubs and an evening promenade that's popular with locals.
Ortona, about twenty kilometres south of Pescara, is a coastal city with its own distinct character. The harbour remains active and fishing is part of daily life. An Aragonese castle overlooks the bay from atop the cliff, and the historic centre is small but worth exploring. The beaches north of Ortona are sandy and equipped; further south, the Costa dei Trabocchi begins.
Getting there
Pescara is reached by air via Abruzzo Airport, which has direct flights from several Italian and European cities. By train, Pescara Centrale station is served by fast trains from Rome (about two hours), Bologna (about three hours), and Milan (about four and a half hours).
For Pineto and Silvi Marina, the Adriatic railway line that hugs the coast stops in both towns, easily reached from Pescara in less than twenty minutes by train.
If you prefer driving, the A14 motorway has exits at Pescara Nord, Pescara Sud, and Pineto.
