A few differences in Abruzzo Italy

As mentioned in the last post we are currently in Pescara, Italy which is along the Adriatic Side of Italy (eastern) in the province of Abruzzo. We were last in Montesilvano after the height of the Italian vacation time so did not get to experience the crowded beachfront then. But this time the roadway along the waterfront is full of vacationers and cars. You also need to watch out for the bicyclists as you cross the street to enter or exit the beach. It is a very nice 4 mile (6 km) bicycle ride along the flat bikeway from Pescara to Montesilvano.

From here you can catch a ferry to Hvar, Croatia in about 5 hours for about $80 to $85 depending on the departure time. This is a more rustic area of Italy and there is a difference in the food style as compared to Roman style we are accustomed to in the US. Here grilled sheep (not lamb) skewers or grilled sheep liver with onions is very popular as is crudo pesce-raw thinly sliced fish or shellfish served with a little lemon and olive oil. 

Ferry port along the Pescara River

Customs office at the port

But the main attraction for most Italians during the summer months is the beach. From Ancona in the north to Francavilla a Mare to the south are the beach resorts or as the locals call them stabilimento balneare. This is not the same thing as we call resorts but rather are businesses that one rents an umbrella with a couple of loungers and chairs. It is yours for the whole day or week depending on what you want. The cost is dependent on how close to the sea you want to be-closer more expensive. There is always a cafe or restaurant associated with the stabilimento balneare where you can request food and drink and there maybe a swimming pool or kiddie area. There are free beaches where you can bring your own chair but no other service is provided and the sand is not as clean.

There is also two other main differences with American beaches-no loud music and you can safely leave you stuff while you swim. What huge difference when compared to Rio;-)

There are still the various beach vendors who will sell you everything from sunglasses to beachwear to kiddie floaties. But generally they are harmless and go away with a polite no.

Paid area or as known locally stabilimento balneare

Free beach are looking towards a stabilimento balneare 

Free beach

Free beach area looking towards the main part of Pescara

Although principally known for its seaside establishments, the Abruzzese littoral is unique for its Costa dei Trabocchi, an expanse of sea dominated by the presence of ancient fishing platforms on stilts (called trabocchi). Some trabocchi even offer rooms for tourists to stay overnight, as well as restaurants.

Trabocchi supported by stilts

So this is how we have spent our time in Pescara so far. More about Pescara the city later as it is time to head to the beach.