Pescara

The 16-kilometre stretch of wide sandy beaches along the Adriatic coast is what makes Pescara a favourite holiday resort for thousands of Italian families and an increasing number of foreign visitors. The long promenade, Viale della Riviera, is the real heart of Pescara, and a stroll along the seafront is essential for any visit to the town. Along the beach, you can also join one of the 'stabilimenti', clubs where you can find restaurants, playgrounds and umbrellas to use on the beach.

This historic art museum is dedicated to the work of Basilio Cascella and some of his family members, who were key figures in the Art Nouveau movement. Take a look at the pieces of furniture, paintings, pottery, pictures and postcards in their former workshop and be amazed by the creative genius of this family.

The Museum of the People of Abruzzo (Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo) is a former 16th-century prison turned into a museum displaying exhibits of local traditions of the Abruzzo region.

Piazza della Rinascita is the centre of public life in Pescara, and as such is bursting with life both in its public space and in its elegant cafés. It serves as an excellent spot for people-watching while you bask in the warm afternoon sun. In addition, the square occasionally transforms into a lively hub, hosting outdoor concerts and festivals.

Located only twenty minutes from Pescara, Chieti is a pleasantly provincial hillside town. A magnificent Gothic cathedral looms over Chieti, offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. The local Archaeological Museum (Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Antichità) is particularly intriguing. It is situated in a villa surrounded by a park and contains various archaeological finds, such as Roman statues and tombs.

Many visiting Chieti will also take some time out to visit Lanciano, a small town rich in Renaissance history with particularly well-preserved historical quarters in the Abruzzo region. Lanciano is famous for being the site of the first alleged Catholic Eucharistic Miracle to be recorded.

The Museum of Modern Art Vittoria Colonna is a small museum with a wide range of works by Italian and international artists. They have a permanent collection with paintings by Miró, Cascella, Michetti and Picasso, among others.

A small natural reserve and park located in the south of the city, more commonly referred to by locals as Parco D'Avalos. The citizens of Pescara love to take advantage of the vast green space and can often be seen jogging along the numerous paths or resting in the grass, admiring the swans and turtles.

The impressive Ponte del Mare is a pedestrian and cycle suspension bridge crossing the Pescara River. Inaugurated in 2009, it is the largest bridge in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. Visitors can stroll along its winding 466-metre length to get a great aerial view of the area and feel the refreshing sea breeze on a hot day.

A stroll along Lungomare Giacomo Matteotti, one of the main arteries of the city, is a uniquely Pescara experience. With the beach on one side and a line of restaurants and cafés on the other, you will eventually end up at the beautiful Fontana la Nave di Cascella. Designed by Pietro Cascella using white Carrara marble, the fountain represents an ancient rowing boat that brings back the seafaring tradition of the city. It is located on the seafront and is the symbol of Pescara.