The Best of Abruzzo, Italy

Visit the Trabocco coast near Vasto. This is an area of ancient fishing platforms built by immigrants that came to the Italian coast from France. They specialized in building wooden bridges and brought their knowledge to Italy where they honed their craft to create fishing platforms made of wood, using nets to catch fish. In this manner they could avoid using boats (not being seafaring folk) and take advantage of the bounty of fish.

Vasto Italy is a lovely village on the Adriatic Sea. Use this town as a base of operations so you can take an evening stroll with the locals, sip Aperol Spritz, shop for Italian styles and then dine in one of the many quaint Italian trattorias, many with sea views.

Agritourismo is a growing theme in Italy. Just 30 minutes from Vasto, you can visit a local farm family and see how Italians live off the land they inhabit. Quaint accommodations, delicious fresh food and a friendly local family make for a great side trip or day visit.

Wine, oil and cheese! Family-run wineries and olive oil production is a way of life in Abruzzo. You can visit a family-run winery (complete with a pool for lounging after your tasting) or take in an olive oil grove and visit with the olive oil sommelier (yes that is a thing.) Afterwards, stop at the local cheese shop for today's fresh mozzarella.

Cooking with mama: I was fortunate to experience a cooking class with a local family in Abruzzo. Their lovely family home overlooks the Adriatic Sea and after, mama taught us pasta making, sauce preparations and gathering of the fresh vegetables from her garde. I enjoyed an al fresco family meal complete with local wines and my new friends from Vasto.

Lunch

Trabocco Trimalcione: Dine on an ancient fishing platform and enjoy the specialty of the area — a fish stew made with the catch-of-the-day.

Dinner

Pizzeria Bebbia: Delicious! This spot features wood-fired pizzas, local lamb skewers and wine are served outdoors in a small plaza. Great food and people-watching while dining!

Le Cisterne: This restaurant offers an amazing view of the sea and hillside lights. Great offerings include seafood of the area, perfect for sharing.

Dessert

Gelateria Pannamore is a perfect ending to your after dinner stroll.