Take to the sea and discover the Trabocchi coast between Abruzzo and Le Marche

If you find yourself in Termoli on 3 August, you'll have the chance to join one of the most popular religious events in Molise, the procession of St Basso. But if you can't make it in August, don't worry because the beautiful tourist port of Marina San Pietro has plenty to see all year round. This fortified town offers a spectacular view of the Torre Castello which dominates the coastline. Take a stroll through the medieval streets of the historic centre to discover the cathedral and the tiny "a rejecelle" alleyway.

Termoli is the ideal starting point for a visit to the Tremiti islands, a protected natural park. Set a course of 110° for 22 miles and you'll come to the buoys between San Domino and San Nicola. Only two of the five islands are inhabited. Stop until sunset to listen to the song of the Diomedee. Legend has it that they are the companions of the Homeric hero Diomedes, who have been changed into birds and remember his death. In San Nicola, you can visit the Benedictine abbey-fortress.

Sailing further north up the coast, you will see the first 'trabocchi', the gigantic fishing machines also described by D’Annunzio. If you want to make a stop along the way, dock at the new Marina Sveva or at the nearby Cala del Golfo in San Salvo Marina, which is also a beautiful village to visit. Only 4 miles further on, you'll reach Vasto, indicated by the Punta Penna lighthouse. At 70 metres in height, it is the second tallest in Italy after the Genoa lantern. Go ashore to visit the former convent of Sant'Antonio with Roman baths and mosaics, Caldoresco castle and Palazzo d 'Avalos. When dining, try the Vastese broth.

From Vasto, it takes 25 miles of sailing to reach Ortona. Along the route you will have the Costa dei Trabocchi on the port side, with a numerous succesion of fishing machines. In San Vito Chietino, there is the Dannuntian Hermitage, from which the poet described this stretch of coast as a 'chain of promontories and lunar gulfs'. Disembark in Ortona, visit the Aragonese castle and then head inland to discover Lanciano and Guardiagrele. You can also rent a bike and cycle along the Via Verde dei Trabocchi, a cycle path that runs along the Abruzzo coast for 140 kilometres.

From Ortona, we set off once more in the direction of Pescara, which appears after about 12 miles. The so-called seaside capital of Abruzzo is a city with many surprises, especially architectural ones: in a few steps you will see the very modern Ponte del Mare overlooking the port, the former Aurum in a Rationalist style and splendid Art Nouveau villas. There is also the famous Pineta of D’Annunzio celebrated in the poem La pioggia nel pineto. Pescara is also a great starting point for exploring Abruzzo's national parks. And don't forget to try the 'arrosticini' (skewered grilled lamb).

Set sail once more, heading north, while to the left the Majella and Gran Sasso, the highest peaks of the Apennines, watch over you. Consider a stop at the buoys of the Torre del Cerrano Marine Protected Area. In Giulianova, designed by Giulio Acquaviva of Aragon as an ideal city, discover the Cathedral, Santa Maria a Mare, the beautiful promenade and the Kursaal.

Continue your course northwards for 18 miles to reach San Benedetto del Tronto, an important fishing port in the Marche region. Moor at the tourist port and then discover the town described poetically by Franz Liszt, who defines this sea as "always alive, always new." Don't miss a stop inland to discover the beauties of Ascoli Piceno and enjoy its famous olives.

The information was provided by Viaggio Italiano