Vasto, a gem of the Adriatic

Vasto is a city dear to my heart.
The first time I went there, I was six years old. My father's family is from one of the Val del Trigno villages, in the Vasto's mountainous backcountry and it was the first time my brother and I were visiting. Once we were settled in the village, my dad took us to Vasto. It was the first time we were going to sea. And what experience! In fact, Vasto is a city perched on a cliff with many medieval building and Vasto Marina is its more modern beach extension. Vasto has changed over the years. It still remains a pretty family-oriented sea-side town but the space of public beach (especially on Spiagga Aurora) has been, unfortunately, greatly reduced. Don't let it spoil the fun. Vasto has a beautiful sterch of sand (it's a gulf and if you drive up to town, you'll see a splendid view of the Golfo d'Oro, the Golden Gulf) and clear water of the Adriatic Sea that will make you want to come back. It has a very relaxed feeling, good restaurants and lots of attraction so... enjoy!

Quick Tips:

During the summer, there are a lot of information booth were you can get a map of Vasto and Vasto Marina and know what's going on in town. You'll find one at Lungomare Cordella, near a "beach stuff" store.

Best Way To Get Around:

There's public transit. Vasto is small but has public transportation. The bus will take you from the Marina to town, or to the train station and also to the popular Pianeta mall.

The most central and busiest beach in Vasto Marina, located north of Vasto Marina, Unfortunately, a big part of the beach is "private" that means that companies running snack bars and umbrella and chairs businesses have a concession which means that the space is taken. You can stay there of course, but you won't have much room. It's very common for Italians to rent a space for the whole summer season. A piece of public beach still remains near the "Sirenetta" (the "Monument to the swimmer" that is one of Vasto's landmark). The advantage is, you won't get thirsty or hungry and they have lavatories. The waters of Vasto have, once again, received the Blue Flag award for the quality and cleanliness of its water. So go ahead and enjoy! You'll also find beach volleyball facilities.

A "trabocco" (plural trabocchi) is a makeshift wooden structure made by fisherman to tie their boats or to fish. Their delicate structures are part of the landscape here and all along this part of the Adriatic coast. You can reach one (and get away from the crowd) starting from Spiagga Aurora (but you have to be able to swim if the tide is high). Walk along the beach toward the "Sirenetta" statue then carry on in the water (attention to the rock) after 5 minutes, you'll reach your reward: a small cove and the trabocco. Try and walk on it: it's not as easy as it seems!

If you don't have a car, getting to Vasto is quite easy!

You will need to catch a train from Roma Tiburtina to Pescara Centrale and from there, take another train to Vasto.

The first train leaves at 7:45, then 10:36, 12:46; 14:03 and the last one you can take without arriving too late is 16:12 because the trip is 5-5h30. It will cost EUR 16,94. I must say it is quite worth it because the train is crossing the scenic Appenin mountain range and it's a sight to see! Abruzzo is one of the wildest regions, and on the way, you will be able to see why it's one of the few untouched areas in Italy. It will be hard not to want to get off the train! Important stops along the way are Avezzano, Sulmona and Chieti. Taking the train from Pescara to Vasto is different are the train is following the coast, going through the different sea towns along the way and you'll see a lot of the Big Blue!

Now... the train station is the in an odd place. No doubt by wanting to do some savings and not have to build two stations for Vasto and neighbouring San Salvo, the train station has been built just right in the middle! Which is not practical at all for the traveller! Hopefully, you will be able to catch a bus to town or you can take a taxi (go to the station's bar and you'll find the number).

For more information about schedule and price:http://www.trenitalia.com

If you don't feel like spending 5 hours in the train, the alternative is to take private bus lines. It will get you there faster but not cheaper (but not by much). Di Fonzo, a company whose seat is in Vasto, will take you there in over 3 hours: http://www.bus.it/difonzo/index.htm where you can book your trip.

If you are in Rome, you can buy the ticket or make a reservation (highly recommended) there:

Agenzia Piccarozzi - C/o TIBUS - Stazione Tiburtina - Tel. 06.97749140.

The other possibility is to take the ARPA bus from Vasto to Chieti then to Rome (arpaoline.it). The bus from Rome leaves at 2:30 and 5:30 PM. The bus from Vasto to Rome leaves at 7:30.

Unfortunately, none of these companies tells you where to wait for the bus! Although betting on the train station is probably safe, it's better to get in touch with them and ask.

As a rule of thumb, you can find a lot of information at Roma Tiburtina, where most buses linking Rome to other parts of the country are leaving.