Characterized by broad, sandy beaches in the north to more rugged terrain in

the south, Abruzzo’s 80 miles of coastline attracts visitors from near

and far. In fact, the region has 26 beaches on that meet the criteria of the

target="_blank">Blue Flag organization

which rates beaches based on water

quality, environmental management and safety. Locals recommend Alba Adriatica

and Martinsicuro on the northern coast of Abruzzo and Vasto

in the south. Silvi Marina, in the middle, is frequently on lists of

the best beaches in Italy.

While touring the coastline, you can’t help but spot a distinctly Abruzzese

institution – trabocchi. These are huts built on stilts on the

beach or the rocks with nets hooked on to outriggers, giving fishermen access

to deeper waters – and the fish there – without needing boats. The

chaos of beams, ropes and wood make from local trees or planks that have washed

up on shore can make for a bewildering sight but the trabocchi serve their purpose

well. With fishing not as plentiful as it once was, few make their living from

trabocchi but rather use them on weekends.

Slow Food has dedicated a bi-yearly festival called target="_blank">Cala Lenta

to the trabocchi – next one slated for July 2009. The event celebrates

the traditional seafood of the Trabocchi Coast such as scapece (fish cooked

in vinegar, garlic and saffron) and shellfish and potato soup. Special dinners

are arranged on the trabocchi themselves. You don't need to just visit Abruxzzo for the festival, as all summer long, local families arrange to cook

for guests on these historic “fishing machines.” The Veri family

of the small coastal town of Fuggitella owns target="_blank">Trabocco Pesce Palombo

and offers

an authentic trabacco meal including fish stew, sole and mussels. (39-0872-60857)

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