Pescara is a city of 120,000 people (2018) inAbruzzo. It is the most populous city of the region, as well as being an active cultural centre (metal and mechanics, conciaria, refining of sulfur, petrochemical), agricultural market and port fishing boat. Located on the sea, it is a popular seaside resort and has one of the most important and major tourist ports of Adriatic Sea. This modern city is the birthplace of Gabriele D'Annunzio, and is rich in culture, art and traditions.
During the Greek and Roman eras, it was called Aternum. Pescara was used as a maritime emporium to carry out commercial activities with other centres located on the Adriatic or overseas coasts. Destroyed by the Lombards and disputed by the Normans and the Aragonese, it later became an important coastal fortress.
During the Second World War, Pescara suffered violent bombardments which partially destroyed the historic centre; this resulted in a predominantly modern-looking city. However, Pescara Vecchia preserves monuments of great interest and artistic and architectural value, such as the Cathedral of Saint Cetteo, strongly desired by D'Annunzio, and the Bourbonic Bath, which was the ancient prison of Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Taxis are few, it is an easy city to walk around. There are pedestrian areas which are limited to traffic and good sidewalks. Just get in with a good pair of shoes and enjoy. You can get all around with a bike very well.
The train fromRome takes about four hours but it is a spectacular route through the mountains, through towns such asAvezzano andSulmona.
You can drive to Pescara from Rome Ciampino Airport in about 1½ hours. The drive is relatively free of traffic through the mountains, the view is excellent and there are lots of tunnels and bridges to cross.
From Pescara Centre to Pescara Airport: coach n. 38 departing every 15 minutes from Pescara Railway Station. Tickets allow you unlimited travel for 90 minutes: €1.
From Pescara Airport terminal to Pescara Centre: coach n. 38 departing every 15 minutes from the terminal. The first bus transfer from the airport at 06:00, the last bus transfer from the airport at 22:30.
Tickets sold at the automatic machine in the terminal arrivals area.
There areferries in the summer connecting Pescara withSplit and several islands in centralDalmatia includingHvar. Car ferries are run byJadrolinija and faster hydrofoils bySNAV[formerly dead link]. Ferries leave from the ferry terminal. There are daily regular services to Rome which takes around 2 hours to arrive.
Much of the city centre can be walked easily.
There are bike lanes traversing the city, and some bike rental places. See pathshere.
Small charming characteristic towns, open markets and local festivals in the nearby area are ideal for day trips to explore. And in the evenings, the beach cafes and the old town of Pescara Porto transform themselves into vibrant night spots.
The Maiella or Majella mountain range, also known as "La Bella Addormentata d’Abruzzo" (The Sleeping Beauty of Abruzzo), is about 50 mins away by car. Its extensive park system includes natural beauty akin to national parks in the western United States. Within Abruzzo's parks lie some of Italy's most beautiful ancient hill towns rivaling those of Tuscany and Umbria.
The entire shoreline is dotted with "stabilimenti balneari" and ombrelloni, each with his own name and color scheme. You can dine, enjoy a pizza or caffe' in all of them. Red flags means no swimming; white flags you can enjoy the wonderful Adriatic sea. Free beaches are limited but quite easy to find. Along the coast from Pescara Centre and the stadium you can find about 6 free beaches. Some of them are only 500 m from each other. In Montesilvano (north of Pescara) and Francavilla (south) you can still find free beaches. Mondays are market days in the area of the stadium. There is a classic open air market where everything can be had just walk through and enjoy
(updated Mar 2022) (updated Mar 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated May 2022) (updated Jun 2018)Pescara is a non-stop party beach city. In summer days the core of the city is the coast. You can easily find clubs and discos just walking along the coast crowded with people. In winter days all nightlife moves from the coast to Corso Manthonè, the course of the old Pescara and now become the center of the nightlife of the city.
With the exception of Corso Manthonè there are also discos in the hinterland. La Fabbrica (The Factory), one of the most fashionable place in Pescara, is situated next to the university (southeast of the stadium). In the same street there is also Cantina Accademia a dance & dinner club. Megà, placed in the characteristic building "Palazzo Quadrifoglio", is situated on the north bank of the river Pescara. Opposite to Megà, on south bank of the river, you can find Wake Up! another famous disco.
In late night you can find locals which remain open until the morning to take some food (pizza, croissants, flat unleavened bread) in stadium area.
(updated Jun 2018) (updated Jun 2018) (updated Jun 2018) (updated Jun 2018) (updated Jun 2018) (updated Jun 2018) (updated Jun 2018) (updated Jun 2018) (updated Jun 2018)Go inland and explore the mountains and national parks, visit beautiful cities such asL'Aquila,Sulmona andScanno that are a beautiful train or bus ride away.
| Routes through Pescara |
| Rome←Bugnara← | W  E | → Adriatic Sea→Dubrovnik  |
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