Pescara

Italy

Pescara is a city in Abruzzo. It is the most populous city of the region, as well as being an active cultural center (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 touristic ports of Adriatic Sea. Birthplace of Gabriele D'Annunzio, this modern city is rich in culture, art and traditions.

Port of Pescara and Ponte del Mare, with the Gran Sasso mountain in the background Formerly called Aternum, Pescara had been 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 center; 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 Borbonic 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 allround with a bike very well.

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 mountain range also known as "La Bella Dormentata" (The Sleeping Beauty) is 40 mins away and 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.

enjoy the wonderful beaches. The entire shoreline il 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 meters distant 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

The rectangle that it forms with Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and Via Nicola Fabrizi encloses the main shopping district, where several of the best fashion shops are located.

Alcyone Ristorante pizzeria, Viale della Riviera, 24, +39 085 34297.

Dei Poveri e Dei Re, Viale Gabriele D'Annunzio, 254, +39 085 64522. Seafood restaurant

Filippo Cucina di Mare, Viale Amerigo Vespucci, 136, +39 085 2193571.

La Figlia di Attilio, Viale V. Pepe, 177, +39 085 4511500.

Pizzeria Caracciolo, Via Cesare Battisti, 121, +39 085 385220.

Ristorante Da Attilio, Lungomare Papa Giovanni XXIII, 75, +39 085 4514920.

Ristorante Franco, Lungomare Papa Giovanni XXIII (Porto turistico, +39 085 66390.

Ristorante Ferraioli, Via R. Paolucci, 79, +39 085 4210295.

Ristorante Grotta del Marinaio, Via Bardet, 6, +39 085 690454.

Trattoria Betta, Via Cristoforo Colombo, 62, +39 085 451 8728.

Trieste Pizza, Lungomare Giacomo Matteotti, 102, +39 085 4214038.

Pescara has the distinction of being 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.

Go inland and explore the mountains and national parks, visit beautiful cities such as L'Aquila, Sulmona and Scanno that are a beautiful train or bus ride away.