Free walking tours in Ortona and what to see

Must-sees

Ortona is a port town in Abruzzo, in the province of Chieti, looking out over the Adriatic from a promontory. At the top stands the 15th-century Aragonese castle, a clifftop fortress with views over the sea and the harbour. From there the Passeggiata Orientale runs along the edge of the promontory with viewpoints over the coast. In the old town the cathedral of San Tommaso Apostolo stands out, holding in its crypt the relics of the apostle, the town's patron.

The 16th-century Palazzo Farnese houses a gallery with works by the painters Basilio and Michele Cascella. The town also has museums devoted to the music of Francesco Paolo Tosti, who was born here, and to the Second World War battle of Ortona. On the outskirts is the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. To the south begins the Costa dei Trabocchi, with coves, cliffs and the trabocchi, old wooden fishing platforms built over the water.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free tours in Ortona. Civitatis offers an e-bike trip along the Costa dei Trabocchi, following the seaside cycle route past several trabocchi. For the old town, the usual approach is to explore on your own or ask at the tourist office.

How long to spend

The old town, the castle, the cathedral and the Passeggiata Orientale can be seen in half a day. If you add museums or the Canadian cemetery, allow a full day. With two or three days you can cycle the Costa dei Trabocchi to San Vito Chietino, swim at nearby beaches or go up to Lanciano.

Where to stay

To visit the town, the old centre has B&Bs and guesthouses near the castle and the cathedral. If you are coming for the beach, look at the hotels and apartments of Lido Riccio, to the north, or the Saraceni area, to the south. San Vito Chietino is another good base right on the Costa dei Trabocchi.