About Pescara
Pescara is a relatively modern city, particularly given the history of other Italian centres. Yet what it lacks in historical landmarks, it more than makes up for in atmosphere, fantastic food and endless sunkissed sandy beaches.
The city was originally two small fishing villages, which were merged by the fascist government in 1927. The river Pescara that divides the city into north and south as it flows down from the mountains has also shaped the city’s history.
For many, Pescara is a port or a train station on the way to another destination, and indeed you can catch a ferry from the city to Croatia, jump on a bus to Rome or head inland into the enticing Abruzzo countryside. However, after extensive redevelopment, the city is attracting an increasing number of visitors who enjoy swimming in the warm waters of the Adriatic and finding a tasty seafood lunch down by the harbour in one of the fisherman’s huts/restaurants. Others adore picking up some designer names in the city centre, before reclining with a coffee in the elegant Piazza della Rinascita. And there are those who can barely wait for the sun to set before hitting the cocktail bar and the beach-side nightclubs.
Activities
The Beach and Viale della Riviera
The ten-mile stretch of wide sandy beaches along the Adriatic coast is what makes Pescara a favourite holiday resort for thousands of Italian families and an increasing number of foreign visitors. The long promenade, Viale della Riviera, is the real heart of Pescara, and a stroll along the seafront is essential for any visit to the town. Along the beach you can also join one of the stabilimenti, a club where you can find restaurants, playgrounds and permanent umbrellas to use on the beach.
Museum and Picture Gallery Basilio Cascella
This historic art museum displays the work of the Cascella family, who were key figures in the Art Noveau movement. Stroll among the furniture, paintings, pottery, pictures and postcards in their former workshop and admire the creative genius of this influential family.
Temple Bar
The inevitable Irish bar pops up in Pescara. It has the honor of being the first Irish bar in the Abruzzo region, and as such it offers all the Irish goodies one would expect, such as a pint of Guiness, occasional live traditional Irish music, and screenings of top sports events.
Tips
Good to know
Public Transport
Pescara itself is fairly small, so it is unlikely visitors will need to use the bus system. But if you do, you can buy tickets from newsagents around town.
The bus station is found next to the train station, Stazione Centrale. There is a direct bus line to Rome (Roma Tiburtina) via Pescara Centrale, taking about two and a half hours. Buses also leave for Naples from here.
You also find three main train stations from where you can travel to an array of Italian destinations: Pescara Centrale, Pescara Porta Nuova, Pescara San Marco. Porta Nuova is mainly used for ferry connections.
Electricity
220 volt, 50 Hz
