The Punta Aderci Natural Park in Abruzzo has been on my wish list for a long time ... and a sun-drenched February day seemed like the ideal opportunity to go south by bicycle and public transport from Roseto degli Abruzzi and take a stretch of Via Verde della costa dei Trabocchi. to drive. Are the trains really as bicycle-friendly as they want us to believe? And is the Via Verde actually finished?

Pop, Rock and Jazz

The names of the new models of Italian slow trains, called the Regional, are not very obvious to say the least. But they all have a number of advantages: a ground-level entrance and a space intended for bicycles. Easily recognizable by a large bicycle on the door. At Bologna station I actually already saw a train with bicycle stands equipped with charging points for the e-bike. Hi!!! Things are going in the right direction ... Unfortunately, the old models of slow trains are still very spartan and you have to bridge a huge difference in height to get your bike inside. But it is possible .... all Italian slow trains have a space for the bicycles. Incidentally, the fast Frecciarossa is not. If you want to go out with your bike, the Turismo Lento starts at the station.

Do you need to buy a supplement?

It was not so clear to us all. There is no counter at Roseto station and you have to rely on a ticket machine. That didn't really give a definite answer either ... there were supplements, but only for dogs. There is such a thing as a surcharge for the bicycle of € 3.50, but Joost knows where to buy it. Until we found out that in a number of regions bicycles can be taken by train for free. Fortunately, the regions of Le Marche and Abruzzo are also included. And so it became increasingly attractive to put it to the test.

Fossacesia-Porto di Vasto
Part of the route from Fossacesia station to Porto di Vasto follows a brand new cycle path built on the old railway line. The last part follows an unpaved path through the Natural Park of Punta Aderci to the famous viewpoint. From there it is a few more km to the station of Porto di Vasto. The first part, on the former railway line, was a truly Italian experience. On the website of the Via Verde it was clear to us that the cycle path was not completely finished. But how badly unfinished was not at all clear. We soon found out; fallen fences give the impression that we were not actually supposed to cycle on the beautiful brand new cycle path. But yes, the fences had fallen after all? So we had to try anyway, we also had a few oncoming traffic so we weren't the only ones civil disobedient ... And so it went on a few times. We also had to drive a part over the busy Adriatica SS16. Not very attractive for, for example, families with children ... but with a little optimism it is not only a nice website and videos and then .... what a beautiful cycling path !!

Tailwind and .... evvai !!
Since there is no signage at all, we felt we followed the coast a bit, we couldn't really miss it. And otherwise you also have Google Maps. I expect or hope that the entire route will be signposted when it is all finished. The highlight, both legally and figuratively, was the last part through the Natural Park on a passable unpaved path towards Punta Aderci. Incidentally, not a single oncoming car encountered, the park was ours alone. The coastline is spectacular with the snowy peaks of the Monti Sibellini in the background. Highly recommended in low season, this place! Maybe also in the high season, but I expect a lot of tourists here. We will definitely come back to drive the entire Via Verde which will be 42 km long. But if the route is really finished ... maybe in the fall? They are determined to make this route a success.