A charming village situated along the Costa dei Trabocchi, Fossacesia is a destination that offers stunning beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Like many other coastal locations, Fossacesia comprises a historic centre perched on a small hill 124 metres above sea level and a coastal area known as Fossacesia Marina, which also encompasses a small bay called the “Golfo di Venere”.
The town’s origins are tied to the construction of the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, a monastic complex comprising a basilica and adjoining monastery, erected in the early 13th century on the site of a pre-existing monastery. Unfortunately, during the Second World War, the town suffered heavy bombing that destroyed part of its heritage.
Thanks to the magnificent Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere, the town has long been a destination for pilgrims. However, towards the end of the 20th century, Fossacesia launched a tourism development programme that enabled it to become an increasingly popular destination. The expansion of both services and accommodation facilities (including in the Marina area) and its inclusion in the renowned “Costa dei Trabocchi” has made Fossacesia an increasingly sought-after seaside resort. Today, the town presents itself as a thriving destination that successfully combines relaxation, spiritual exploration and history.
The coastline of Fossacesia stretches along the Fossacesia Marina district and is characterised, for the most part, by beaches of white pebbles. In the southern section, near the mouth of the Sangro River, the coastline becomes lower and you’ll find small sandy coves. Fossacesia’s shoreline features both public beaches and equipped beaches with beach clubs offering full facilities, whilst the sea waters are crystal-clear and have earned Blue Flag status.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Fossacesia is certainly Punta Cavalluccio Beach, a small sandy cove surrounded by lush vegetation and home to the renowned Trabocco di Punta Cavalluccio.
With its excellent accommodation, services and numerous attractions, Fossacesia is the ideal destination for an enjoyable stay offering not just sea and relaxation, but also history and fine food. Less well-known than other Adriatic coastal locations, Fossacesia is a destination with so much to offer and is sure to captivate every type of visitor.
Those preferring a seaside holiday can choose from the facilities in Fossacesia Marina, whilst those seeking a more cultural stay can opt for accommodation in the inland areas. Whatever type of accommodation you choose, it’s advisable to book your lodging well in advance, as during the summer season everything tends to be fully booked.
Fossacesia offers a decent number of hotels on both half-board and full-board basis, where you can spend a holiday focused on comfort and convenience. From small facilities to large hotels, Fossacesia is a destination with accommodation for all requirements. Those wishing to organise a seaside and relaxation holiday can choose from numerous beachfront hotels, some of which also feature private beaches.
An excellent alternative to hotel accommodation is renting an apartment or holiday home. These types of accommodation are suitable for longer stays and often prove more economical than hotels. Additionally, an apartment or home allows you to enjoy not only more spacious accommodation compared to a hotel room but also greater privacy. These properties also come equipped with a kitchen, allowing you to manage meals with greater freedom.
The village of Fossacesia sits on a hilltop approximately 2 km from the coast and has managed to preserve a small but characteristic historic centre. In the renowned Piazza del Popolo stands the Church of San Donato Martire, Fossacesia’s principal parish church, which was rebuilt following the bombing during the Second World War. The building features a Latin cross layout with a pseudo-Romanesque façade housing a portal topped by a rose window, whilst internally it boasts a single nave. In Piazza del Popolo you’ll also find other sites of interest such as the Palazzo Nobiliare Contini, the Palazzo Nobiliare Mayer and the beautiful Fontana delle Cinque Cannelle.
The defining symbol of Fossacesia and the town’s most important monument is undoubtedly the Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere. Situated atop a hill offering breathtaking views, the Abbey comprises the Basilica and a monastery. The monastery was built on a site that once housed a pre-existing monastic complex. The religious complex has survived to the present day whilst preserving much of its original style. The basilica features a façade in Romanesque style with a stone portal decorated with 13th-century bas-reliefs and an interior layout of three naves with ogival arches. The Abbey of San Giovanni in Venere is considered one of the most important and magnificent abbeys in Abruzzo and attracts pilgrims throughout the year.
The town of Fossacesia proves to be a lively and vibrant destination in the evenings thanks to numerous restaurants serving Abruzzese cuisine and bars where you can enjoy excellent aperitifs. Fossacesia Marina, especially in summer, becomes an ideal place to stroll amongst shops and venues, and performances and musical events are regularly organised here, livening up the warm evenings. Moreover, Fossacesia’s location makes it easy to reach larger towns such as Vasto and Ortona, which offer a more vibrant and dynamic social scene.
Fossacesia is easily accessible by car thanks to excellent motorway connections. From the north, take the A14 and exit at Val di Sangro; from here, take the State Road 652 towards Lanciano-Fossacesia. Visitors coming from Rome should first take the A24, then the A25 and finally the A14 to the Val di Sangro exit. From here, take State Road 652. Those travelling from L’Aquila should take State Road 17 bis and then the A24 and A14 to the Val di Sangro exit.
The nearest airport is Pescara Airport, approximately 45 km from Fossacesia. Those wishing to reach the town by public transport can use the Fossacesia Marina – Torino di Sangro railway station, which is located on the Adriatic railway line. Urban and long-distance bus services connect Fossacesia to other towns along the Abruzzese coast. Finally, Fossacesia can also be reached by sea via the Marina del Sole tourist port.
What's the weather at Fossacesia? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Fossacesia for the next few days.
Hotel 
Budget accommodations 
Apartments 
Family Hotel 
Luxury Hotel 
Resorts