Giulianova

A small but enchanting town situated in a strategic location between the Adriatic Sea and the peaks of the Apennines, Giulianova is the ideal destination not only for a seaside holiday but also for those who love nature excursions. Particularly famous for its beaches, considered among the most beautiful in the region, Giulianova’s position also allows easy access to the region’s main parks.

A town with truly ancient origins—Neolithic remains have been discovered here—Giulianova was first part of the Duchy of Spoleto, the Kingdom of Sicily and then the Kingdom of Naples, before coming under the ownership of the Acquaviva family in the second half of the 14th century. Giulianova was officially founded at the end of the 15th century by the Duke of Atri, Giulio Antonio Acquaviva, who named the town after himself and had it built following Renaissance principles of architectural rationality. Today the town is characterised by Giulianova Alta, the most authentic area where you’ll find ancient churches and historical monuments, and Giulianova Lido where the beaches are located.

Seaside tourism in the town began in the early 1900s when splendid Art Nouveau villas and the luxurious Kursaal hotel were built along the seafront—now a venue for conferences and exhibitions. During the Fascist period, the magnificent Monumental Seafront was built to a design by Giuseppe Meo, which was later expanded and modernised in the post-war years.

Giulianova’s Beach

Giulianova Lido is known as one of the Seven Sisters—seven splendid tourist resorts in the province of Teramo famous for their beautiful beaches. The beach here is characterised by fine golden sand, whilst the sea, which has won the Blue Flag award multiple times for water quality, has a shallow seabed that slopes gently.

The nearly two-kilometre-long shoreline is filled with beach establishments offering various facilities, making it ideal for families with children and anyone looking for a comfortable, well-equipped and safe beach. Its seafront, lined with flowers and year-round green vegetation such as palm trees, oleanders and pines, also boasts a wonderful cycle path where you can enjoy spectacular views and glimpses of the coastline.

Sports enthusiasts will also have plenty to enjoy with the opportunity to take part in various activities such as tennis, swimming, bowls, mini-golf, skating as well as snorkelling and underwater fishing.

Where to Stay in Giulianova

Giulianova offers a truly vast choice thanks to all the accommodation available that can satisfy different needs. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and historical heritage, the town is a destination you can visit year-round.

If you’d like to stay in the most historic part of the town, you can choose accommodation in Giulianova Alta, whilst if you’re here for its beautiful sea you can book a place in Giulianova Lido, where you can easily reach the beach.

Recommended Hotels in Giulianova

Staying in a hotel means choosing a carefree holiday focused on comfort. There are many hotels in Giulianova offering guests interesting packages, suitable for families with children, couples or anyone wanting a relaxing break without any worries. Several hotels in the town have a private beach, swimming pool, solarium and many other services that make stays truly comfortable for guests.

Apartments and Holiday Rentals in Giulianova

Those who prefer more privacy and enjoy larger spaces can choose to stay in a holiday home or residence. This type of accommodation not only provides more spacious environments than a typical hotel room but also offers a kitchen so you can better manage your meals.

What to See in Giulianova

Giulianova is a destination that offers the chance to spend a seaside holiday whilst, at the same time, being close to the Apennines and major parks such as the Maiella National Park, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga Park, the Abruzzo National Park and the Sirente-Velino Park, you can go on nature excursions. However, Giulianova has several points of interest within the town itself, particularly in Giulianova Alta.

Giulianova Alta is the oldest part of the town and sits perched on a hill that, thanks to a magnificent Viewpoint1 offers stunning views. Here you’ll find the Church of Santa Maria della Misericordia2, the oldest church in Giulianova, dating back to the 12th century and, despite being restored several times, it still stands out for its terracotta façade with a 14th-century portal.

Not to be missed is a visit to the Cathedral of San Flaviano3, which was built in the early 16th century and is stylistically influenced by the Tuscan and Umbrian architecture of the time. It has an octagonal shape and is topped with a hemispherical dome that was once covered with blue majolica tiles that made the building visible even from the sea.

The town is also home to the beautiful Sanctuary of Maria S.S. dello Splendore4, a monumental complex made up of a monastery of the Capuchin Friars dating to the 16th century and a church built in 1907 on the foundations of a previous place of worship. This Sanctuary draws numerous pilgrimages as an apparition of the Madonna occurred here in the 16th century. Inside is housed a painting by Paolo Veronese from around 1570 depicting the Virgin and Child in glory with Saints Peter, Paul, Dorothy and Francis.

At Giulianova Lido you’ll find Palazzo Kursaal5, an early 20th-century building built in Art Nouveau style but with classical influences. Originally the building was a luxury hotel, but after being destroyed during the Second World War it was rebuilt and converted by the council into a venue for exhibitions and displays.

For children and young people there are countless attractions and amusement parks near Giulianova, such as Giocolandia6, a 2,000 sq metre play park with games, inflatable slides, trampolines and football pitches, or the Onda Blu Aquapark, a huge water park in nearby Tortoreto where both adults and children can enjoy various attractions.

What to Do in the Evening in Giulianova

Giulianova in the evening comes alive and becomes a lively place where you can stroll, have aperitivos even on the beach with friends or dine with sea views. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region, Giulianova has a vibrant and well-organised nightlife and is able to offer various options.

In summer the seafront remains the most frequented area with shops, restaurants and also where evening events are organised. Thanks to its privileged position, Giulianova also allows you to easily reach nearby towns that offer a dynamic social scene such as Alba Adriatica (approximately 10 km away) or Roseto degli Abruzzi (approximately 17 km away).

Those who love nightlife and nightclubs can also find entertainment in Giulianova. Most venues are located right in the town centre, on the seafront and in the lido area where you’ll also find beach bars, cocktail bars and lounge bars that are open from aperitivo time until late at night and where live music events and DJ sets are organised.

How to Get to Giulianova

Giulianova is easily reachable by car, thanks to the motorway, or by public transport, such as train or bus. The town is also less than an hour from the Pescara airport, which has flights including low-cost options to Italian and European cities. From Pescara you can then take a regional train to Giulianova station.

Coming from the north you can reach Giulianova by car by taking the A14 motorway towards Taranto and then exiting at the Val Vibrata junction and continuing on the SS16 towards Giulianova. Alternatively you can also take the A14 to the Teramo – Giulianova – Mosciano S. Angelo exit and then take the SS80. Those coming from the south should travel on the A14 towards Ancona and then exit at the Teramo – Giulianova – Mosciano junction. From Rome you can reach the town by first travelling along the A24 and then taking the SS80 towards Teramo.

Giulianova is also easily reachable by train thanks to its railway station which connects the town not only to Abruzzo locations with regional trains but also to other Italian cities, such as Bologna and Bari, via InterCity lines.

Giulianova Weather