The majority of tourist attractions in Pescara are located along the southern bank of the Pescara River. The main landmark in this area is the futuristic-looking Ennio Flaiano bridge. From there, it’s a five-minute walk to Pescara’s Old Town. This compact area is home to the Ethnographic Museum, Pescara’s cathedral and Gabriele d’Annunzio’s Birthplace Museum.
There are also things to see and do north of the Pescara River. This is mostly a commercial area, but it’s also home to Museo Paparazzi, which displays beautiful exhibits of Maiolica's ceramics. For contemporary art exhibits, head to the nearby CLAP museum. Right in between both museums, you’ll find Piazza Salomon, Pescara’s main square, which is often the venue for open-air concerts and other events.
From Piazza Salomon, it’s only a 5-minute walk to the waterfront. The city’s Lungomare, or seaside promenade, extends for kilometers and is a pleasant area for morning or evening walks. North of the Lungomare, you’ll find several city beaches, whereas walking south will take you to the marina and to Pinto La Conchita beach. Not far from this beach is Durum, a beautifully restored building that now hosts live music, congresses, conventions and private events.
Travelers with children have several options in this city. In the spring and autumn, you can drive your rental car in Pescara south for 32 kilometers and park in San Vito village. From here, you can follow the hiking trail along the scenic Costa dei Transonic, or arrange a bike rental for the whole family. The little ones will have a blast at Parco Gioconda Paperboard, an amusement park open all year round. If you visit during the festive season, don’t miss the spectacular Christmas lights display at Casa di Babb Natale, located a 15-minute drive from Pescara. Lastly, the nature reserve and wildlife refuge of Pin eta Annunciation is a fun spot for a picnic and has dedicated play areas for children.
The main shopping area is located between Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Via Nicola Fabric and Corso Umberto I. Pescara also has several shopping malls, the biggest of which are Porte di Pescara and Centro d'Arezzo, both located near the airport within easy driving distance from downtown.
Pescara’s shopping area is teeming with restaurants serving everything from traditional Abruzzo dishes to fast food and including Asian and European cuisine. For a meal with views, try the restaurants along the Lungomare, many of which specialize in seafood.
The most important events in town are Pescara Jazz Festival, the International Film Festival (both held in the summer), and soccer matches involving the local team, which take place every other weekend at Adriatic Stadium. Be sure to try the local cuisine, which also highlights Alghero's blend of cultural influences. Seafood is the main specialty, and one of the most famous dishes is lobster "alla Catalana.” served with tomatoes and onions. You may need to book this special meal in advance. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll also want to try the local dessert of "menjar blanc,” a smooth, creamy dish similar to blancmange, crema Catalana or crème brûlée. Of course, you'll find plenty of other typical Italian dishes, too, with thin, crispy pizza being particularly popular.
Renting a car in Alghero allows you to explore the part of Sardinia known as the Coral Coast. To understand the importance of coral, head first to the Museo del Corallo. Inside, you can admire incredible works of art that local artisans have made from coral and even pick up small sculptures or pieces of jewelery as souvenirs.
There are many great beaches for you to discover with a rental car or van in Alghero. Le Bombarde and Il Lazzaretto are two tiny coves with picture-perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. But be warned: the water can be freezing! Larger beaches can be found at Mugoni, Lido San Giovanni or Maria Pia. The most famous beach in the area is La Pelosa, with a tropical-style beach that belongs in the Caribbean. If you're visiting between June and September, you will need to book your trip in advance to avoid overcrowding.
Capo Caccia is a great place for a day trip, with trails along the coast and some of Sardinia's most spectacular sunsets. Here you can also visit Gotta di Nettuno, a stunning cave network with breathtaking displays of stalactites and stalagmites. A guided tour of the grotto lasts about an hour. The grotto is only accessible by boat and cannot be visited if the sea is really rough.
