Things To Do
in Montesilvano

Montesilvano sits along the Adriatic coast just east of Pescara, blending sun-kissed beaches with a laid-back coastal vibe. It is known for broad sandy shores, family-friendly promenades, and a growing scene of seafood-focused eateries. The town is part of the Abruzzo region, offering easy access to both the sea and the mountains.

With a relaxed pace, Montesilvano serves as a convenient base for day trips to Pescara, the Majella region, and nearby hill towns.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and rich Italian coffee. After breakfast, wander through the charming streets of Montesilvano's historic center, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and vibrant local life. Be sure to visit the Church of Saint James, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, which is a highlight of the area.

afternoon
:

For lunch, indulge in traditional Abruzzese cuisine at a local trattoria, trying dishes like arrosticini and maccheroni alla chitarra. Afterward, take a stroll along the picturesque seafront promenade, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and the view of the Adriatic Sea. Stop by local artisan shops to pick up unique souvenirs that reflect the region's culture.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, find a seaside restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy fresh seafood paired with local wines. After your meal, take a romantic walk along the beach, watching the stars twinkle above the calming waves. Cap off your evening with a gelato from a nearby gelateria, savoring the flavors of Italy.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

After breakfast, head to the beautiful beaches of Montesilvano where you can soak up the sun on the sandy shores. Rent a beach umbrella and a couple of sun loungers to relax while enjoying the serene sound of the waves. For the adventurous, try out paddleboarding or kayaking in the clear waters.

afternoon
:

Have a light lunch at a beachside café, sampling fresh salads and local seafood dishes. Spend your afternoon swimming in the crystal-clear waters or joining a group for thrilling water sports like windsurfing or jet skiing. As the sun warms your skin, take breaks to sip on refreshing drinks from nearby vendors.

evening
:

In the evening, enjoy a beachside barbecue dinner, where you can taste grilled meats and fresh vegetables while listening to the sounds of the surf. After dinner, participate in a beach volleyball game or simply take a leisurely walk along the shore. As night falls, watch the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors, creating a perfect end to your beach day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍝Pasta dinner for two at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🛏️Mid-range hotel per night$90-150
Coffee at café$2-4
🚆Public transit day pass$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning coastal scenery with easy beach access
  • Walkable promenade and family-friendly facilities
  • Good value for seafood lovers and foodies
  • Easy day trips to Pescara and the surrounding mountains
  • Nightlife is more low-key than in larger cities
  • Some services concentrated in nearby Pescara
  • Parking can be challenging in peak season
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dove si trova?" - Where is it?
  • "Il conto, per favore" - The check, please

Places to Visit in Montesilvano

Visit one of these nice places.

Lungomare Adriatico

Wide sandy shores and palm-lined promenades provide wide-angle ocean views, golden hour lighting, and lively beach life.

Pineta Dannunziana

A shaded pine forest with winding paths, ponds, and historic features ideal for nature photography and tranquil portraits.

Molo di Montesilvano (pier area)

Photograph boats, the marina, and fishermen with the sea as a backdrop; great for sunset shots.

Coastal viewpoints along the promenade

Strategic overlooks along the seafront offer panoramas of the coastline and distant hills.

Culinary Guide

Food in Montesilvano

Abruzzo’s coastal cuisine blends seafood, pasta, and hearty grilled dishes. In Montesilvano you’ll find fresh fish prepared simply, alongside regional favorites like pasta alla chitarra and rustic antipasti that showcase the area’s produce and olive oil.

Montesilvano Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Arrosticini

Skewered grilled mutton or lamb, a regional favorite often enjoyed at seaside canteens or local trattorie.

Must-Try!

Brodetto di pesce

A traditional fish stew using various fresh catches, commonly served with grilled bread.

Spaghetti alla chitarra

Ropes of square-cut pasta served with tomato-based sauces, a hallmark of Abruzzo cuisine.

Pasta e ceci

A rustic chickpea and pasta dish, hearty and comforting, often found in local trattorie.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato settimanale

Weekly market in Montesilvano offering fresh produce, seafood, cheeses, and regional specialties.

Seaside stalls

Seasonal street food along the promenade featuring fried seafood, panini, and arancini with a sea view.

Climate Guide

Weather

Montesilvano has a Mediterranean climate: hot, sunny summers with sea breezes and mild, wetter winters. Warmest months are typically July and August, with temperatures often in the 80s F (30s C). Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, making outdoor activities comfortable most of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Politeness

Greet with Buongiorno or Buonasera; use formal address Lei in new or formal encounters; maintain polite, friendly conversation.

Dining Etiquette

Dining is relaxed but appetites and table manners are valued; wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good, but exercise normal travel precautions: secure valuables on crowded beaches, watch for petty theft, and follow local guidance during high wind or rough sea conditions. Use reputable taxis and be cautious when crossing busy streets. Have emergency numbers ready (112 is the general European emergency number).

Tipping in Montesilvano

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service is often included in the bill, but leaving a small tip (around 5-10%) for good service is appreciated; cash tips are common but not required if paying by card.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming flora, and comfortable outdoor exploring; great time for hikes and town walks with fewer crowds.

Summer

Long sunny days with peak beach activity; expect crowds and lively seaside events; stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Autumn

Warmer sea air lingers; fewer tourists and lower prices; ideal for relaxed coastal walks and local food tastings.

Winter

Cooler and quieter, with some seasonal closures; pleasant for coast strolls and weekend getaways with cozy dining.

Nightlife Guide

Montesilvano at Night

Montesilvano offers a relaxed nightlife mainly along the promenade with bars, lounges, and beach clubs. For more vibrant clubbing, visitors often head to nearby Pescara where late-night venues and live music are common. Expect aperitivo culture, with spritz and local wines featured in many venues.

Hiking in Montesilvano

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Gran Sasso National Park trails

High-altitude trails with expansive views, wildlife, and alpine scenery within a couple of hours' drive.

Majella National Park trails

Valleys, waterfalls, and forested trails offering picturesque vistas and varied difficulty.

Sirente-Velino Regional Park trails

Rolling hills and scenic overlooks suitable for day hikes and nature walks.

Airports

How to reach Montesilvano by plane.

Abruzzo International Airport (PSR)

The main regional airport near Pescara, offering domestic and some international flights; quick access by highway or rail from Montesilvano.

Getting Around

Walkability

The seafront and town center are highly walkable, with wide promenades and pedestrian zones. Inland neighborhoods are more car-dependent, but bike rental and short taxi rides make exploring easy.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many families vacation here for the beaches, playgrounds, and safe shoreline.

Retirees

A portion of residents and visitors seek a relaxed coastal lifestyle with easy access to services.

Young couples and professionals

Seasonal visitors and locals who enjoy outdoor activities, seafood, and a slower pace.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely popular across age groups; local clubs and matches are common during the season.

Beach volleyball

A staple on the summer beaches with tournaments and casual games alike.

Sailing and water sports

Coastal location supports sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding near the shore.

Transportation

Traffic

Coastal summer months see higher traffic near beaches and parking areas. Public transport to Pescara and surrounding towns is reliable, with trains and buses offering convenient day trips; driving is comfortable outside peak hours, but parking can be limited in busy periods.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Montesilvano.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many seafood-based menus also offer vegetarian pasta options, fresh salads, and vegetable antipasti; ask for vegetarian versions of traditional dishes and request olive oil-based sauces.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics and pharmacies serve routine needs; for major hospitals and specialists, residents use facilities in Pescara or other nearby cities; emergency services operate through the national system (112).

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide