Pescara All Year Long!

If you're looking for a coastal town that has all the excitement and style of a big city coupled with the sun, surf and fun of a South Florida college getaway, then the town of Pescara may fit the bill. Pescara is nestled on Southern Italy's Adriatic Coast and is the largest city in the Abruzzo province. Pescara is also one of the few Italian cities that can profit from year-round tourism thanks to nearly 20 kilometers of uninterrupted coastline in its front yard and the Abruzzo mountains in back. So whether it's snorkeling or hiking, Pescara offers fun for all ages 12 months out of the year.

My love affair with Pescara began one summer about 10 years ago and I've never stopped coming back. My personal mantra has always been: If I can have fun with my family I bet could have even more fun if I was single! And Pescara more than lives up to that scrutiny. With charming open markets and local festivals during the spring and summer and a well-paved "lungo mare" (broadwalk) which has ample room for foot traffic, getting around Pescara is limited only by your search for a good time and a sturdy pair of walking shoes.

When The Sun Goes Down

It goes without saying that Pescara is essentially a summer town, and that means there are plenty of nightspots not only mixed in with restaurants and pubs along the seafront, but also spread out in the Centro Storico (Old Town) of Pescara. During the summer, the beach is generally standing-room-only and packed with music and fun. In the evenings, the beach cafes and the old town of Pescara Porto transform themselves into vibrant night spots. That being said, many nightclubs spill out onto the beach itself. A famous area is "Ex-Gaslini", on Via Pindario which is fast becoming THE place to be after midnight. (click here to find out more). Having said that, check out this by-no-means-exclusive list of great party spots in Pescara where I've had a brew or two, listened to great tunes and generally danced the night away:

Temple Bar Irish Pub

The first Irish bar in the Abruzzo region. Great ale and dart boards.

Address: Piazza Martiri Pennesi, 2
Phone: +39 (0) 85 421 5004

Piano Terra

In Old Town Pescara. Great drinks and laid back surroundings.

Address: Corso Manthone 73
Phone: +39 (0) 85 29 6230

Samboa Musica Ao Vivo

A Brazilian style bar complete with Brazilian drinks, music and food.

Address: Via Delle Caserme 27
Phone: +39 085 67404

Marni Beach Disco

Open during the summer months at an outdoor venue on North beach.

There are scores of other places to party. Indulge yourself and discover them after the sun sets.

Shop 'Till You Drop

If you can drag yourself away from the beach, you may want to do some shopping. Pescara caters to those who have money to spend. For great window shopping and impressive designer boutiques, point your nose to Corso Umberto and then maybe later to the Piazza Rinascita to enjoy a cappuccino or cafe. If you absolutely need to go to a mall then a quick trip to the nearby city of Chieti has a great shopping centre. But think about it: you can do all that at home. Why not hit the local town and villages and seek out more traditional handicrafts. You know, the things that create memories.

Sightseeing and then some

College-town thought it may be, Pescara still has some cool sights that are worth your time: the Cathedral of San Cetteo, patron saint of the city, is a fav and as good a place to start as any. The Cathedral showcases an impressive 17th century painting of St. Francis of Assisi and is not to be missed. The 18^th century home of Gabriele D'Annunzio which was restored in the 1930's is another artifact-filled wonder of a bygone age. The Museo delle Genti d'Abruzzo, among the most impressive in the Abuzzo region, showcases the lifestyle and traditions of the Abruzzo peoples from prehistory to the 19th century.

Just remember, "If you don't go, you won't know!" At least that what the locals say. So schedule a trip to Pescara on your next visit to Southern Italy!