Around us
Where we are.
Casa Davina is located in the “Costa Trabocchi” area of Abruzzo. We are half way between the historic towns of Atessa to the west and Casalbordino by the coast. The views in this area are magnificent and there is plenty to do no matter what type of holiday you like. The nearest airport is Pescara (Ryan Air) which is a 45 minute drive. Rome airports (most airlines) are approximately a 3 hour drive away with scenery enroute to us that will take your breath away. A very reliable bus service also operates from Rome airports to this area. The local train station connecting you to other towns and cities in Italy is a 20 minute drive away with a free car park available.
What to do whilst you are here.
You could of course just sit in the peaceful garden enjoying the views, the pool,and the sun whilst drinking a lovely glass of wine but most people like to get out and about so here is some information on what’s around us.
For beach lovers.
There are a number of beaches within a 20 minute to 35 minute drive which include 3 blue flag beaches. The beaches range from pebble to sand with many having a shallow entrance ideal for children.
For the walkers and cyclists.
This area is a walkers and cyclists (whether bicycle or motor bike) delight. Long winding roads with spectacular views interspersed with beautiful villages, towns and cities where the weary traveller can stop for an Italian coffee or fabulous ice cream whilst watching the locals go by.
The Coastal Trail and Traboccho
The regional council have recently created a lovely walk from Vasto up the coast to Pescara using the old disused coastal railway track. This is ideal for walking or cycling. This trail will take you past a number of fishermen’s trabocchi, which have now mostly been converted to delightful restaurants.
Enjoying the taste of the area.
Abruzzo is famous for 3 wines, Pecorino, Trebbiano and Montepulciano. There are a number of wineries that you can visit and of course taste the wine. There is also a nearby town which is famous for its honey and again you can visit and taste the different honey produced, just like a wine tasting.
You can also sample the local speciality of arrosticini which are very small cubes of lamb skewered and barbecued or perhaps a visit to the beach where you can buy a plate of mixed fried fish for as little as €5 and eat in the open air overlooking the sea. And of course the ice cream, what can we say, the ice cream is amazing and we are lucky enough to have 2 award winning ice cream shops nearby. There are many eateries in the area covering all tastes and budgets. For research purposes only 
we have eaten in the local Pizzeria’s, trattoria’s, braceria’s and fish restaurants and are able to give our guests information on the local restaurants during their stay.
For the energetic.
Aqualand which is a fun water playground for all the family and well worth a visit is a 30 minute drive away. There is also a go- kart track
nearby in Cupello for the thrill seekers. There are nearby lakes which offer watersports. You can also go horse riding or hire a bike.
For the sightseers and history buffs
This part of the world was heavily involved in the second world war. Lanciano, a lovely historic city about 30 mins away from us was, we understand, the centre for the local resistance. Along the coast you will find commonwealth cemeteries for both fallen Canadian and British troops. There is also one for the German fallen too. There are remains of a POW camp, Campo 78 in the mountains North of Casa Davina. Gessopalena is also worth a visit as it was bombed during the war and is now a historical ruin. If you are interested in Roman ruins then a visit to the ruins at Luvanum are well worth a visit too.
Abruzzo has approximately 100 castles, keeps and towers some of which have been restored. There are beautiful churches and Abbey’s to visit. Many are part of pilgrims walks
Most towns have their own festa’s throughout the year and some in the towns and cities are spectacular and very historic with amazing costumes and music. We try to keep up to date with all of these so can let you know what’s on whilst you are staying with us
There is a market on somewhere nearby on almost every day of the week selling everything from food to furniture and everything in between. Great fun and a chance to practice your Italian and haggle. Follow that trip with a delicious Aperitivo which is a selection of small bites chosen by the bar owner which showcases the local cuisine
And for the romantic you could always gate crash a wedding. They are always public affairs and you are welcome to watch, take photos and even throw confetti at the happy couple. There’s a wedding on at most of the bigger churches every weekend through the summer and sometimes the winter too.
