Petacciato

Petacciato is a village in the hills of Molise, called "the balcony on the Adriatic" for its views over the hills to the sea. With a quaint medieval quarter and a new town that has a grid of streets and services, it is just a few minutes from the uncrowded beaches, and in reach of many nearby antique hill towns. Molise is the "forgotten" region, one that even Italians don't know or visit much, so you will find the joy of discovery here, the authenticity of places that carry on their daily life without attracting the attention of tour buses or even many visitors that aren't from the area.

At the one edge is the old town with its park and overlook, complete with benches and a walkway to give you that gorgeous view. Facing east, it is especially beautiful at daybreak, but can take on colors at sunset as well. Between the town and the sea are sculpted hills of grain, cut by some olive groves, and filled with wildflowers in the spring and early summer. Here you'll find the church of Santa Maria, a medieval structure dating to 1155 with its attached stone bell tower. Behind are two rounded apses. It sits on a piazza and beyond is the old ducal palazzo of the noble family that once ruled the town.

Down below is Petacciato Marina, the seaside "village" - which really is just an expanse of uncrowded sandy beaches. In parts, the beach is backed by pine woods, keeping it cooler with its microclimate blending with the sea breezes. There are a couple of seafood restaurants to enjoy. If you want a boat outing or more choices, go to next-door San Salvo Marina, or south just a few minutes you'll find the city of Termoli, where there is everything you need, charming streets to wander, great restaurants, a walled old town, plenty of water sports, and ferries to the Tremiti Islands.

Photo: Antonio Greco~commonswiki CC BY-SA 3.0