Termoli: what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening

Molise is one of the many regions of Italy that hide wonderful places that look like something out of a postcard: one of them is Termoli. Rich in history and events, Termoli overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is one of the most inhabited towns in the entire region. Let's find out what to see, where to eat and what to do in the evening in Termoli.

Travelling to the Tremiti Islands: if you want to take advantage of your stay in Termoli to also visit the Tremiti Islands, you can use the various sea routes available. However, remember to book hydrofoils and ferries in advance because places are sold out especially in high season!

What to see in Termoli

1 - The Ancient Village

This is one of the most important and characteristic places in the town. Formed by an infinite number of narrow streets that intersect in a chessboard pattern, all the way to the Piazza del Duomo. It is precisely among these alleys that you can see something more unique than rare: the rejecelle, a street so narrow that you can only pass through if you are placed sideways.

• How to get there: from the Bus Terminal in Via Martiri della Resistenza you can only get to the Borgo Antico on foot. The route is 1.6 km

• Hours: always open

• Ticket cost: free

2 - Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione

The heart of the Borgo Antico is its cathedral, located in Piazza del Duomo. Built in Romanesque style, it presents itself to visitors with its majestic main door, surrounded by 7 arches decorated with bas-reliefs. Inside, it is possible to visit the crypt, marked by 3 apses, which has now become the place dedicated to preserving the relics of Saint Bassus and Saint Timothy.

• How to get there: the cathedral is located in the Borgo Antico. It is a 20-minute walk from the Bus Terminal

• Hours: daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in winter, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in summer. Closed Friday afternoon

• Ticket price: free

3 - Trabucchi

By the sea, it is possible to visit the trabucchi, ancient fishing machines made of wood, which use the same principle as pile dwellings. The structure consists of a palisade driven between the rocks, ending with a footbridge connecting it to the mainland. A rectangular net is then supported along the length of the structure, which is lowered into the water with a winch.

4 - Swabian Castle

Perhaps one of the most famous buildings in the whole of Termoli, the Swabian Castle is located a short distance from the Borgo Antico, between the town and the sea. Built in the 11th century, during the Norman domination, it was built exclusively with sandstone and limestone. Its structure consists of a core, which includes the four turrets that can still be seen today, and a raised central tower, which today serves as the Air Force meteorological station.

• How to get there: from the train station walk along Corso Nazionale for about 1 km

• Timetable: on request

• Ticket price: free

5 - Sinarca Tower

Also close to the sea is this watchtower, located in the immediate vicinity of the Sinarca stream, from which it takes its name. Also called Torretta Saracena, this construction is characterised by its pyramid shape with a square base and a top decorated with battlements made during the Carolingian period. Today, the tower can only be visited from the outside, unless you want to eat inside: in fact, there is a restaurant inside.

• How to get there: from Pescara and Vasto, you can get there via the A14 motorway and take the Montenero di Bisaccia exit, towards the SS16. The route is 98 km from Pescara. The same route is from Foggia, but in the opposite direction

• Hours: always accessible from outside

• Ticket price: free

6 - Sant'Antonio Beach

Sant'Antonio beach is perhaps the most famous shoreline in the area. Its deep and fine beach to the north of the city is silhouetted against the outline of the old town, and is great for those who want to enjoy a bit of sea on a day dedicated to history and this beautiful city. In addition to strolling, you can also take advantage of the private lidos present, which from 5 p.m. onwards come alive with music and group dancing.

• How to get there: a 10-minute walk from Termoli train station

• Hours: free

• Ticket cost: free

7 - Sanctuary of Santa Maria del Canneto

A stone's throw from the Trigno river, near the remains of a Roman villa dating back to the 1st century A.D., stands the church of Santa Maria del Canneto, a beautiful church built in the Romanesque style, with a bell tower that looks more like a tower to the eye, and its interior divided into three naves, supported by Romanesque columns. Of particular importance is the wooden statue of the Virgin and Child, visible inside.

• How to get there: from the A1 take the S. Vittore exit, in the direction of Isernia and Vasto San Sanvo. From the A14 and the Statale Adriatica exit at Vasto sud, in the direction of Isernia

• Hours: always accessible

• Ticket cost: free

8 - Larino and the Amphitheatre

Not far from Termoli is Larino, home to the ancient Roman amphitheatre built between 80 and 150 AD. There could have been up to 18,000 spectators inside, seated on its stairways made of tuff. Like any amphitheatre, the structure has an elliptical plan, interrupted by four gates, each placed at a cardinal point. A square pit is still visible inside, which was most probably used to lift the cages with the animals.

• How to get there: by train via the Campobasso-Termoli line. By car from the A14 exit at Termoli and follow Campobasso/Larino, proceed along the SS87 to your destination. From the A1 exit at Caianello and continue towards Benevento and then Campobasso

• Openinghours: Mon-Sat from 8:30 to 13:30

• Ticket cost: free

9 - Lake Guardialfiera

This artificial lake, created following the construction of the dam on the Biferno river, is one of the most beautiful places in and around Termoli. The crystal-clear waters of the lake, during dry periods, show the remains of an ancient Roman bridge, known as Hannibal's Bridge, which, according to history, was the very spot where the leader marched with his troops to reach Apulia during the Second Punic War.

• How to get there: from the Casacalenda-Guardialfiera station on the Campobasso-Termoli line. By car from the A14, follow the signs for Campobasso / Larina, continue on the SS647 and continue towards Guardialfiera
  Timetable: always accessible

• Ticket cost: free

10 - Petacciato Marina

Always speaking of naturalistic oases, the Petacciato Marina area could not be missed. A famous resort on the Adriatic coast, it is the ideal place to take long walks on the beach or to shelter from the summer heat under the trees of its pine forest. Its proximity to the city also makes it a very convenient destination to reach, and also a little different from what the rest of Termoli has to offer.

• How to get there: from Termoli, take the SS16 northbound for 15 km. The same road can also be taken coming from Pescara and Vasto

• Hours: always open

• Ticket price: free

Termoli itinerary in a day

Morning - Whether you arrive by bus, train or car, the starting point for the day is Termoli station, which is very close to the multi-storey car park in Via Campania (cost €0.60 per hour). After a hearty breakfast at the Bar Centrale, you can start the day by heading towards the old town, the heart of the city. Here you will find some of its most important attractions, such as the city's Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Purificazione, and the Swabian Castle, dating back to Norman rule.

Afternoon - After lunch at the Svevia Restaurant, dedicate the afternoon to the Termoli coastline, with its avenue of trabucchi, where you can see these typical constructions dedicated to the world of fishing, and continuing northwards, the beach of Sant'Antonio, a symbol of the town's summer with its festivals and music.

Dinner at the Pavone bianco with fresh fish specialities.

One-day itinerary at a glance

1. Breakfast at Bar Centrale

2. Borgo Antico - opening hours: always open - ticket cost: free

3. Cathedral - opening hours: daily from 7:30 to 15:30, 16:00 to 18:30 in winter, 16:00 to 20:00 in summer - ticket cost: free

4. Lunch at Svevia

5. Viale dei Trabucchi - opening hours: always open - ticket cost: free

6. Sant'Antonio Beach - opening hours: always visitable - ticket cost: free

7. Dinner at Il Pavone Bianco

Where to eat in Termoli

• Il Binario dei Sapori: recommended for lovers of fish, freshly caught and cooked in a refined way
  Average price per person: €35.00
  Address and contacts: via XXIV maggio, 12

• Federico II: in retro style, with fish dishes prepared according to tradition
  Average price per person: €30.00
  Address and contacts: via Duomo, 30

• Restaurant da Nicolino: famous for its brodetto, it offers very generous portions that are enough for two
  Average price per person: €35.00
  Address and contacts: via Roma, 13

• Il Pavone Bianco: fresh fish dishes on a sea-view terrace
  Average price per person: €35.00
  Address and contact details: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 76/90

• Ristorante Svevia: Traditional cuisine revisited and taken to stellar levels, the freshest fish and crazy combinations.
  Average price per person: €60.00
  Address and contact details: Via Giudicato Vecchio, 24

What to do in the evening: nightlife areas and best clubs

Movida in Termoli is very frequent, but not as much as you might think. People here frequently stroll after dinner along the shoreline, or indulge in a cocktail in one of the many pubs and clubs that come to life after midnight. Strangely enough, there are no discos, but the reason is simple: in a place where summer is lived on the beach, the discotheque often becomes the shoreline itself, with evenings of music and events.

• Project Pub: suitable for those who want an old-fashioned pub, with football matches, excellent sandwiches and cakes to suit all tastes.
  Address: via Abruzzi, 5

• Birrofficina: industrial style, with a wide selection of beers and live music.
  Address: via del Lecci, 24

• Victor Mixology Bar: famous for its cocktails, from midnight it offers lounge music selected directly by the DJ
  Address: via IV Novembre

• Megusta Lounge bar: from breakfast to after dinner and evenings with guests from the Italian show business.
  Address: lungomare Cristoforo Colombo

• Only one: beer bar and beer shop with a wide selection of craft beers and more than 100 labels of whisky, rum, gin and vodka.
  Address: Corso Nazionale, 11/13

Plan your stay in Termoli: info and useful tips

• How to get there: by train from Bologna, Rome and Bari. You can also get here thanks to a dense network of flixbuses that depart from and arrive in Rome, Naples, Isernia, Ancora, Florence, Bologna, Milan, Turin, Foggia and Campobasso. Another possibility is to arrive by car along the A14 towards Pescara and exit at Termoli, or the SS 87 towards Campobasso, the A1 to Caianello and then continue to Campobasso, or the A24 towards Pescara and continue along the A14.

• How to get around: if you want to stay in the historic centre, the best way is definitely on foot. You can also use the bus service, which is very efficient and can also be used by the disabled.

• Where to park: there are several car parks where you can leave your car, ranging from the outlying areas to the Tremiti Islands hydrofoil pier. We suggest you stop at the multi-storey car park in Via Campania, costing €0.60 per hour

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b from €79.00 per room

• What to see nearby: Tremiti Islands (we recommend booking ferries in advance), Battiloro Ducal Palace (14 km), Vasto (32 km), Civitacampomarano Castle (45 km), Lake Lesina (39 km)