Silvi by the Sea: Nature, Culture and Holiday Apartments

Silvi combines a predominantly sandy coast with a marine protected area, historic sites and vibrant traditions. Those planning a trip with nature, outdoor activities, culture and regional cuisine in mind will find various ways to shape their days here. When looking for a holiday apartment, it is therefore worth first considering whether the focus should be on coastal experiences, historic Silvi Paese or a mix of active and cultural days.

Marine protected area, coast and active days

The Torre del Cerrano Marine Protected Area extends for seven kilometres of coastline between the municipalities of Pineto and Silvi. Its habitat includes sandy Adriatic seabeds and areas with underwater reefs. The protected area is home to the Kentish plover, a rare migratory bird species that nests on the beach. For nature enthusiasts, planning a trip therefore involves not only the sea, but also taking in the distinctive coastal landscape.

The coast of Silvi Marina is predominantly sandy and has neither piers nor cliffs. A 30-kilometre cycle path also begins in Silvi, passing through the marine protected area from Pineto to Roseto. Those wishing to plan an active day can make this route a focus in its own right. Snorkelling is also possible in Silvi Marina, in the Parco Marino del Cerrano. Silvi’s outdoor activities also include surfing and kitesurfing. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can take these different interests into account when planning your location and daily activities, without limiting the trip to just one activity.

Silvi Paese and the town’s historic side

Silvi Paese has a different character from the coast: the historic townscape is defined by narrow cobbled lanes, archways and hidden courtyards. The Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore is Silvi’s oldest church. The Torre di Cerrano is also part of the town’s history; it stands between Silvi and Pineto on the Adriatic coast and is one of the old coastal towers of the Kingdom of Naples.

On the panoramic road leading from Silvi’s historic centre to the coast stands the Cappella della Madonna dello Splendore. It was built around the 1930s based on a design by Marchese Giuseppe De Torres and is an important place of worship and veneration for the local community of Silvi and for visitors to the town. If you would like to include historic architecture and religious sites in your trip, this part of Silvi can be combined with a walk through Silvi Paese, without reducing the town to a beach holiday.

The history of the former Kursaal theatre in Silvi Marina is also noteworthy: SAILA began there in 1937, after the theatre had been converted into a factory for processing and purchasing liquorice. At “Arti e mestieri” in Silvi Paese, numerous craftspeople create old and modern objects by hand, thereby creating the typical atmosphere of medieval workshops. The event runs from the first Friday after mid-July until the following Tuesday.

Ferragosto and local cuisine

A special tradition is Silvi’s Ferragosto procession at sea. Every 15 August, the statue of the Madonna is carried along the coast; this tradition has existed since 1975. The procession is followed by an open-air Mass in Piazza dei Pini. The Ferragosto celebrations also include a traditional midnight fireworks display on the beach and at sea on 15 August.

Silvi’s culinary identity includes Brodetto di Pesce, a mixed fish soup and the town’s typical local dish. Regional cuisine thus adds another aspect of Silvi to the impressions created by the sea, history and festive traditions.

Guidance for choosing where to stay

The Sentiero dello Splendore makes Silvi Marina reachable from the historic centre in about 30 minutes; the route is somewhat steep. This information is important for planning your days if you would like to move between the coast and Silvi Paese. Families with different interests can therefore consider before booking a holiday apartment whether they are primarily looking for maritime activities, historic lanes, events or a combination of these. For further destinations, you can also visit Villa Lempa, Teramo, Castagneto, Tossicia, Sant'omero, Cesi, Colleranesco and Mazzocco.

To the higher-level travel overview: Teramo.