On Route 16, 150 km south of Ancona. The busiest Abruzzi resort with the longest beach on the Adriatic, it is a canal port with much local colour and space for yachts. Mountains and a string of hopeful seaside developments – we liked Roseto degli Abruzzi – cover its approaches. Gabriele d’Annunzio (1863-1938), poet and patriot, was born on Piazza Garibaldi, near the port area. The house is visitable.