Spiaggia della Sirenetta (Beach of the Little Mermaid) derives its evocative name from a bronze statue of a siren perched on a rock formation just offshore from Vasto Marina, in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo region, on Italy's Adriatic coast. The statue, depicting a female figure gazing seaward, was erected in the mid-20th century and has become an iconic symbol of Vasto, passed down through generations as a landmark representing the town's deep connection to the sea. Vasto's history extends to pre-Roman times when it was known as Histonium, later flourishing under Roman rule and developing into a significant Adriatic port. The modern beach resort of Vasto Marina emerged in the 20th century as Italian seaside tourism expanded, transforming the coastal strip below the historic hilltop town of Vasto into one of Abruzzo's premier beach destinations. The beach lies along the Costa dei Trabocchi (Coast of the Trabocchi), named for the traditional wooden fishing platforms on stilts that dot this coastline—unique structures that have been converted into atmospheric seafood restaurants. The Lungomare Cordella promenade extends along the beachfront, lined with palm trees, cafés, and gelaterias, while the statue of the Bagnante (Bather) stands near the famous Sirenetta landmark, creating a scenic waterfront beloved by both residents and visitors.
The beach extends as part of Vasto Marina's 4.3-kilometer sandy coastline, featuring fine golden sand that slopes gently into the clear Adriatic waters of the Golfo d'Oro (Golden Gulf). The Sirenetta statue, accessible by swimming or carefully walking across rocks at low tide, creates a distinctive focal point and popular swimming destination, with the water around the rock offering excellent snorkeling opportunities where the rocky substrate hosts sea anemones, small crabs, and schools of Mediterranean fish including wrasse, mullet, and occasionally octopus hiding in crevices. The beach combines free public access areas with organized lidi (beach establishments) offering umbrella and lounger rentals, changing facilities, and bar service—a typical Italian beach arrangement allowing visitors to choose between managed comfort or independent beach experiences. Beach volleyball courts are available, and the shallow, gradually deepening waters make swimming safe for families with children. The pedestrian and cycling promenade running behind the beach provides pleasant evening passeggiate (strolls), a cherished Italian social tradition where families and friends walk along the waterfront enjoying gelato and sea breezes. The beach's urban setting ensures comprehensive amenities including nearby restaurants, bars, and shops, while parking areas serve day-trippers arriving from Abruzzo's interior. The Sirenetta statue itself, particularly photogenic during golden hour when setting sun backlights the bronze figure against the sea, attracts photographers and romantic visitors who consider it among Abruzzo's most evocative monuments. The beach maintains Blue Flag status for water quality and environmental management, and summer lifeguard services ensure safety during peak bathing months from June through September.
Trabocco Cungarelle, perched on a historic wooden fishing platform 3 kilometers south, serves traditional Abruzzese seafood including brodetto alla vastese (Vasto-style fish stew with at least seven fish varieties), scampi all'acqua pazza (langoustines in 'crazy water' with tomatoes and white wine), and spaghetti alle vongole with locally harvested clams. Trabocco Trimalcione offers fixed-menu degustazioni featuring antipasti misti di mare (mixed seafood appetizers including octopus salad, marinated anchovies, and stuffed mussels), risotto ai frutti di mare, and grilled orata (sea bream) with lemon and wild herbs. La Sirenetta restaurant on the beachfront specializes in fritto misto adriatico (mixed fried seafood with calamari, shrimp, and small fish), linguine allo scoglio (pasta with mixed shellfish and tomatoes), and grigliata di pesce (grilled fish platter) featuring catch from the morning's fishing boats. Ristorante Zi Albina in Vasto centro storico serves arrosticini (Abruzzese lamb skewers grilled over charcoal), pallotte cacio e ova (cheese and egg fritters in tomato sauce), and chitarra alla teramana (square-cut pasta with lamb ragù).
