Spiaggia di Santo Stefano takes its name from the Santo Stefano district of Casalbordino, a comune in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo region, on Italy's central Adriatic coastline. Casalbordino's history centers on its hilltop old town where the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Miracoli, a major pilgrimage site dating from 1576, attracts thousands of faithful visitors annually, while the coastal zone developed into a beach resort during the 20th-century expansion of Italian seaside tourism. The beach lies along the Costa dei Trabocchi, the distinctive stretch of Abruzzo coast named for traditional trabocchi fishing platforms, though this particular section features fewer of these structures compared to areas near Vasto and San Vito Chietino. The beach's positioning at the mouth of the Osento River creates a transitional ecosystem where freshwater meets the Adriatic, supporting diverse birdlife and providing natural irrigation for the maritime pine forest that backs much of the shoreline. A cycle-pedestrian path running through this pine forest connects Santo Stefano beach to the Riserva Naturale Regionale di Punta Aderci, a protected coastal nature reserve 4 kilometers north featuring unspoiled dunes, cliffs, and Mediterranean scrubland—one of Abruzzo's most important conservation areas. The beach's relatively undeveloped character, with fewer commercial establishments than neighboring resort areas, attracts visitors seeking quieter, more natural beach experiences while still accessing Abruzzo's characteristic golden sand and clear Adriatic waters.
The beach stretches approximately 2 kilometers, composed of fine golden sand mixed with small pebbles near the waterline, with the seabed sloping gently into the crystal-clear turquoise waters that have made Casalbordino famous among Italian beachgoers. The water clarity, often described as exceptional even by Adriatic standards, allows swimmers to observe the sandy bottom several meters out from shore, creating ideal conditions for families with children. The beach combines free access public areas where visitors bring their own equipment with a limited number of lidi offering umbrella and lounger rentals, maintaining a less commercialized atmosphere than many Italian beach destinations. Beach volleyball courts provide recreational options, and the relatively quiet nature of the beach—particularly on weekdays outside peak July-August season—appeals to those seeking relaxation without crowds. The maritime pine forest (pineta) backing the beach offers natural shade and houses the cycle-pedestrian path that allows for scenic rides or walks along the coast, with the trail continuing north to Punta Aderci's dramatic cliffs and south toward Vasto. The Osento River mouth creates a small wetland area attracting herons, egrets, and seasonal migratory birds, with birdwatching opportunities particularly good during spring and autumn passages. The beach's exposed position means good wave action during winter storms, though summer conditions are typically calm with gentle swells ideal for swimming. Visitors should note the beach requires bringing personal equipment (chairs, umbrellas) to free areas, though this independence appeals to budget-conscious travelers and those preferring to choose their own beach spots. The nearby town of Casalbordino Stazione provides restaurants, bars, and shops, while the sanctuary in the hilltop town offers cultural excursions for those interested in Abruzzo's religious heritage.
Trabocco Punta Cavalluccio, 8 kilometers north near Rocca San Giovanni, serves degustazione menus featuring antipasti di mare (octopus salad, gratinated mussels, marinated anchovies), spaghetti alla chitarra with sea urchin, and grilled mixed fish including spigola (sea bass), orata (gilt-head bream), and calamari. Trabocco Pesce Palombo nearby offers brodetto abruzzese (Abruzzese fish stew with tomatoes, white wine, and peperoncino), risotto alle canocchie (rice with mantis shrimp), and fritto misto dell'Adriatico. Ristorante La Grotta near the sanctuary in Casalbordino serves traditional Abruzzese cuisine including maccheroni alla chitarra with lamb ragù, arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers), and pallotte cacio e ova in sugo (fried cheese and egg balls in tomato sauce). Lido Paradise restaurant at the beach specializes in spaghetti alle vongole veraci, grigliata mista di pesce (mixed grilled fish), and insalata di polpo (octopus salad with lemon, parsley, and olive oil).
