Pescara

Surrounded by 20km of shoreline, Pescara is a popular summertime playground for local tourists but remains relatively undiscovered by foreign visitors. Head here to do as the Italians do and lap up the sunshine and sand of this Adriatic city. Nearly all the accommodation is close to the sea, west of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. The Victoria Hotel (Via Piave 142) does high-class rooms with aplomb. Nearby, mid-range B&B Albachiara (Via Luigi Settembrini 82) has loads of local character. If you want to be out of the central bustle, B&B Villa Paladar (Strada Vicinale Mittiguerra 56) serves up colourful rooms in a serene garden setting.

Although shopping isn't one of Pescara's major draw cards, this is Italy after all and there are still plenty of stores to browse. Italian mid-range fashion, traditional leatherwear, antiques, funky jewellery, and lacework are the best buys here so keep your eyes peeled to pick up a bargain. The main shopping areas in town are along Corso Umberto and in Piazza Rinascita. There are plenty of famous brand names, as well as quirkier local boutiques and dusty antique stores, to hunt through here.

Not surprisingly, with the Adriatic on its doorstep, seafood is the big calling card of Pescara's menus. Also, look out for regional dishes such as maccheroni alla chitarra (guitar pasta) and scrippelle (savoury crêpes). Regina Elena (Via Regina Elena 38) is Pescara's number one spot for fine dining with a trump of a degustation menu, while Osteria La Lumaca (Via delle Caserme 51) is a fine place to get to grips with Abuzzese cuisine. For cheaper eats, try the home-style flavours of Ristorante De Gustibus (Via Roma 17) or the scrumptious pizzas served at Ristorante Marechiaro de Bruno (Via Lungomare Matteotti 70).

Pescara Jazz

July

This is Italy's oldest and best known jazz festival and should be on every jazz-aficionado's bucket list. Internationally acclaimed jazz artists from across Europe and America head to Pescara to perform. Along with seeing the headline acts, this is also a brilliant chance to catch concerts by up-and-coming jazz musicians.

St Andrew's Day

July

Wrapped up in Pescara's fishing traditions, this religious festival sees an effigy of St Andrew carried out of the port by a huge flotilla of fishing boats. The harbour area becomes a funfair for the day as crowds swarm along the shoreline to watch the procession.

Mediterranean Diet Fair

August

Food-sampling events and plenty of food stalls line the harbour area for this foodie treat of local products. It's a great time to pick up locally produced cheeses, cured meats and preserves.

Handicraft Exhibition

August

This annual exhibition sees Pescara's harbour area become a vibrant handicraft bazaar for a weekend where you can pick up all sorts of unique craftwork.

St Cetteo's Day

10 October

This religious festival celebrates Pescaro's patron saint. There are priestly processions through the city centre, a float parade and plenty of family-friendly street entertainment and music concerts. The vortex of the festival is Piazza Garibaldi.