Vasto puts on many events throughout the year for locals and visitors alike. Most of the events are free to attend. We provide all of our guests with a list of local events on arrival that may be of interest to them during their holiday. We also inform guests of new events that are announced during their stay to ensure that they do not miss out on anything.
From the traditional pageantry of the centuries-old Toson D’Oro (Golden Fleece) parade and festa, to the White Night all night music festival, there is something for everyone in Vasto.
Religious processions are frequent and usually followed by a festa and fantastic firework display. There are concerts of classical music, jazz, opera, rock and folk singers either held in the open air in the piazza, in the gardens of the Palazzo, or in the beautiful theatre. Not forgetting the weekend long International Sirenfest music festival held here in the historical center and also on the marina beach. For foodies there are festivals with local produce and wine tasting and night markets. There is even a Vasto air show, with a display from the daring Tricolori stunt team. On the marina beach is held the festival of Chinese lanterns which sees hundreds set off from the pier, a beautiful spectacle. Art shows and and street artists also perform throughout the town. There are also events throughout the winter too, with the living nativity amongst it’s highlights, where the townsfolk dress up and decorate their houses like a nativity scene. The candle lit Christmas carol concerts are magical too.
There are also activities for children, with pottery painting classes, beach activities, clowns and street animation teams. As one of our reviews said ‘Vasto really lives!’
The shops and boutiques in Vasto town are beautiful, stocked with high quality leather goods, designer clothes and of course Italian leather shoes. Don’t forget the jewellery shops either, selling designer names such as Damiani, Rebecca, Gucci and Pandora. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune though, as window shopping is one Italy’s favourite pastimes!
Aqualand waterpark is located 10 minutes drive or local regular bus from Vasto town. It is a great fun day out for the children (and parents!) with slides, pools, free wifi, restaurant and snack bars and a full evening entertainment programme, and even fitness programmes and training including zumba and spinning, as well as a petting zoo. Aqualand is open from mid June to the end of September. But remember, once they’ve been, they’ll want to go back!
There are many nature parks in the local area around Vasto – one of them is even home to a tortoise colony! There are also marine nature reserves, such as the beach and sand dunes at Punta Penna and Punta A’Derci in Vasto, only 10 minutes drive from the town.
The Maiella mountain is only an hour away by car and is popular for skiing in winter and with walkers interested in the flora and fauna and mountain bikers in summer. It is home to wolves and bears and has magnificent views – you can even see Vasto from the top!
The cool Cavallone caves with their stalactites and stalagmites are a fantastic day out in the summer, and a break from the heat in July or August. The view from the cable car up to the cave entrance over the mountains is not to be missed.
The beautiful Tremiti Islands are one of Italy’s best kept secrets. They are a small group of islands that can be seen from Vasto and are easily visited in summer by ferry in 50 minutes. Set in a marine nature reserve, surrounded by sparkling crystal clear azure waters, these volcanic islands are a fantastic day out. For the adventurous there is an ancient monastery to explore on foot, as well as wonderful snorkeling.and fishing. The islands are a haven for divers too and experienced divers can hire equipment and take boat trips from one of the dive centers, you can even visit the sunken statue of Padre Pio surrounded by beautiful coloured fish. You can hire a motor boat or canoe to explore on your own or you can join one of the organised boat trips for tours around the islands. Of course there is also the option of just relaxing and hiring a sunbed on the beach or taking your cool bag with a picnic onto one of the secluded rock platforms that overlook the water. There are restaurants and bars here too if you just fancy trying the locally caught fish, or sipping a cool cocktail or beer.