Our home is an unconventional slow-paced holiday retreat situated along the picturesque stretch of 'Tollo Station Beach'. The house has a little gate opening straight onto the beach, with only the dunes between it and the sea. The dunes, the house and its beautiful garden together form a mediterranean hidden oasis that stands totally unexpected on the Adriatic coast of Italy.

I'm Louisa, the "head of the family" and I look after this house together with my sons. The first guest arrived in 1952, so hospitality is deeply rooted in my family.

My house is one of the rare holiday homes with direct beach access, with a peaceful and uncrowded free beach, in the Mediterranean. Its long-standing tradition has made it This location is beloved by locals, who consider it as a hidden treasure-something unique to seek out, discover, and experience. Its historic charm and seamless connection to the sea and the past, make it a natural cinematic backdrop. Nestled in a spartan setting, it carries a rugged allure, shaped by its challenging access and the nearby railway. Yet these very traits make it the ultimate secret retreat.

Louisa's place is also beloved by visitors for the freedom it offers, both in its welcoming atmosphere and on the nearby beach. Just 500 meters away lies a naturist beach stretch. Both the house and it's surroundings are proudly LGBTQ-friendly.

For those looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations or simply something different - an escape to another world, with a timeless sea and genuine, old-fashioned hospitality, without unnecessary frills - this is a pearl among thepeaceful beach retreats.

This sandy beach stretches flat from south of Conero to the rugged, jugged features of the 'Trabocchi Coast', with its peak and indentations. The first headland is just a kilometer away.

It's a well-known and much-loved spot among locals, who move from Pescara, Chieti and the surroundings areas, especially on Sundays, seeking less crowdad places. In the summer weekdays it results notably peaceful, as visitors spread out along the extensive stretch of beach.

The Mediterranean plants all over the dunes form a vibrant ecosystem where Fratino, a small shorebird, nests in May- June. This protected area is part of Calliope, a European project which aims to designate it as a nature reserve upon completion.

The traditional access ways, best known as "ponticelli", are small, narrow railway tunnels that serve both pedestrian and rainwater drainage. The "recent" extension of the Francavilla's promenade to this area, has introduced just one beach settlement that clashes with the beach's renowned free and raw nature. Nevertheless, it remains one of the largest and natural public beaches in Abruzzi, cherished for its simplicity and openness.

It isn't a bar, not a restaurant, nor a beach resort, though many mistake it for one due to its close proximity to the beach. It's simply 'Circolo della granita', the soul of the garden of Casa Di Sciascio Ciavalini.

'Circolo della Granita' is a unique blend of an open garden and a tea garden, bringing people together in a refined old-fashioned atmosphere.

Blending fresh or dried fruits into 'Sicilian granitas' with textures that shift from grainy to smooth and creamy - evoking its closest relative, gelato - served in vintage glass cups designed for the iconic italian 1960s 'Rosso Antico' liqueur, in a old-fashioned garden with tables and chairs from the same era . It's like crafting a dreamlike painting, where every visitor steps into another time in a 'non-place'.

This dream relied on a delicate balance of personal effort, family support, including mom's support, and the appreciation of visitors. It's not about selling a granita; it's about conveying something deeper, something that enriches the soul of every visitor. Such a little 'Fantasy Island' hidden among the dunes of Tollo Beach.

SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) involves standing on a surfboard and paddling in calm sea conditions. However, there's also a variation known as 'Surfing SUP', which blends this technique with the traditional wave-riding.

It originated in Hawaii, the homeland of surfing, from local enthusiasts seeking new ways to train and have fun.

It's both a sport and a way to connect with nature and unwind. From a paddleboard, you can enjoy the coastal scenery from a unique perspective - much like being on a boat - while basking in the tranquillity of the sea. It's an immersive experience that allows you to escape the summer rush, reconnect with yourself and the natural world, and challenge your abilities.

It is also an accessible sport for everyone, as it doesn't require expensive gear. All you need is a larger, more stable board than a standard surfboard - one that makes it easy to stand up - a height-adjustable paddle, and a leash to keep the board secure if you fall.

The sea at Tollo Station is an ideal spot for SUP, where there are skilled and approachable instructors, so enthusiasts can either learn the basics, refine their skills or simply find a pleasant way to spend time while staying. This environment is perfect for this sport.