Visiting seaside Termoli in Italy’s Molise region

Molise is a tiny Italian region, well off the normal tourist path. The region is squeezed between Abruzzo to the north and Puglia to the south.

The region is more well-known for its interior, mountainous region, but Molise also has a short coastline on the Adriatic Sea.

On a trip to Vieste, Puglia, we visited the coastal town of Termoli. If you’re passing by on your trip to southern Italy, its medieval center certainly merits a visit.

Unfortunately, the modern city has sprawled unattractively all around it, but make your way directly to the old town.

It’s perched along the wide, sandy beach and contained within the ancient walls of the castle.

Most of the center has been renovated and there are colorful buildings, wide streets and charming piazze, with numerous restaurants and cafés offering outdoor tables to enjoy the views and the people-watching.

There are beautiful medieval churches and a pleasant walkway along the sea, with pretty views out to the Adriatic over the castle’s thick protective walls.

There’s even one of the remaining castle watchtowers, standing guard along the sea since its construction in the 11th-12th century.

All in all, it’s a pleasant place to stop for a stroll and enjoy lunch out along the sea. Plan a stop here if you are driving southward to Puglia. You could extend your visit to head down to the wide, sandy beach for a swim in the Adriatic Sea.

Termoli is also where you can catch ferries going to the lovely Tremiti islands , just off Puglia’s Gargano peninsula.

Enjoy your visit to Molise!