The naturist beach of Petacciato Marina begins just past Lido Eva, looking towards Vasto near the Environmental Education Center, and stretches for kilometers through a landscape of sandy dunes, pine forest, and unspoiled sea with no artificial development. It has preserved its wild character, making it perfect for those who wish to enjoy the sea far from the crowds. The sand is exceptionally fine—ideal for barefoot walks or for letting children play freely—while the pine forest behind provides shade and a natural cool breeze.
A few dozen meters along, you’ll come across the mouth of the Tecchio stream, forming a small watercourse that can be crossed on foot where it is shallow or by swimming where it gets deeper. Some visitors use it to cool down thanks to the colder freshwater, though bathing is not recommended since these are brackish waters. At sunset, the area comes alive with anglers, who find here both peace and concentration.
In the summer of 2024, this beach hosted a remarkable event: a loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) laid its eggs near Lido Eva. In early September, about 50 hatchlings emerged, welcomed with awe and respect by the local community. It was a sign of a living ecosystem, still in harmony with its environment, capable of gifting unforgettable experiences.
As you continue north, the beach becomes increasingly wild. The sea leaves behind logs and driftwood, often repurposed by beachgoers into small huts or improvised shelters from the sun. It’s also common to find seashells and stones of unusual shapes—perfect souvenirs from a slow, authentic day by the sea.
Once, this stretch of coast was home to Lido Ottanta (formerly Lido Cala d’Or), later destroyed by coastal erosion and storms. Today, what remains is a wide open area of free beach, popular among those who prefer to set up with their own umbrellas and deck chairs. It stands as a clear example of how nature, despite human intervention, always finds a way to reclaim its spaces.
The beach continues as far as the mouth of the Mergolo stream, which marks the boundary between Petacciato and Montenero di Bisaccia. This more secluded area is known as a meeting spot for naturists and LGBTQ+ communities, which means visitors may encounter atmospheres that don’t always align with the expectations of those seeking a more traditional, family-friendly beach experience. It’s useful to be aware of this when deciding how far along the coast you’d like to go.
In every part, the Northern Beach of Petacciato is a hymn to nature: dunes, pinewood, calm sea, and fine sand together offer a sense of pure freedom. It’s the ideal destination for anyone seeking direct contact with the environment and wishing to experience the sea without filters—guided only by the sound of the waves and the scent of pine resin.
To explore the naturist beach and the entire Molise coastline with calm and authenticity, Molisole accommodations, located between Petacciato and Montenero di Bisaccia, are the perfect base. Immersed in nature, they offer peace and genuine hospitality—far from the hustle of crowded resorts and close to the most authentic treasures of the coast.
No, it is a free and wild beach. You won’t find beach clubs or facilities (except for the initial stretch near Lido Eva). So it’s advisable to bring your own water, food, and umbrella.
The first stretch, near the main access points, can be suitable for families, thanks to its fine sand and shallow waters. However, the wilder part—with driftwood, no services, and areas not appropriate for minors—is not ideal for young children.
The beach is beautiful all year round. In summer for those seeking peace away from the crowds, in spring and autumn for walks among the dunes and pine forest, and in winter for those who love the sea in its wild, silent form.
