Termoli
is a beach resort — not necessarily a chic resort,
but a relaxed resort that offers some fine beaches and
a medieval center (gates and walls) that is beautifully
situated. The town sits on a promontory surrounded by
the Adriatic Sea. The views are fantastic! Ferries go
year round from Termoli out to the Tremiti Islands/Isole
Tremiti. The old town/citta vecchia has a fabulous
Romanesque duomo (12th century) right
at its heart/center. You’ll particularly be interested
in the doorway/portal and the façade. Inside you
have to see the floors/pavements (mosaics) in the crypt.
The Castello was built by Federico II in the 13th
century. It’s an imposing castle with towers. There
are some other churches in the center as well as some
splashing fountains (Fontana di Sant’Antonio
and Fontana del Castello) — great for photos.
The
uncontaminated Tremiti Islands/Isole Tremiti are
a small, beautiful archipelago off the coast of Molise
(about 12 miles out). These are unspoiled islands, grottoes,
inlets….white sands…..natural beauty. They are
rarely visited by the American tourist — that’s
just one of the reasons you should head here fast! San
Domino, San Nicola and Capraia/Capperaia (because
of the capers that grow there so abundantly) are the main
islands and Cretaccio and Pianosa are the
smaller islands of the archipelago (and mostly uninhabited).
San Domino is a wild and wonderful island with
cliffs, sheer drops and grottoes (Grotta delle Viole,
Grotto del Sale and Grotta del Bue Marino)
with amazing colors. You can only reach the grottoes by
boat. San Nicola (smaller than San Domino) has
the beautiful abbey/monastery/castle-fortress of the 9th
century called the Abbazia di Santa Maria al Mare.
Inside you’ll find some treasures: the 13th
century Cristo Grande cross, the pavements in mosaic and
some paintings. The reason most travel here is the absolute
serene and protected beauty of the place — totally
natural…..thoroughly beautiful.