Thoughts anyone? Pretty please?

In terms of a hotel I cannot speak more highly than the Sporting Villa Maria - http://www.sportingvillamaria.it/ - where I have stayed on numerous occsions and will continue to frequent. They are set back from the beach which has the advantage because the train line down the Adriatic coast is very close to the sea and can be troublesome to light sleepers. Although you have a car there is a shuttle bus service (free) from the hotel to their exclusive beach establishment. At the hotel there are very pleasant gardens as well as an outdoor pool although it may be a bit cold (in the water late May unless you are used to that sort of thing).

Just down from the hotel there is the Cantina Passetti which is one of the very best producers of wines in the region. They have won numerous prizes including the gold medal at the leading wine fair at Verona. Truly outstanding wines.

One of the exceptional things at Francavilla and Pescara is the fish. Many restaurants don't even open if the weather is bad. Also in certain fishmongers the fish is delivered twice a day - a bit like the bread in France. Fish for lunch and fish for dinner.

I cannot recommend too highly La Barcaccia in Pescara. It is not a flashy restaurant but the fish is exceptional especially the antipasti- These can be hot, cold or raw. I love the raw antipasti especially raw scampi. Don't be put off. It is a unique treat - you do not have to go to Japan to eat truly great raw fish. Afterwards go for the spaghetti al scoglio and then if you have room whatever they suggest for the day. There is no fixed menu it all depends what is truly fresh - as it should be.

This is great Noch. I really appreicate your recommendations and shall look into the hotel right away.

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