Discover our Summer Essentials, shot in Vasto—a dreamy town situated on the Adriatic coast in the Province of Chieti, southern Abruzzo, Italy. This scenic coastal town also holds significance for us at PL, as it is the Sister City to Boorloo/Perth, WA, where we were born and based.

Michael Tartaglia returned to his family’s hometown to shoot local models Lorenza and Giordana in his second Summer campaign for PL. Read on as he shares recommendations on his favourite spots for food, wine, sightseeing, and more.

Michael Tartaglia is a photographer and director based in Eora/Sydney, Australia, who enjoys storytelling, particularly in the music and fashion space, exploring various mixed media to present his art to the world.

We asked Michael what makes Vasto so special and different from other coastal Italian destinations....

MT: "Vasto combines what I love from growing up in Australia and having Italian ancestry, a beautiful blend of open beaches, laid back attitudes and great food. It still has a very authentic feeling compared to a lot of Italy that now is very touristy and catered toward English tastes. It’s how I grew up knowing Italy, not perfect but authentic to its own identity and full of hospitality. 

Having family in Abruzzo/Vasto and coming here countless times growing up really has created a long lasting impression on me, memories of ordering a pizza straight to the beach and not having to move an inch, eating stuffed mussels in a castle overlooking the ocean or having pranzo in Campagna with the family; Vasto and the surrounding countryside has everything you would need for an authentic Italian holiday."

Favourite place to grab a bite like the locals & number one item you have to order off the menu?

Arrosticini on any good furnacella, ideally in the piazza at midnight. Pair with pecorino d'abruzzo. Other notable mentions, Impasto pizza e pane & Da Ferri for authentic Abruzzese seafood.

Best wine bar?

Drogheria Buonconsiglio, just off the main square. 

Best place to grab an espresso?

On any of the many lidos on the beach front, or honestly any authentic looking bar or caffetteria. Extra points if they have pistachio cornetto.

Favourite beach, who has the best day beds?

Beach - Spiaggia di Punta Penna
Day beds - Lido Acapulco, Vasto Marina 

Sightseeing spots?

Vasto and Perth (Western Australia) are actually sister-cities, so there is a cool monument/ park dedicated to the relationship between the two cities overlooking the ocean. 

Otherwise, anything in the old Vasto town centre, the neighbouring mountains and little countryside towns, they all have their own food or drink specialities that are very worth your time to explore and become familiar with.

Local crafts/shopping?

If you’re around Abruzzo in early August, Vasto hosts a festival of the bells. Hand crafted & painted ceramics of all sorts, pick yourself up a Pasta Alla Chitarra to make authentic Abruzzese pasta.

What are you listening to on this trip?

Lots of Pachyman, Mildlife and Dua Lipa's new album, it slaps!

What are you reading?

Re-reading passages from the Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, when in rome!

Where can we keep up with you?

@michael_tartaglia everywhere!