The port of Pescara was conceived mainly as a staging area for use by numerous local fishing fleets, which had laid the foundations in the river in the second half of the 19th century.

During the First World War, the port recorded a setback due to the almost total lack of commercial traffic caused by the presence of the Austrian Navy in the Adriatic.

In the 1980s,[2] a group of citizen entrepreneurs suggested a municipal plan for a marina with relevant facilities to support recreation and navigation.

[3] Since 1990 it has continuously obtained the Blue Flag recognition for the quality of the services offered:[4][5][6] Every year, the marina organizes entertainment evenings with music and various kinds of shows, such as musical concerts, theatrical performances and film screenings and also other water sports events.

[13] A very important area for the future development of the port is that of the former Cofa fruit and vegetable market, between the tourist port and the south quay of the port-canal, now in disuse; the Pescara Chamber of Commerce has purchased the former Cofa and the adjacent areas, which will have to be recovered and redeveloped.