Giugliobasket — International Sea Tournament

Giugliobasket: Where the beach becomes a court

Every summer, Giulianova, a jewel of the Adriatic coast in the province of Teramo, becomes Italy's youth basketball capital thanks to Giugliobasket — the International Sea Tournaments. This is no ordinary tournament; it is a true celebration of sport that, for over a month, brings the promenade, squares, and beaches of this Abruzzo town to life, drawing thousands of young athletes, families, and coaches from all over Italy and several foreign countries.

The unique format is part of the event's charm: the courts are set up directly by the sea, with the sand and waves providing a stunning backdrop for the matches. Young athletes play during the day and enjoy the town at sunset, spending time swimming, strolling along the promenade, and socializing. It is a perfect blend of sport, friendship, and cultural exchange that has made Giugliobasket a highly anticipated and beloved fixture in the youth basketball scene.

A hub of eight tournaments

Giugliobasket is not just a single event, but a hub of multiple tournaments held over several weeks, each dedicated to a specific age category. These range from the youngest—Aquilotti and Esordienti—to the Under 13, Under 14, Under 15, and Under 17 teams, both boys and girls. Over time, some tournaments have earned their own names, such as the Marevivo Tournament (Under 13), the Spiaggia d'Oro Tournament (Under 15), and the Sea Trophy. The girls' division is growing steadily, recording impressive participation numbers every year.

An event with an international reach

Founded in Giulianova in 2008 through the efforts of the ASD Basket Insieme Abruzzo association, Giugliobasket has grown year after year to become one of the most popular youth basketball events in Italy. In addition to clubs from all over the peninsula, the tournament regularly attracts foreign teams: recent editions have featured squads from the Czech Republic, Poland, Algeria, Austria, Switzerland, Argentina, and Lithuania, confirming its international prestige. The event is held under the patronage of FIP Abruzzo and is a source of pride for the city of Giulianova and the entire Abruzzo region.

Sport, city, and sea

For Giulianova, a municipality in the Province of Teramo, Giugliobasket is much more than a sporting event: it is a tourism driver that brings thousands of athletes and their companions to the city every year, filling hotels and restaurants and enlivening the town's summer. The main courts are set up in Piazza del Mare and on the Lungomare Zara, just steps from the beach, allowing spectators to watch the games with their feet almost in the sand. It is a uniquely Abruzzese way to experience basketball, where athletic competition blends seamlessly with the holiday spirit of the Adriatic Riviera.