Pescara is a city in the central Italian region of Abruzzo, 42°28N 14°12E, on the Adriatic sea; with a population of 121,700 as of the 2003 census.

The city is divided in two parts by the river Pescara which gives it its name.

It is the major city of its Abruzzo region, and is one of the most important economic, commercial, and tourist center on the Adriatic coast. There is a major industrial district between Pescara and nearby Chieti. Pescara's shoreline extends for more than 20 kilometers. It is most popular among Italian tourists during the summer months for its seaside. Situated in the ocean are many rock wave breakers, encouraging calm waters. There is a shopping district and considerable nightlife.

In the 12th century, it was mentioned in a document as "Piscaria." The city received a hard blow during World War II and has since re-built, becoming one of the "newest" cities of Italy. Gabriele d'Annunzio's house was refurbished in the 1930s, and is now open to the public.

It holds an airport (Aeroporto di Pescara), a train station (Pescara Centrale), and several bus lines. There is a direct bus line to Roma Tiburtina (Rome) via Pescara Centrale (about a two and a half hour ride). It also hold a university, Universita d'Annunzio.

Between 1924 and 1961, it hosted the Coppa Acerbo automobile race. Every July it holds an International Jazz Festival.

This city was the birthplace of Gabriele d'Annunzio and Ennio Flaiano . Vittoria Colonna was the marchioness of Pescara.