Previously a guard tower against the attacks by the Saracens, today the Cerrano tower is a symbol of Pineto, of the marine area that surrounds it and the research site of the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale di Teramo, public health body contributing to the animal wellness and environment protection.

The natural sand dunes, almost untouched, is characterized by the presence of Fratino, a rare African migrant bird which returns in spring to nest and thrive in the sandy environment. Here we find the Sea Lily, the Verbasco Phoeniceum, Calystegia soldanella and the extremely rare beach saffron.

Making this coastal area even more striking, in the surrounding waters, at a depth of 11 m, are the remains of the ancient port of Hadria (the present Atri).
Within the tower and in the Botanical Gardens there are guided visits, and archaeological and marine biology laboratories for children and teenagers, samples of local produce and musical evenings.