Sport and Leisure: Local Beach Resorts
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The coastline of Le Marche is the perfect location for a family beach holiday. The sea is clean and clear, and the Mediterranean tends to be warmer and less rough than many other oceans. Most of the beaches have lifeguards and the water is shallow close to the shore. However, the coast is not only ideal for children, but there are also many exciting watersports available for more intrepid adults.
There are both public and private beaches, but even the private beaches are relatively inexpensive. You will expect to pay around 5 euros to hire two deckchairs and a parasol in Cupra Marittima, for example. And, of course, seaside towns offer an enticing range of restaurants and bars to the hungry visitor.
Below you will find a list of the Main Beach Resorts arranged according to the distance from Montefiore dell'Aso (from closest to furthest).
At only 10.8 km (6.7 miles) from Montefiore dell’Aso, the pretty seaside town of Pedaso has Medieval origins, and the town developed around the marine look-out post on the ancient Roman thoroughfare known as the Valdaso.
The town was initially a trading post for products from the fertile Aso valley. It has now become a popular tourist destination thanks to the clean limpid water, and the wealth of marine flora and fauna make it perfect for diving and other water sports.The area in front of the iconic lighthouse (which is the symbol of maritime Pedaso) is also very interesting to divers undertaking archaeological research.
The sandy and pebbly coast is partially broken by a rocky outcrop. There is a scenic walking route which takes you to Monte Serrone, an area of unspoilt bushy vegetation, offering a variety of shady pathways through the park. In August the town is lit up by the Mussels Festival, which has taken place here from time immemorial.
The ancient Roman town of Cupra Marittima is now tranquil a seaside resort on the “Palm Tree Riviera” (Riviere delle Palme) in the southern part of Le Marche. The lush vegetation, including pine trees, palm trees and oleanders, bordering the clean, sandy beach provide the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday.
A wide cycle path crosses the resort and runs all the way to San Benedetto del Tronto. One of Cupra Marittima’s claims to fame is its unique shell museum, with a collection of over 900,000 seashells. On a hilltop less than 1 km inland from the town stands the Medieval village of Cupra Alta, which is now known as Marano.
Here you can visit ancient churches and enjoy the marvellous view over the “Palm Tree Riviera”. Just north of Cupra Marittima is a fascinating Archaeological Park documenting the Roman settlement of the region.
Grottammare, also in the south of Le Marche on the Riviera delle Palme, is just 17.2 km (10.7 miles) or 25 minutes by road from Montefiore dell’Aso. It is a quiet little resort boasting 5 km of fine sandy beach. The many palm trees that line the seafront, colourful flower beds and well-kept lawns give the place great charm.
Bike lovers have a wide cycle path at their disposal, running for about 20 km. The traffic-free promenade is lined with some splendid examples of seaside Liberty architecture in the form of grand villas dating back to the turn of the last century. The medieval village rising above the main resort is surrounded by ancient town walls, and has fine old buildings and a 14th century theatre.
San Benedetto del Tronto
Directions from Montefiore dell’Aso to San Benedetto del Tronto - 20 km - 12.4 mi (30 min)
San Benedetto del Tronto is one of the main seaside resorts of the southern Marche, situated between the Tronto and Tesino rivers. It lies just 20 km (12.4 miles) from Montefiore dell’Aso.
It is a fairly large town, and boasts a long, sandy beach with over seven thousand palm trees lining the wide promenade, which is recognised as one of the most enchanting in Italy. Its shallow, calm water makes this beach ideal for long walks, or just a romantic evening stroll. San Benedetto del Tronto is also one of the most important fishing ports on Italy's Adriatic coast, and there is a wonderful fish market. The “brodetto alla sambenedettese”, a tasty fish stew, is the most popular local dish and is made with several different types of fish.
To the north of the large port area there are also many stretches of free public beach. Along the newly renovated south promenade lie ten themed gardens with shrubs, flowers and some rare species of palm trees. There are also small lakes offering water games. Bike lovers can use the wide cycle path which runs for 15 km. The older part of the town, with its castle and narrow streets lined with old, honey-coloured brick facades, sits above the main resort, on the far side of Corso Mazzini.
Porto San Giorgio
Directions from Montefiore dell’Aso to Porto San Giorgio - 22.2 km - 13.8 mi (28 min)
Porto San Giorgio is bordered on three sides by the municipality of Fermo and to the east by the Adriatic Sea. It is a pleasant seaside resort with attractive sandy beaches, numerous facilities and a well-equipped marina.
In summer there are many beach bars and good restaurants, offering a variety of local seafood, all along the seafront. The town boasts a few fine examples of Liberty Style architecture. An impressive 13th century fortress stands near the central square. The distance from Montefiore dell’Aso is 22.2 km (13.8 miles) and it takes about 28 min by car.
