The Marche region is one of Italy’s most surprising and probably least known regions, perfect for those planning their beach holidays. Along its approximately 180 kilometers of coastline, this land offers an unparalleled variety of landscapes: you can go from cliffs plunging into the sea, enclosing small wild beaches, to very long stretches of fine sand equipped with every service.
This guide was created to help you plan your beach holiday in Marche and guide you in discovering the most beautiful coastlines, from north to south, providing all the information you need (such as parking, trails, and accessibility) to ensure you have an unforgettable holiday. We’ll also offer tips on places to visit that will make you reconsider the common belief about how monotonous the Adriatic coast is.
How to Choose the Destination for Your Beach Holiday in Marche
Before diving into the details, we’ve decided to break down the individual destinations into a handy list, making it easier for you to figure out the location that best suits your beach holiday in Marche:
- For families with children: Pesaro, Senigallia, Gabicce, and the Riviera delle Palme (Palm Riviera), which includes San Benedetto and Grottammare. These coastlines feature fine sand, very shallow waters, and all kinds of services.
- For nature and trekking lovers: The coves of Monte Conero (Mount Conero), such as Mezzavalle and Sassi Neri, and Fiorenzuola di Focara. No cars allowed: the only way to get here is on foot or by sea.
- For those looking for sports and snorkeling: Spiaggia della Vela (Sail Beach), Portonovo, and San Michele. These spots offer crystal-clear waters, rocky seabeds, and optimal winds for windsurfing.
- For those combining sea, food, and events: Senigallia (high-end gastronomy and international festivals) and Pesaro (Capital of Culture 2024) are ideal for your holiday in Marche.
A Look at the Top Destinations
| Beach | Type | Ideal for | Accessibility |
| Senigallia | Very fine sand | Families, Foodies, Events | High (Excellent disabled facilities) |
| Mezzavalle (Conero) | White gravel | Trekking, Nature | Low (Steep trail) |
| Portonovo | White pebbles | Snorkeling, Relaxation, Couples | Medium (Shuttles available) |
| Riviera delle Palme (Palm Riviera) | Light sand | Families, Cycle tourism | High (Bike paths and boardwalks) |
Beach vacations on the northern coast of the Marche region: from San Bartolo to Senigallia
The northern part of Marche, between the provinces of Pesaro-Urbino and Ancona, is characterized by the alternation between the green headland of San Bartolo and long sandy shores perfect for those traveling with children and looking for maximum convenience. Here, the sea finds one of its best expressions. Let’s see what the most beautiful stops in this area are.
Gabicce Mare and Fano
Located on the border with Emilia-Romagna, Gabicce Mare is the only example of an equipped beach with a headland behind it. Heading south, past San Bartolo and Pesaro, you’ll find Fano. This city, famous for its deep Roman roots (don’t miss the Arco di Augusto, or Arch of Augustus), is divided into two parts: Sassonia, with its beach of white pebbles and blue sea, and the Lido, with golden sand and shallow waters, beloved by families.
Fiorenzuola di Focara
Located within the Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo (Mount San Bartolo Natural Park), this cove is reminiscent of the Conero landscapes. It is a completely wild beach, made of sand mixed with gravel. To get there, you need to park in the delightful medieval village of Fiorenzuola (be aware of restrictions in high season) and walk down for about 20 minutes along a path lined with broom bushes.
There are no beach clubs or kiosks, so it is advisable to bring water, food, and an umbrella. Although it’s not the easiest to reach, the silence and nature you’ll admire will reward you for the effort.
Pesaro
Pesaro, awarded the title of Italian Capital of Culture 2024, has successfully renewed its offerings by combining sea and events, making it perfect for a complete holiday. The main beaches (Viale Trieste) are golden, wide, with beach clubs equipped with kids’ clubs, swimming pools, and seafood restaurants. If you’re looking for a younger, more dynamic atmosphere, head to Baia Flaminia, nestled under Monte San Bartolo (Mount San Bartolo): it’s one of the few spots on the Adriatic coast from which you can watch the sunset over the sea in summer.
Senigallia
Nicknamed the “Spiaggia di velluto” (Velvet Beach) for the fine texture of its sand, Senigallia has impeccable beach resorts that are not only well-equipped for children but also very spacious.
The town, besides being a beloved destination for food travelers due to the presence of world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants (like Uliassi and Madonnina del Pescatore on the seafront), is the stage for the Summer Jamboree, the legendary international festival of 1940s and 1950s American music and culture that takes the city back in time every summer.
Ancona and the Monte Conero Regional Park: A Dreamy Sea
Moving to the center of the region, the coastline changes dramatically to make way for the Conero Regional Park. This area, being protected, requires adherence to strict rules, such as an absolute ban on camping, a ban on taking stones or shells, and, in some coves, regulated access. To avoid being caught unprepared, we always recommend checking the official Conero Park website before your trip.
Passetto Beach (Ancona)
Before entering the Park, the Passetto is worth a visit. It’s the beachin the heart of Ancona. To access this cove, you need to go down a large monumental staircase (there is also an elevator in the summer) to find yourself in front of the historic grotte dei pescatori (fishermen’s caves): colorful shelters carved directly into the limestone rock in the early 1900s, still maintained today by Ancona’s “grottaroli”. The coastline is purely rocky, ideal for sunbathing on the rocks and taking a few dips in the clear, deep water.
Portonovo
This is the “Baia verde” (Green Bay) of Marche and an absolute gem for those choosing a seaside holiday in Marche dedicated to nature. Portonovo is a strip of land featuring pristine white pebbles, flanked by a dense forest on one side and azure waters on the other.
On this beach, you can walk to the historic Fortezza Napoleonica (Napoleonic Fort) or the Romanesque church of Santa Maria, then have lunch at the renowned beachfront restaurants, savoring the “moscioli selvatici” (the bay’s typical wild mussels, a Slow Food presidium). To get there, you can either park your car in the lot at the end of the bay or leave it in the large parking area at the top of the hill and take the shuttle.
Mezzavalle
Located just before Portonovo, Mezzavalle is a haven for nature lovers. No beach clubs, no sunbeds, just white gravel and a transparent sea.
Access is reserved for trekking enthusiasts who, to enjoy this wonder, must walk for about 20-30 minutes along a steep “stradello” (path) that starts from the roundabout on the provincial road. Given the effort, we always recommend starting out with comfortable shoes and plenty of water.
La Vela (The Sail)
Named for the striking white rock that juts out of the water, La Vela is a beach located south of Portonovo, and you can reach it by walking along the bay.
This strip of land is characterized by pebbles and gravel and is a favorite among snorkelers. Those who venture underwater can admire a truly rich marine life.
Beach of the Two Sisters
Characterized by the two twin sea stacks rising from the sea, this cove of pure white gravel is the undisputed symbol of the Conero Riviera and a must-see stop for your seaside holiday in Marche.
Today, the beach is accessible only by sea (the old “Passo del Lupo” trail is extremely dangerous and closed by municipal ordinances). You can reach it by booking ferries and water taxis that depart daily from the port of Numana, or by renting a dinghy or a SUP from Sirolo. Our advice is to visit this place early in the morning, when the mountain’s shadow shields the beach from the scorching sun.
Beach of the Black Rocks
Named for the lava rocks on the seabed that contrast with the white pebbles of the shore, the Spiaggia dei Sassi Neri is located in the territory of Sirolo and is a wild area, almost entirely free of facilities (there are only a few essential services in summer).
It is one of the top destinations for snorkeling and diving thanks to the exceptional visibility of its waters. It can be easily reached on foot by walking from the nearby San Michele beach.
San Michele Beach
Those who love to immerse themselves in the wildest nature but don’t want to give up comfort must visit San Michele during their holiday in Marche. This beach is characterized by a very dense forest that drops sheer to the sea and high-quality services.
On windy days, it is also an excellent spot for windsurfing. To get there, you can walk down from the Parco della Repubblica in Sirolo (about a 15-20 minute shaded walk) or use the convenient shuttle bus service from the town center.
Urbani Beach
Also in Sirolo, with its crescent shape, Urbani beach is famous for its most Instagrammed view: a natural rock arch (a seaside cave) that borders the beach to the south, offering shelter and enchanting plays of light. Getting there is not straightforward, as the parking near the beach is very small and paid, and it requires a steep descent. To not miss this wonder, rely on the shuttles departing from Sirolo Alta (Upper Sirolo).
Numana
Numana is a town that has two very different beach areas.
The first, in Numana Alta (Upper Numana), is called “Spiaggia del Frate” (Friar’s Beach), a place nestled under the cliff and famous for its Blue Flag waters, reachable with a pleasant walk from the port.
In Numana Bassa (Lower Numana) and Marcelli, you will find large, perfectly equipped beaches of fine gravel. After a day at the beach, dedicate some time to the Borgo antico (Old Town): walk up the “Costarella” (the historic fishermen’s staircase) to the viewpoint in the main square: here you can enjoy dinner with a view over the entire coastline.
The Central Coast: From Porto Recanati to Porto San Giorgio
Let’s take a look at the best places to plan a beach vacation along the central coast of the Marche region.
Porto Recanati
Once past the Conero area, the coastline becomes more linear, and you can visit towns like Porto Recanati, which are the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday without sacrificing culture. Characterized by colorful houses and a completely pedestrian seafront, this town has pebble beaches where the sea deepens quickly. A big plus? It is just a few kilometers from Recanati, allowing you to combine your beach trip with a visit to the House and the Colle dell’Infinito (Hill of Infinity) of Giacomo Leopardi.
Porto San Giorgio and Porto Sant’Elpidio
Heading down towards the province of Fermo, the beaches become wide and sandy again. Porto San Giorgio is a seaside parlor, famous for its elegant Liberty-style villas, a very active marina, and beach resorts perfect for enjoying local fish stew (brodetto di pesce) with your feet literally on the sand.
Palm Riviera: The Ideal Destination for Your Beach Holiday
We are in the far south of the region. This stretch of coast gets its name from the lush rows of palm trees that adorn the promenades. The beaches (consistently awarded the FEE Blue Flag) are wide and boast seabeds that remain shallow for dozens of meters: the number one choice for parents traveling with young children.
This part of the riviera also includes Cupra Marittima (quiet and surrounded by greenery), Grottammare (nicknamed the “Perla dell’Adriatico” or Pearl of the Adriatic, with its enchanting medieval upper town to visit at sunset), and the lively San Benedetto del Tronto.
The latter offers one of the most beautiful promenades in Italy, dotted with thematic gardens. The town is also famous for having the most equipped stretch of the renowned Ciclovia Adriatica (Adriatic Cycle Route), a safe and scenic bike path that connects all the towns of the Riviera.
What to Know When Planning a Beach Holiday in Marche
Today, careful planning cannot overlook the quality of services. The Marche coast stands out for its inclusivity, offering excellent solutions for those traveling with strollers or needing wheelchairs. Locations like Senigallia, Pesaro, and San Benedetto del Tronto are a guarantee of maximum accessibility, thanks to ramps, walkways to the shoreline, and JOB chairs available at many beach clubs.
Four-legged friends are also welcome: from the renowned Baia Flaminia and Scooby-Doo Beach to the dedicated areas in Civitanova Marche and Porto Recanati, Marche boasts high-level dog-friendly beaches (just remember to check local ordinances and bring your pet’s health records).
Where to Stay to Explore the Most Beautiful Coasts of Marche?
Planning a perfect holiday in Marche means choosing a strategic base that allows you to easily visit the most beautiful coastlines.
Anita Villas, an Italian agency specializing in renting prestigious villas, offers you its extensive experience in the Marche region, covering the most beautiful areas. Our properties are carefully selected to guarantee you a private pool and well-equipped interiors where every detail is designed for your well-being.
By renting your villa in Marche with us, you can disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and reclaim your time, cooking local recipes in a fully equipped kitchen or relaxing in the garden. It’s the best way to feel at home, surrounded by discreet luxury and dream locations. Book your stay now and get ready to experience an unforgettable holiday in this splendid region.