Sure, winter is great for hot chocolates and cosy evenings by the fire, but sooner or later you start dreaming about summer and lazy days at the beach. If this sounds familiar – and let’s face it, we’ve all been there – here are our suggestions for the top beaches in Marche that you absolutely have to visit if you’re visiting this wonderful region.
The region boasts one of the highest numbers of Blue Flags in Italy; 16 beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status thanks to their high quality of water and services, which caters specifically towards families with young children. However, Marche is perfect also for nature lovers looking for some unspoilt and wild beaches. The Regional Natural Park of Mount Conero boasts the majority of them, described as some of the best beaches of the Adriatic Sea… with such a variety it has been quite hard to choose, but we’ve managed to whittle them down – you can thank us later.
Mezzavalle
Just before the famous Bay of Portonovo is the beach of Mezzavalle – one of the wildest beaches of the region – on the Northern side of Mount Conero. Here you will find neither umbrellas nor the common services usually provided in a beach resort; Mezzavalle is surrounded by the green slopes of the mountain and can only be reached by foot. The main path is easily accessible and not too hard, but if you like trekking and do not mind some steeper slopes, you might want to try the second trail starting from Portonovo. In any case, you will certainly be rewarded for your efforts – just take a towel, plenty of sun cream, and enjoy this beautiful white-sand beach and crystal water!
Due Sorelle
One of the best beaches of the Adriatic Sea and probably Marche’s most praised gem, Due Sorelle is a must-see for all nature and sea lovers. The white slopes of Conero scattered with green Mediterranean forest dive vertically into the blue Adriatic water, making this small beach a little hidden paradise you will not forget! It is part of the Natural Reserve and it can only be reached by sea – ferries for Due Sorelle leave every morning from the ports of Numana, Sirolo and Marcelli and come back early in the afternoon, just before the sun sets behind the mountain and leaving the beach in shadow. However, even if it is just for few hours, we highly recommend a trip to this beach to enjoy its clear water and the view of the two majestic white rocks overlooking the mountain – know as the “Two Sisters”, it’s the root of this beach’s name.
Sirolo
Heading south you will come across the picturesque village of Sirolo, one of the most famous summer resorts of the region that can also boast some of its best beaches. From the historic centre of the hilltop village a path leads to the first one, Spiaggia Urbani, where visitors can enjoy the beautiful location and the famous cave at the beginning of the bay and at the same time some comfort – this beach has bathing facilities unlike Mezzavalle and Due Sorelle.
However, if you are seeking for some wilderness, just take a walk and follow the coastline… you will reach the hidden Spiaggia San Michele, a long white-sand beach ideal for some surfing, and Spiaggia Sassi Neri, whose name comes from the dark stones on the seabed.
Spiaggia del Frate
Together with Sirolo, the village of Numana is the great summer attraction in Mount Conero. Its largest beach on the Northern side is La Spiaggiola, near the small port and equipped with umbrellas and sun beds, but just after that is another hidden cove where you will find the wonderful Spiaggia del Frate. Its name, literally “Beach of the Fray”, comes from a small convent dating back to the 13th century that was once on the top of the hill just behind the little bay – we can see why, as this area is the perfect spot for a peaceful retreat in the beautiful setting of this Natural Park.
Spiaggia del Passetto
If the Conero area is the perfect destination for visitors looking for some wild and breath-taking beaches, the region’s capital Ancona hides a real must-see for tourists also interested in the local history and culture. Just under the Passetto, the WWII memorial in the city centre, a long set of steps leads to Spiaggia del Passetto – which has been described as one of the 10 best city’s beaches in Italy.
It’s striking with clear water and rocky slopes, but also totally unique thanks to a host of caves – dug by fishermen in the early 1900s as shelters for their boats. Today “grottaroli”, fishermen’s heirs, have restored them and made them real shelters for their whole families during Summer days… but above all they have provided them with colourful wooden doors that make this beach really special and extraordinary!
Grottammare
Known as “The Pearl of the Adriatic”, Grottammare is the ideal location for those who would like to enjoy the nature and its beauty but with all the services and comforts of a traditional summer resort. The picturesque village of Grottammare, awarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, is surrounded by a lush Mediterranean forest and has some beautiful fine-sand beaches equipped with bathing facilities. After a stroll through the streets of the historic centre, there is nothing better than a couple of hours here under one of the many palms that have made Grottammare and the Riviera della Palme famous all over the region.