Beaches

Close to La Cerqua

The Marche beaches stretching along 180 kilometers of coastline that butt the Adriatic are varying from soft sand to patches of rock and gravel. The region boasts one of the highest number of blue flag beaches in Italy.

There are too many to include here, so we will concentrate on a few. If you stand in the garden of La Cerqua and look towards the coastline you will notice the glistening of the sea between higher outcrops. The coastal high point is Mount Conero at 572 metres and a popular area with locals and tourists.

Beaches on the Conero

These beaches are undoubtedly some of the most beautiful in the area with crystal blue water and dramatic scenery. In high summer they can be difficult to access due to limited parking and their popularity. If you plan to visit any of the these beaches it is advisable to have an early start.

Conero beaches are generally a mixture of sand and pebbles and some have a rocky seabed so remember to pack rock shoes.

The bay of Portonovo is also called the Green Bay because it’s completely immersed in the nature of the Conero Park and away from the busy roads. The area is subdivided into more than 10 beaches, some are private with restaurants, bars and deckchair hire while others are free. Parking cars is difficult during peak holiday season but a shuttle bus service runs from the upstream car park in Portonova.

Sirolo’s beaches; Urbani, and the adjoining San Michele offer amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas and kayaks rentals, bars and restaurant. Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle located between Portonovo and Sirolo gets its name (meaning two sisters) from the rocky outcrops. The best way to get to this beach is by boat, it can be reached on foot but it is a long and steep walk.

The old town of Numana Alta is on top of a cliff overlooking the sea and adjoins Sirolo. The Spiaggiola, Frate and Numana bassa beaches extend to the port village of Marcelli. Many areas of beach are private with hotels, restaurants and bars providing deckchair and umbrellas, but there are a few areas of free beaches in between some of the concessions.

The northern beaches above Ancona which run up to Rimini are Gabicce Mare, Pesaro, Fano, Marotta and Senigallia.

Senigallia

One of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic Coast is Senigallia’s thirteen kilometres of sandy beach. Also it has a large number of good restaurants where you can try the best of the Adriatic catch. Organised events during the summer time attract many visitors and often include a rock and roll festival.

Senigallia town is well worth a visit with plenty of shops and some impressive architecture, an example of which is the art nouveau Rotonda pier. In the old town there are a large number of historic buildings. Other buildings of note are Palazzo Comunale, from the 17th century, the Rocca Roveresca, a square castle with large round towers of Gothic origins, restored by Baccio Pontelli in 1492 as well as he Cathedral, erected after 1787 and the Chiesa della Croce.

The closest beaches to Le Cerqua are at Porto Recanati and Porto Potenza Picena

Porto Recanati

With a backdrop of the 13th century medieval fort Swabian Castle, the beach has a long pedestrian waterfront promenade, as well as crystal clean waters. Generally the sea is due to protection by breakwaters and the long sandy-pebble beach offers lots of sports, events and entertainment for everyone during the summer. At the far end of the 9 kilometre stretch of coastline is Pineta Volpini, a small pine tree park directly next to the beach.

Porto Potenza Picena

The turquoise waters and golden sand, are often crowded in the summer because of it’s easy access being so close to the road. Parts of the beach are owned by resorts, where there are loungers and umbrellas, beach restaurants, changing rooms, showers, and toilets, however there is still a fairly large area with free access. It is also possible to take part in different water activities such as catamarans or jet skis during the season, and this beach is supervised by lifeguards.

Civitanova Marche

A 45 minute drive east from Le Cerqua along the SS77 is Civitanova Marche. Follow the signs to the spiaggia and find free parking on the long beach road. Numerous bars and restaurants have beach fronts where sunbeds can be hired or if you prefer make your way south to the free beach.

Beaches south of Civitanova Marche towards Fermo include Porto San Giorgio, Pedaso, Cupra Marittima, Grottammare, and San Benedetto del Tronto, many of which have lively summer entertainment and sports.