Top 10 beaches in Le Marche
Le Marche offers crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs and wonderfully uncrowded beaches. From the iconic Conero Riviera to peaceful Adriatic shores, discover 10 of the region’s best beaches.
10. Grottammare Beach
In southern Le Marche, Grottammare offers a long stretch of soft golden sand backed by palm trees and elegant seaside villas. Its calm, shallow water makes it ideal for swimming, while the medieval old town rises beautifully on the hillside above the coast.
Why visit: A relaxing sandy beach combined with one of Le Marche’s most charming historic villages.
Hidden Italy tip: Spend the day by the sea, then walk up to Grottammare Alta in the late afternoon for atmospheric streets and beautiful coastal views.
9. Spiaggia di Velluto
In northern Le Marche, Senigallia’s Spiaggia di Velluto stretches for kilometres along the Adriatic coast. Its name means “Velvet Beach”, referring to the exceptionally soft golden sand, while the shallow water and lively seafront make it one of the region’s most popular beach destinations.
Why visit: Soft golden sand, shallow water and plenty of seaside facilities.
Hidden Italy tip: Combine your beach day with an evening walk through Senigallia’s historic centre and along the iconic Rotonda a Mare.
8. Spiaggia di Fiorenzuola di Focara
In northern Le Marche, Fiorenzuola di Focara Beach lies beneath a medieval hilltop village within Monte San Bartolo Natural Park. Reached by a steep path through the surrounding landscape, this wild pebble beach offers clear water, dramatic cliffs and a peaceful setting without beach clubs or other facilities.
Why visit: Untouched coastal scenery and a secluded beach far from the region’s busy seaside resorts.
Hidden Italy tip: Arrive early, wear suitable shoes and bring plenty of water for the steep walk back to the village.
7. Spiaggia del Frate
On the Conero Riviera, Spiaggia del Frate is a small sheltered beach beneath the historic centre of Numana. White cliffs, pale pebbles and the distinctive Bò rock create a beautiful contrast with the clear turquoise water, making it one of the most photogenic beaches in Le Marche.
Why visit: Clear, calm water and spectacular scenery beneath the cliffs of Numana.
Hidden Italy tip: Arrive early to enjoy the beach before it fills up, then explore Numana’s historic centre and panoramic viewpoints above the coast.
6. Spiaggia Urbani
Below the hilltop town of Sirolo, Spiaggia Urbani curves around a sheltered bay at the foot of Monte Conero. Its clear turquoise water, pale pebble beach and surrounding cliffs make it one of the most recognisable beaches along the Conero Riviera.
Why visit: Beautiful scenery, calm water and easy access from the centre of Sirolo.
Hidden Italy tip: Visit early in the morning, then follow the coastline towards the small sea cave at the southern end of the beach.
5. Spiaggia dei Sassi Neri
Near Sirolo, Spiaggia dei Sassi Neri is one of the wildest beaches along the Conero Riviera. Named after the dark rocks visible beneath the water, the beach is surrounded by forested cliffs and offers a quieter, more natural alternative to nearby Urbani and San Michele.
Why visit: Untouched scenery, clear water and a peaceful setting beneath Monte Conero.
Hidden Italy tip: Walk here from San Michele Beach and bring water and food, as facilities around Sassi Neri are limited.
4. Spiaggia di San Michele
Below Sirolo, San Michele Beach stretches along the forested slopes of Monte Conero. Its pale pebbles, crystal-clear water and mixture of equipped and free sections make it ideal for visitors who want natural scenery without giving up all seaside facilities.
Why visit: Beautiful turquoise water and a scenic location surrounded by Monte Conero’s protected landscape.
Hidden Italy tip: Continue walking towards the quieter northern end of the beach, where San Michele gradually becomes the wilder Spiaggia dei Sassi Neri.
3. Baia di Portonovo
At the foot of Monte Conero, Portonovo Bay combines clear Adriatic water with white pebbles, forested slopes and dramatic coastal cliffs. The bay offers both free beach areas and equipped sections, while nearby lakes, historic buildings and seafood restaurants add to its distinctive character.
Why visit: A beautiful combination of beach, nature, history and local cuisine within Conero Regional Park.
Hidden Italy tip: Stay for lunch and try moscioli, the wild mussels harvested along the rocky Conero coastline.
2. Spiaggia di Mezzavalle
Just south of Ancona, Mezzavalle is a long, undeveloped beach beneath the green slopes and white cliffs of Monte Conero. Reached via a steep walking trail, its pale shoreline and clear water feel remarkably wild despite being close to the city.
Why visit: A spacious, unspoilt beach surrounded by some of the Conero Riviera’s most dramatic scenery.
Hidden Italy tip: Wear suitable shoes for the steep path and walk north along the beach towards the distinctive rock formation known as Il Trave.
1. Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle
Beneath the dramatic cliffs of Monte Conero, Due Sorelle is the most iconic beach in Le Marche. Named after the two white sea stacks rising from the water, this wild pebble beach can only be reached by sea and has no permanent facilities.
Why visit: Spectacular white cliffs, crystal-clear water and one of the most recognisable coastal landscapes in Italy.
Hidden Italy tip: Take an early boat from Numana to experience the beach before the busiest tours arrive, and bring water and sun protection with you.