Located partway between Pescara and Ancona, Grottammare is a seaside town with ancient origins on Italy’s Riviera delle Palme. It’s renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval village that clings to the hillside, with more recent developments sprawling along the coast to a golden sweep of sand.

Things to do

Stroll amidst the centuries-old fortifications of Borgo di Grottammare Alta, a medieval hilltop village that offers sweeping views across the Adriatic Sea. Admire the 17th-century Villa of Cardinal Decio Azzolino and the historic Teatro dell’Arancio, then see the Madonna preserved within the Church of Sant’Agostino. Overlooking the village are the remains of a castle dating back to the 9th century.

Occupying the Church of San Giovanni Battista is the Museo Sistino, which is dedicated to artwork associated with the Grottammare-native Pope Sixtus V. Highlights include panels from a 15th-century polyptych by Vittore Crivelli and Ubaldo Ricci’s “Madonna del Carmelo”, as well as a painting titled “The Education of the Virgin” by the 18th-century painter Fermo Filippo Ricci.

At the southern end of Grottammare is La Spiaggia, a small stretch of sand where you can refresh with a dip in the Adriatic Sea. There are several beach kiosks renting sun loungers and umbrellas and the palm-lined promenade is a popular place to stroll in the cool of the evening. When you’ve built up an appetite, you can feast on fresh seafood at Chalet Ragno Verde or dine on classic Italian fare at the Ristorante Pizzeria da Fabrizio.

Getting around

Grottammare is around an hour’s drive from Ancona and Ancona International Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Grottammare railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The Borgo di Grottammare Alta and beachside area are ideally explored on foot.