Le Marche has one of the most varied coastlines in Italy. Along this stretch of the Adriatic, you’ll find two distinct beach experiences: long, sandy and easy-access beaches with beach clubs in the north and south, and the more rugged, pebble coastline of the Riviera del Conero near Ancona, alongside unspoiled beaches within Conero Park.
Whether you are looking for the Velvet Beach of Senigallia or the wild, unspoiled coves of the Conero Park, this guide covers the diverse gems of the Marche coast and helps you understand which area best fits your trip.
For beaches in the Riviera del Conero, see Riviera del Conero Beaches: Map, What to Expect & Where to Stay.
Are beaches in Le Marche sandy?
The short answer is: it depends on where you go. The region’s coastline changes significantly over roughly 180 km of seafront.
- Sandy beaches: San Benedetto del Tronto, Porto San Giorgio, Civitanova Marche (North), Senigallia, Fano (Lido), and Marotta are predominantly sandy, with shallow and accessible waters—ideal for families and relaxed beach days.
- Pebble beaches: The Conero Riviera (Portonovo, Sirolo, Numana), Porto Recanati, Mezzavalle, and Fano (Sassonia) feature pebbles or stones, with deeper water and a more natural setting.
In practical terms:
- Choose sandy areas for comfort and easy access
- Choose Conero for scenery and clearer water
The Conero Riviera: the jewel of the Adriatic
Located just south of Ancona, the Riviera del Conero is the most scenic stretch of coastline in Le Marche. Here, Monte Conero plunges directly into the sea, creating a series of white-pebble coves, clear water, and a landscape that feels very different from the rest of the Adriatic.
Also consider that in the area parking is limited, especially in summer, many beaches require a walk down steep paths, but the extra effort is generally rewarded with cleaner water, fewer crowds (outside peak hours), and a more distinctive setting.
Choose the Conero Riviera if you want the most scenic beaches in Le Marche, with clear water, cliffs, and a more natural setting.
Must-See Beaches of the Conero Riviera
Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (Sirolo)
The most iconic beach in the region. Named after two white sea stacks Due Sorelle, Two Sisters, it is accessible mainly by boat. With no facilities, it remains completely wild and unspoiled.
San Michele & Sassi Neri (Sirolo)
A mix of serviced areas and free beach. Scenic, swimmable, and set against pine-covered cliffs, with deep, clear water.
Spiaggiola (Numana)
A smaller, protected bay with calmer water and easier access. It offers a good balance between comfort and natural scenery.
Portonovo Beach
Located at the base of Monte Conero, this area is less structured and more focused on nature, historic watchtowers, and well-known seafood restaurants.
Mezzavalle Beach
Mezzavalle is the wild heart of the Conero, offering the purest connection to nature; since facilities or rentals are extremely limited, bring your own umbrella and food to enjoy this unspoiled sanctuary far from the modern world.
Where to stay
The best places to stay in the Conero Riviera are Sirolo for direct access to the most scenic beaches, and Numana for easier logistics and a wider range of accommodation.
Some well-located options include Terramarina Boutique Hotel, Borgo Rosso Country House, B&B Vivere il Mare, Il Vicolo Relais.
Senigallia: The Velvet Beach
Senigallia is one of the best-known seaside destinations in Le Marche, famous for its Spiaggia di Velluto,Velvet Beach, a long stretch of fine, golden sand. It’s widely considered one of the best sandy beaches in Le Marche, particularly for travellers looking for comfort and easy access.
Senigallia offers over 10 km of sandy coastline with more than 100 well-equipped beach clubs, shallow water, ideal for families and relaxed swimming.
The beach is centred around the iconic Rotonda a Mare, with hotels, restaurants, and bars all within walking distance. This makes Senigallia one of the most practical bases if you want everything close by without needing a car.
It’s especially well suited for families, but also works well for couples and short beach breaks thanks to its compact layout and accessible by train, rail station is just opposite of the Rocca Roveresca at walking distance from the Rotonda a Mare.
Summer vibe: Visit in early August to experience the Summer Jamboree, an international festival celebrating 1940s and 1950s American culture, which transforms the seafront into a lively retro setting.
Choose Senigallia if you prefer long sandy beaches, easy access, and everything within walking distance. – Equipped and easily accessible beaches close to Ancona. Served by trains.
Where to Stay
Look just south of the Rotonda a Mare, where beaches are slightly less crowded but still within easy walking distance of the centre.
Some options are: Visionair Suites, La Romantica Camere and Wellness, Albergo Regina (by the Rotonda), Camping Blu Fantasy.
San Benedetto del Tronto: The Riviera delle Palme
Further south, San Benedetto del Tronto is one of the top seaside destinations in Le Marche, known for its palm-lined promenade and long stretch of sandy coastline. Often referred to as the Riviera delle Palme, the seafront is lined with thousands of palm trees, giving the town a distinctive, almost tropical feel on the Adriatic coast.
The town is particularly known for its wide, sandy beaches, making it one of the best options for those looking for sandy beaches in Le Marche. A long cycling and walking path runs along the entire seafront, connecting beach clubs, restaurants, and green areas, making it easy to get around without a car. The town is also considered an important railway hub with its train station.
It’s a strong choice for families thanks to its organised beaches and relaxed atmosphere, but it also offers one of the most active nightlife scenes on the coast.
Shallow waters: Like Senigallia, the sea here remains shallow for many metres, making it ideal for swimming, families with children, and anyone looking for a safe and easy beach experience.
Choose San Benedetto del Tronto if you’re looking for wide sandy beaches, more space, and a livelier seaside atmosphere. Served by train. Starting point of the Cammino della Sirena Mitì.
Where To Stay
The best areas are the central and southern lungomare, where beaches are wider, less crowded, and better suited for longer, relaxed stays.
Some options are: B&B Flow, Virginia Madre, Hotel La Palazzina.
Quiet beaches in Le Marche
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and find easier parking, there are several quiet beaches in Le Marche that offer a more relaxed, local atmosphere compared to the main resorts. For more, see Quiet Beach Locations in Le Marche, Italy: Where to Escape the Crowds
Marotta
A simple, uncrowded seaside town with a mix of sand and pebbles. It’s a solid choice for a low-key beach day, with easy access and a more local feel.
Cupra Marittima
A quieter alternative along the southern coast, with a 2.5 km stretch of golden sand backed by pine groves. It strikes a good balance between facilities and a relaxed atmosphere.
Marina Palmense
A more natural and less developed option, with pebble beaches, limited beach clubs, and a slower pace. Located near Torre di Palme, it’s ideal if you’re after a quieter, more scenic setting.
Other beach destinations in Le Marche
If you’re exploring the coast beyond the main highlights, there are several other seaside towns in Le Marche worth considering. While they may not have the standout features of the Conero Riviera or Senigallia, they offer a good balance of beaches, facilities, and a more local atmosphere.
Civitanova Marche
A lively coastal town with a mix of sandy and pebble beaches, good beach clubs, and a strong shopping and nightlife scene. Well connected and practical as a base.
Fano
Offers two distinct beach experiences: the Lido, which is sandy and more lively, and Sassonia, known for its long pebble stretches. It’s well connected and accessible, but rarely feels overcrowded.
Porto San Giorgio
Known for its long sandy beach and elegant promenade, it’s a relaxed and family-friendly destination with a slightly more refined feel.
Grottammare
Often considered one of the most attractive seaside towns in the region, with palm-lined beaches, a historic old town, and a quieter atmosphere compared to nearby San Benedetto.
Porto Recanati
A straightforward seaside option just north of the Conero Riviera. The beach is mostly pebbly, but it’s a convenient and more affordable base to access Sirolo and Numana.
Lido di Fermo
A low-key stretch of coast with sandy beaches, ideal if you’re looking for space, simplicity, and a more local, uncrowded feel.
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