There are Italian coastlines we see everywhere: in rankings, wishlists, viral videos and summer itineraries that need to be booked well in advance. The beaches of Le Marche, instead, often stay slightly under the radar, and that is exactly one of the reasons why you should keep an eye on them for summer 2026.
You can move from the scenic coves of the Conero Riviera to the urban beaches of Ancona, from the more secluded landscapes of Monte San Bartolo to the Riviera delle Palme, all the way to the soft sand of Senigallia. Some beaches require comfortable shoes and a bit of planning, while others are ideal if you are looking for services, beach clubs, restaurants and evening walks by the sea.
If this summer you are looking for a more authentic alternative to the most crowded destinations, Le Marche is a place to consider: more varied than you might expect, and perfect for choosing the sea that best matches the kind of trip you want to experience.
The best beaches in the Marche region to discover in summer 2026
To understand why the beaches of Le Marche deserve more attention, you only need to look at the variety of its coastline. On our journey along the coast, you will come across some of the most enchanting bays of the Conero Riviera, such as Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle, Mezzavalle and Portonovo.
Further north, Spiaggia di Fiorenzuola di Focara reveals the more secluded side of Monte San Bartolo, with the village watching from above and the coastline sloping down towards the Adriatic. The atmosphere changes completely in Senigallia, where Spiaggia di Velluto offers fine sand, services and a lively town just behind it.
To the south, Grottammare leads you towards the Riviera delle Palme, with elegant seafront promenades, palm trees, beach clubs and an old hilltop village to reach at sunset.
These are very different beaches, chosen not only for the beauty of the sea, but also to help you choose the part of Le Marche that suits you best: wild, convenient, panoramic, urban, romantic or perfect for a slow holiday overlooking the Adriatic.
6. Two Sisters Beach, Sirolo
Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle is the symbol of the Conero Riviera and, without a doubt, one of the most recognisable beaches in Le Marche. Its name comes from the two large twin rocks that rise from the sea in front of the shore, creating a scene you will not easily forget: clear water, rocky cliffs, white pebbles and a feeling of isolation that makes it very different from the classic equipped beaches of the Adriatic.
It is the beach to choose if you want to see the wildest and most spectacular side of Conero, but it should be experienced with a little awareness. You cannot get there by car, there are no beach clubs or services, and this absence is exactly part of its charm. In high season, however, its fame makes it very popular: it is better to plan ahead and choose less central hours, without imagining it as a deserted cove in the middle of August.
Services available: there are no services on the beach.
Where to park: the most practical solution is to leave your car in Numana or in the permitted areas nearby, checking seasonal availability and regulations.
How to get there: it can only be reached by sea, with ferries, boat trips, kayaks or other authorised services departing mainly from Numana.
Local tips: bring water, a hat, rock shoes and only the essentials. Avoid looking for unauthorised access routes by land: to truly enjoy the beach, arriving by sea remains the best choice.
5. Mezzavalle Beach, Ancona
Mezzavalle, north of Baia di Portonovo, is one of those places that immediately proves hidden beaches in Italy are not only found in the South or on the islands. There are no neat rows of umbrellas here, no noisy seafront promenade: the beach opens up long and bright, made of gravel and pale stones, with the green slopes of Conero behind you and the sea in front.
Its beauty, however, comes with a small pact: you have to walk. The access path is steep and, on the way back, especially during the hottest hours of the day, you will feel it. It is not the ideal beach if you are travelling with strollers, heavy bags or little desire for effort; it is perfect, instead, if you want a more essential day by the sea, with the pleasure of reaching a place that does not reveal itself to everyone quite so easily.
Services available: free beach with no beach clubs; essential facilities are available, including showers, toilets and a refreshment point/restaurant.
Where to park: along the Strada Provinciale del Conero, in the permitted areas near the trail entrances. In high season, it is best to arrive very early.
How to get there: you can walk down along the paths from the Conero provincial road, or arrive by sea.
Local tips: wear suitable shoes, not flip-flops. Mezzavalle is beautiful early in the morning, when the beach is quieter and the uphill walk back is less demanding.
4. Portonovo Bay, Ancona
Portonovo is the bay that brings together those looking for nature, scenic sea views and a more comfortable day out compared to the wilder beaches of Conero.
The beach lies at the foot of the mountain, among white stones, turquoise-tinted water and restaurants overlooking the sea, with an atmosphere that feels almost more Mediterranean than Adriatic.
It is one of the best areas if you want to experience Conero without giving up services completely, as you will find free beach areas, beach clubs, historic venues, seafood restaurants and panoramic viewpoints.
Services available: beach clubs, free beach areas, restaurants, bars and seasonal services.
Where to park: parking spaces in the bay are limited; in summer, you can use the large parking area uphill, “Parcheggio Lago Grande”, and take the shuttle bus from there.
How to get there: by car along the Strada Provinciale del Conero, then driving down towards the bay.
Local tips: stay for dinner or an aperitivo too: Portonovo is one of the best beaches in Le Marche for combining the sea with local cuisine, especially if you love seafood with a view over the Adriatic.
3. Fiorenzuola di Focara Beach, Pesaro
Fiorenzuola di Focara is one of the most fascinating beaches in northern Le Marche, hidden beneath the village of the same name in the heart of the Monte San Bartolo Natural Park. Here, the hills slope down towards the sea, and the pebble beach remains secluded, far from the idea of a more comfortable and predictable seaside holiday.
It is a beach to choose for its wild character and for the overall experience: first the village, then the descent, then the sea. There are no beach clubs or services, and this is exactly why it requires a little preparation. It is not the right choice if you are looking for comfort, but it is a very interesting option if you want to discover a less obvious stretch of the beaches of Le Marche.
Services available: there are no services on the beach.
Where to park: in the village of Fiorenzuola di Focara or in the permitted areas nearby, checking summer regulations.
How to get there: on foot from the village, following the downhill path.
Local tips: pair the beach with a walk through the village. Bring only light gear, water and suitable shoes: the climb back up is the most demanding part of the day.
2. Velvet Beach, Senigallia
Spiaggia di Velluto is one of the best-known beaches in Le Marche and represents the most comfortable and family-friendly side of the region’s seaside: no cliffs or steep paths here, but a long stretch of fine, light-coloured sand, beach clubs, services, restaurants, hotels, seafront walks and a lively town just behind it.
It is the right beach if you want to plan an easy holiday, especially with children or with people who prefer simple access and services close at hand.
Senigallia, however, is not just about the sea: its historic centre, the Rotonda a Mare and its food scene make it an excellent destination if you want to alternate beach time, culture and evenings overlooking the Adriatic.
Services available: beach clubs, free beach areas, restaurants, bars, rentals, hotels and family-friendly services.
Where to park: parking areas in town and near the seafront, with more difficulty on summer weekends.
How to get there: easily by car, by train or on foot from the centre of Senigallia.
Local tips: choose it if you want a comfortable base for several days. It is one of the best beaches in Le Marche if you are looking for sea, city life and good food without logistical complications.
1. Grottammare, Riviera delle Palme
Grottammare is one of the most pleasant towns on the Riviera delle Palme, and the best choice if you are looking for a comfortable beach with a more refined soul than the large, crowded seaside resorts.
The seafront is tidy, green and scenic, while the hilltop old town behind it gives you a reason to stay even after your day on the beach.
Beach, palm trees, Liberty-style villas, restaurants, evening walks and a panoramic historic centre all add depth to the classic holiday on the Adriatic.
Services available: beach clubs, free beach areas, restaurants, bars, cycle path and tourist services.
Where to park: parking areas along the seafront and in town, depending on the season.
How to get there: by car along the Adriatic coast or by train, thanks to the town’s railway station.
Local tips: head up to the hilltop old town in the late afternoon. It is the best way to turn a day by the sea into a small travel experience.
About the author
Written on 01/07/2026

Flavia Cantini
Cliffs, hidden coves, and seaside villages: the beaches of Le Marche are a surprise to remember for summer 2026.