Grottammare Along the Riviera delle Palme in the Marches Region

Grottammare, AP, Marche

The Adriatic coast is full of pristine beaches and sparkling water. The Riviera delle Palme is a stretch of coast in the southern part of the Marches region bordering Abruzzo. There is one lovely seaside town after another from Cupra Marittima to the main port of San Benedetto del Tronto all the way to Porto d’Ascoli. Today, we’ll be exploring Grottammare!

Visiting Grottammare

The Sea

Beloved by families for its wide, sandy beaches, shallow waters, and family-friendly activities, Grottammare is truly an ideal destination. Continuously recognized (22 times to be exact) with the prestigious Blue Flag Award, Grottammare’s beaches are among the finest in Italy.

Kilometer after kilometer of bathing establishments to suit everyone’s needs and budgets as well as restaurants, cafes, and entertainment are what makes this area so popular from the late spring to early fall. There is also a cycling path lined with, you guessed it, palm trees, which is one the few of its kind in all of Italy and stretches for over 100 km.

Grottammare Alta

As if the sea weren’t enough of a reason to visit, there is also Grottammare Alta which sits just above the seaside town in an elevated position. This medieval village was named one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” and is definitely worth exploring! You can easily reach the upper village on foot in about 20 minutes enjoying the spectacular views along the way. 

This area is not only known for its palm trees (totaling a stunning 7,000!) but also for its orange groves so between the sea air and the orange blossoms, the aroma is truly captivating.

The first major monument you’ll encounter is Palazzo Azzolino (or Villa Azzolino) dating to the 1600s which is said to have hosted Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother, Guglielmo. Later, part of the building was purchased by Grottammare’s famous sculptor, Pericle Fazzini, where his family still resides today. 

As you continue along the path, you’ll come to the 16th-century church of St. Augustine where it is rumored that Martin Luther himself visited on his way to Rome. 

The 16th-century tower and walls surround the old village as you enter through one of three original gates. Today, the tower houses a museum entirely dedicated to Grottammare’s most famous citizen, Pericle Fazzini.

Other sights include the churches of St. John the Baptist and St. Lucy as well as the theater dell’Arancio. 

Cuisine

Not surprisingly, the main course along the riviera is fresh fish and seafood. One of the most famous dishes is a fish stew known as brodetto alla Sambenedettese or lu vrudètte in the local dialect. Be sure to try a delicious focaccia bread known as chichiripieno! Grottammare is known for its blonde oranges (arancio biondo) as well as being the number one producer of cultivated bay leaves in all of Europe.

If you’re planning to visit the Riviera delle Palme, we recommend the Il Casale Hotel!

What are you waiting for?
Book your room at the Il Casale Hotel in Martinsicuro

From the hotel,  you can visit…

What are you waiting for?
Book your room at the Il Casale Hotel in Martinsicuro

From the hotel,  you can visit…