3580 San Bartolo National Park

San Bartolo National Park is the first coastal promontory in the Marche and infact the only stretch of cliffs along the Adriatic coast after Trieste before reaching the Conero.
It is a stunningly beautiful drive from Gabicce Monte to Pesaro winding through breathtaking scenery with sheer cliffs plunging into the crystal waters below.
The drive is approx 10 kms and passes through some pretty little villages en-route.

The area is very special from a geological point of view and infact the 200 m high cliffs show an amazing series of sedimentary layers which have been deposited over a time span of between 6 and 10 million years ago.
Called Messianian by geologists this was the term given to the geography of the formation of the Italian peninsula which was very different to the formation process of today.
The formations in the San Bartolo National Park form one of the most complete sections of Messinian to be found in Italy today.

A number of rare animals and species are beginning to re-inhabit the area such as deer, foxes, badgers, porcupines and a large number of sea birds and birds of prey as well as storks, cranes, buzzards and kestrels.
Large expanses of yellow broom , plinio canes, aleppo pines and some rare maritime pines add to the scenic beauty on this lovely drive and which despite being right on my doorstep, never ceases to offer a relaxing and peaceful escape.

A few interesting small villages are also to be found such as Casteldimezzo with the remains of her old castle and the church of S. Apollinare and S. Cristoforo with an few interesting works of art and a 15th century crucifix said to have been found floating in a wooden box on the sea shore.
2 excellent restaurants are also located here La Canonica and La Taverna del Pescatore.

Fiorenzuola di Focara housing one of the 4 castles built between the 10th and 13th centuries and which along with the castles of Gradara, Casteldimezzo, and Granarola, made up the defence system for the Siligata pass marking the boundary between the Church of Ravenna and that of Pesaro scene of many fueds between the Malatestas from Rimini and the Malatestas from Pesaro.

The village was originally known simply as Fiorenzuola but in 1889 the name Focara was added thought to have been due to the fires which were lit on the cliffs to guide sea traffic.
A plaque above the main arch reminds us of Dante's Inferno which recall an episode at sea and which is related in his verses.

A recent archaeological site at Colombarone has brought to light one of the Marche Regions most important findings in modern times.
A residential complex dating back to the 4 th century.

Vallugola once an important port in Roman times and thought to have been used by the Greeks for exporting wine.
Now a small marina with a lovely bay for swimming and with some great little fish restaurants.

Lots of walks and also a favourite of cyclists, this is an area not to be missed.