3609 Riviera delle Palme

[LEFT]The coast extending from Cupra Marrittima down to Porto d’Ascoli is known as the Riviera delle Palme for its numerous palm trees.

San Benedetto del Tronto is the largest beach resort in this part of the Marche. It started off as a Benedictine monastery but grew into an important fishing port. Today, it still is important for fishing but since the 1960’s it has developed into a modern town and holiday resort. The stretch of coast running south from San Benedetto del Tronto to Porto d’Ascoli (the Via Salaria starts here and runs to Ascoli and Rome) is quite civilised with its wide sandy beaches (although I prefer Grottammare). It is not as pretentious or as expensive as say the Versilia in Tuscany and offers a wide choice of holiday accommodation. The Comune have done an excellent job in revamping this stretch, although it gets quite congested along the SS16 “Adriatica” corridor.

From here you can easily get to historic places like Ascoli (25 mins), Acquaviva, Offida and Castignano.

There’s a decent marina and the centre of town has some elegant shops. You are also spoilt for choice for places to eat with its many seafood restaurants; il Gambero da Tatuscia being the best imo - watch out for the antipasti…they are endless and the Caffè fatto con “l’acqua del Porto” is very nice. ;) :) :D

[/LEFT]