Grottammare is one of the most charming resorts on the Riviera delle Palme, in the Marche region. Here, a beach holiday can also be an opportunity to explore a medieval village steeped in history, stroll amongst palm trees and gardens, visit places of artistic interest and cycle along some of the most picturesque stretches of the Adriatic coast.
If you’re planning a stay in Grottammare, don’t just stick to the beach. The seafront, the historic centre of Grottammare Alta, the scenic squares and the neighbouring towns offer plenty of opportunities to combine relaxation by the sea with a variety of experiences, suitable for both couples and families with children.
In this guide, you’ll find out what to see in Grottammare, which places are worth a visit and how to plan your days so you can get to know the area better during your holiday.
1. A stroll along the seafront in Grottammare
The seafront is one of Grottammare’s most iconic spots. A stroll along the beach, past palm trees, Mediterranean vegetation and with glimpses of the sea, allows you to enjoy the town at a leisurely pace, especially in the morning and during the cooler hours of the evening.
The town stretches along a coastline of around five kilometres. Along the coast, beach resorts, green spaces, squares and areas for strolling alternate.
Kursaal Square and the architecture of the seafront
One of the places worth visiting is Piazza Kursaal, in the northern part of the marina, overlooking the beach directly.
As you continue along the coast, you can see a number of Art Nouveau villas, which bear witness to Grottammare’s development as a tourist destination between the late 19th century and the early decades of the 20th century.
My advice is to take at least one leisurely stroll along the seafront: stopping to take in the scenery, popping into a café and enjoying the sea are just as much a part of the holiday experience as a day spent under a parasol.
When to go: The morning is ideal for a walk before heading to the beach; in the evening, the seafront becomes a lovely place to meet up for a stroll after dinner.
2. Discover Grottammare Alta, the old town
One of the experiences not to be missed is a visit to Grottammare Alta, also known as Vecchio Incasato. The historic centre is situated on the hill overlooking the harbour and features cobbled alleyways, brick arches, ancient walls and panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
The village is part of the ‘I Borghi più belli d’Italia’ (Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages) scheme and is also an interesting destination for those wishing to spend a few hours exploring the local culture whilst on a seaside holiday.
If you’re planning to visit, wear comfortable shoes: some of the paths are uphill and the surface can be uneven. On the hottest summer days, it’s best to set off in the late afternoon, taking some water with you.
Piazza Peretti: the heart of the village
Piazza Peretti is the historic and monumental centre of Grottammare Alta. The square is characterised by the warm colours of the bricks and paving, the façades of the historic buildings and the monuments that tell the story of the town.
Here stands the Teatro dell’Arancio, an 18th-century building designed by the architect Pietro Maggi. On the façade stands a statue of Pope Sixtus V, who was born in Grottammare in 1521 under the name Felice Peretti.
A particularly striking feature is the panoramic loggia, from which the view opens out towards the marina and the coast. It is one of the most picturesque spots in which to pause and admire the landscape and take photographs.
Piazza Peretti is also a good place from which to start exploring the narrow streets of the village and its historic buildings.
The Church of St John the Baptist and the Sistine Museum
Overlooking the square, the Church of St John the Baptist houses the Sistine Museum, which is linked to the figure of Pope Sixtus V and the history of the local community.
This is a visit we recommend to anyone who wants to discover a lesser-known side of Grottammare, beyond its reputation as a seaside resort.
Before planning your visit, please check the latest opening times and arrangements: these may vary depending on the tourist season and the visiting schedule.
The Church of Saint Lucy
Another important site is the Church of Saint Lucy, built at the end of the 16th century at the behest of Sixtus V on the site associated with his family’s origins.
The church offers an opportunity to explore the connection between Grottammare, its religious history and the figure of the Pope. It is a stop well worth including on a walk dedicated to the village’s historical heritage.
The Torrione della Battaglia and the museum dedicated to Pericle Fazzini
Along the ancient walls stands the Torrione della Battaglia, a 16th-century fortification built at a time when the coast was vulnerable to raids from the sea.
Today, the tower houses a museum dedicated to Pericle Fazzini, a prominent sculptor born in Grottammare in 1913. The collection comprises sculptures, drawings, prints and documents that provide an insight into the artistic career of the creator of the monumental Resurrection kept in the Vatican.
For art lovers, this tour is an opportunity to discover the contribution of an artist with deep ties to the city.
The village is also home to the Il Tarpato Museum, dedicated to Giacomo Pomili, an artist known by this name.
A practical tip: if you’d like to visit museums and monuments in’inside, first check the openings on the Visit Grottammare – the official tourism portal. This way, you can plan your route without the risk of finding a venue that’s closed.
3. Cycle along the coast to Dream Point 43° Parallel
Grottammare is also an interesting destination for those who enjoy exploring the area by bike.
The seafront cycle path connects with Cupra Marittima to the north and San Benedetto del Tronto to the south. According to the local council, the coastal cycle path within the Grottammare area stretches for approximately 5.5 kilometres.
It’s an experience well worth considering, whether for a simple bike ride or a longer outing with stops along the way.
The Dream Point 43rd Parallel
Along the coast lies Dream Point 43° Parallel, an art installation situated at the point where the 43rd parallel north is thought to run.
The work depicts a globe with a large letter G at its centre and symbolically evokes the places around the world crossed by this line of latitude. Next to the sculpture is a planisphere that invites viewers to imagine the places connected by the same line of latitude.
It’s an interesting and original spot, ideal for a quick photo stop whilst out for a walk or a cycle ride.
For more information about the route, please visit the page dedicated to the Cycling infrastructure in the Municipality of Grottammare.
4. Discover the beaches and enjoy the sea
The sea is, of course, one of the main reasons for choosing Grottammare as a holiday destination.
The long sandy beach, the seafront promenade and the beach facilities mean you can alternate between relaxing under a parasol, going for walks, popping into the local bars and cafés, and simply unwinding.
The beach can be the highlight of the day, leaving the cooler hours for visiting the village or exploring the coast.
If you’re travelling with children, plan your activities according to their ages and your family’s routine. If, on the other hand, you’re travelling as a couple, you could spend part of the day at the beach and set aside the late afternoon for a visit to the historic centre.
In any case, it is a good idea to check the weather and sea conditions, as well as any advice from lifeguards, before going into the water.
5. What to visit around Grottammare
One of the advantages of staying in Grottammare is that you can easily reach other resorts along the Riviera delle Palme.
San Benedetto del Tronto: the harbour and the Maritime Museum
To the south of Grottammare lies San Benedetto del Tronto, known for its seafaring tradition and its seafront promenade lined with numerous palm trees.
For a cultural visit, you might want to consider the Museo del Mare, a museum complex dedicated to maritime history and culture. It comprises several collections, including the Amphora Museum, the Fisheries Museum and the Museum of Maritime Culture of the Marche.
Another experience worth considering is a stroll to the Museo d’Arte sul Mare, along the South Quay: it is an open-air museum featuring sculptures carved into the boulders that protect the harbour.
Before you set off, check the opening times and accessibility of the places you wish to visit.
Cupra Marittima: a trip northwards
To the north of Grottammare, Cupra Marittima offers another opportunity to explore the coast. You can also get there by following the coastal cycle route, checking the condition of the path and choosing the distance that best suits your ability.
For a change from the usual routine, you could combine a stroll along the seafront with a visit to the town centre or lunch at one of the local restaurants.
The surrounding area and heritage of the Piceno region
If you have a few days to spare, you can extend your itinerary into the Piceno hinterland, where historic villages, rolling countryside and culinary traditions offer an interesting contrast to the coast.
Our advice is not to pack too many visits into the same day: whilst on a beach holiday, make sure you leave time for relaxation and choose your excursions according to how much time you have available.
6. Local flavours and experiences to enjoy
A holiday in Grottammare is also an opportunity to discover the local cuisine.
Along the coast, you’ll find restaurants and bars serving seafood and dishes linked to the Piceno region’s seafaring traditions. To get a better taste of the local cuisine, ask about the specialities of the day and the dishes typical of the season.
During the summer, do keep an eye on the calendar of cultural events, outdoor activities and musical performances. Grottammare is closely linked to the composer Franz Liszt and every year hosts events dedicated to his memory, including the Liszt Festival.
Dates, venues and programmes are subject to change: please check the official tourism announcements before planning a visit based on a particular event.
7. How to plan a day out in Grottammare
If you only have one day to spend exploring the area, it’s easy to organise your time.
Morning: the sea and the seafront. Start with a few hours on the beach and a walk along the coast.
Lunch: local cuisine. Choose a restaurant on the seafront or organise your lunch to suit your needs.
Afternoon: Grottammare Alta. Spend a few hours exploring the old town, starting from Piazza Peretti and making your way towards the historic buildings and scenic spots. On hot days, it’s best to visit during the cooler hours.
Evening: a walk and some relaxation. Head back towards the marina and treat yourself to a stroll along the seafront before or after dinner.
If you have two or more days to spare, you could spend one whole day at the seaside and another exploring the village, whilst setting aside some extra time for a bike ride or a day trip to San Benedetto del Tronto or Cupra Marittima.
8. Where to stay in Grottammare if you’re visiting the area
To enjoy a beach holiday and have time to explore the area, it’s a good idea to choose accommodation from which it’s easy to get to the beach and organise various activities.
The CostAzzurra Residence is situated on Grottammare’s southern seafront, less than 50 metres from the beach. The property offers rooms double rooms on a bed and breakfast basis and apartments with a fully equipped kitchen, offering a range of options to suit the needs of your stay.
Facilities on offer include a swimming pool, a garden area with a children’s play area, private car park and bike hire. The location allows you to alternate between time on the beach, walks along the seafront and exploring the local area.
The family-run business helps guests organise their stay, providing information on accommodation and useful services for their holiday.
If you’re planning a stay in the Marche region, you can find out more about the accommodation by visiting the official website of the CostAzzurra Residence and by also consulting our guide Grottammare: 10 things to see.
Plan your next holiday in Grottammare: Choose your dates, consider the accommodation that best suits your needs, and contact us for information on availability.
Frequently Asked Questions: What to see in Grottammare
What are the main attractions in Grottammare?
Places not to be missed include the seafront, Piazza Kursaal, the historic centre of Grottammare Alta, Piazza Peretti, the Teatro dell’Arancio, the Church of Santa Lucia and the Torrione della Battaglia.
How long does it take to visit Grottammare?
A single day allows you to enjoy the sea, a stroll along the seafront and a visit to the old town. If you have two or more days, you can add museums, cycle routes and excursions in the surrounding area without sacrificing your relaxation.
What is there to see in Grottammare apart from the sea?
You can explore the medieval village, visit the sites associated with Pope Sixtus V, discover the works of Pericle Fazzini and head to the Dream Point 43rd Parallel along the coast.
Can you explore Grottammare by bike?
Yes. The seafront has a cycle path linking Grottammare to Cupra Marittima to the north and San Benedetto del Tronto to the south. Before setting off, check the route and assess the distance based on the time it will take and your ability.
Which places are worth visiting near Grottammare?
San Benedetto del Tronto and Cupra Marittima are two nearby destinations worth considering. The former offers, amongst other attractions, the Maritime Museum and the Museum of Art by the Sea; the latter allows you to continue exploring the Adriatic coast.
Are the museums in Grottammare always open?
Not necessarily. Opening times may vary depending on the season and the events taking place. Before your visit, check the official tourism website or contact Grottammare Town Council to confirm opening days and access arrangements.