Pesaro was named Italy’s Cultural Capital of 2024. To foreigners it might be a surprise as most visitors to Italy know nothing about Pesaro. After our Pesaro Italy vacation a few years ago we understand how this historic town has made the cut for this prestigious award. Pesaro feels like the real Italy from the moment you arrive. It is missing the lines of traffic, the tour groups, the cruise ships and the crowds of other locations in Italy. There are plenty of locals who speak English but you won't hear it on the street or in restaurants. During our visit we loved how much we felt like we had discovered a place still quite unknown.
This Renaissance era beach town is a beautiful alternative to the more crowded beach towns in Amalfi, Puglia or Liguria. Boasting an elegant beachside Piazzale, historic city center, excellent restaurants, culture and miles of beaches to cycle, walk or relax on, Pesaro is a destination worth visiting during your Italian vacation. One of the most unique things about Pesaro is the miles of beaches, in many areas the beaches are not as long due to the landscape or cityscape. But Pesaro and many of the other local towns have maintained their long stretches of beach, perfect for that sunrise or sunset walk.
What makes Pesaro so special?
Pesaro is located in the region of Le Marche. It is a unique town due to its 7 km of beaches and a fabulous historical center. In fact, Pesaro feels almost like two different cities in one location. Along the beach there are bike lanes for cycling, and the beautiful Piazzale della Libertà where you can have an aperitivo (similar to happy hour) and watch the evening come alive. Then a few minutes walk away from the beach and you are in the historic center, brimming with fantastic restaurants, beautiful shops, Renaissance style architecture, and piazzas filled with cafes.
What to do in Pesaro?
If bike riding, or long walks along the beach are something you love on a vacation then Pesaro should be on your list of vacation destinations. Most of the 7 km of beaches have bike paths, or roads which are easy to navigate by bike. You can rent a bike along the seafront and spend the morning cruising along the seaside.
However, if you prefer a little more relaxation then plan some time on the beach. There are free beaches, Spiagge libere, along the 7 km stretch (these are a bit harder to find unless you go to the quieter side of the port), or rent a bagno (chairs and an umbrella on the beach).
If sightseeing is more interesting to you then head to the historic center. There you can spend time touring the Palazzo Ducale, visiting the Benelli Motorcycle museum, the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in Italy displaying more than 150 specialty motorcycles. Have a coffee in the Piazza del Popolo, in this large piazza you can pass some time people watching and taking in the local life. Grab a drink at Casetta Vaccaj- a beautiful historic caffe and don’t forget to ask to walk the underground path which was used to travel from the church to other parts of the city.
With so much to offer you may not want to leave Pesaro, but if you feel like exploring, there are so many great places to see in less than 2 hours drive. Pesaro is located within an hour and a half drive of the beautiful town of Ravenna, 45 minutes drive to the famous town of Urbino and 1 hour to the country within Italy, San Marino. It is also positioned close to the National park of Monte San Bartolo. Or set off by bike to the quaint town of Fano, located 12km from Pesaro. In Fano you can find the oldest ancient Roman settlement on the Adriatic coast.
What would be our perfect day on a Pesaro Italy Vacation?
After breakfast, rent bikes and ride along the shore while the weather is still cool. Stop to admire the Ruggeri liberty style house close to the sea. Grab a coffee at one of the adorable seaside cafe’s. Then, as the day starts to warm up, pick a spot on the beach and relax for a few hours, enjoying the views and the Italian beach culture.
For lunch dine at one of the delicious restaurants along the beach, if you are a seafood lover then definitely try the mussels, fish or squid which are all local to the Adriatic sea. After lunch it is time for the Italian tradition of riposo (taking an afternoon rest). Most shops and museums close from 1:00-3:30 to honor this tradition so it is the perfect time to relax and get ready for the rest of the day.
In the afternoon walk to the historic center for some sightseeing. Visit the Palazzo Ducale and the Benelli Museum before exploring the fantastic shops throughout the town. Make sure to explore the small streets of Pesaro where most of the local shops are located. Once you have taken in the sights in town head back to the beach and Piazzale della Libertà for an aperitivo. This is where the city comes to life in the evening. The bars fill with music while the streets and the Piazzale come to life with families and locals heading to the cool sea breezes after a hot day.
After a refreshing aperitivo time to walk back to the historic center for dinner in one of the beautiful restaurants in town. There are so many excellent restaurants to choose from so ask some locals for their recommendations. If you are lucky enough to be in Pesaro during the Rossini Opera Festival this would be the perfect way to end your day in Pesaro. If not, then a long stroll through the city, or along the beach is an amazing way to end your day.
Where to Eat in Pesaro?
On the beach: Ristorante L'Angolo di Mario
In the historic center: Lo Scudiero
Perfect Products for Traveling and Staying in Pesaro:
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