Best Towns to Stay in Marche and Abruzzo: the Italian Adriatic coast

Nestled along the Adriatic coast and stretching into the Apennine Mountains, Marche and Abruzzo represent Italy’s undiscovered treasures. With over 5 million visitors in 2024, these regions offer a perfect blend of pristine beaches, rolling hills, and historic towns the overwhelming crowds of more touristy areas.

Quick Picks: Best Marche and Abruzzo Towns at a Glance

• Best Overall Location: Ancona
• Best for Beach Lovers: Pescara
• Best for Culture: Urbino
• Best Value for Money: Ascoli Piceno
• Best for Nature Lovers: L’Aquila
• Best for Solo Travelers: Pescara
• Best for Families: Ancona

Transportation Overview

Understanding your transportation options is crucial for exploring these regions:

• Regional Trains: Connect major cities (€5-20 per journey)
• Intercity Buses: Link smaller towns (€3-15 per ride)
• Car Rental: Essential for mountain areas (€35-50/day)
• Local Buses: Available within cities (€1.20-1.50 per ride)
• Parking: Generally available (€10-20/day in city centers)

The Top 5 Best Towns to Stay in Marche and Abruzzo

1. Ancona: The Gateway to Marche

Ancona, the capital of Marche, serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the region. This bustling port city boasts a rich history dating back to 387 BC, evident in its well-preserved old town and stunning coastline.

Best For: First-time visitors, ferry connections, beach and culture combination

Pros:

• Major transport hub with ferry connections
• Beautiful beaches nearby
• Rich historical sites
• Excellent seafood restaurants
• Mount Conero views
• Good shopping options
• Less touristy than other Italian ports

Cons:

• Industrial port areas
• Limited nightlife
• Some areas need renovation
• Hilly terrain can be challenging
• Weather can be windy

Best Places to Stay in Ancona

1. For Solo Travelers: SeePort Hotel. Located near the port, SeePort Hotel offers modern rooms with sea views. Its rooftop terrace and proximity to the beach make it ideal for solo adventurers looking to mingle and explore.
2. Budget-Friendly: Hotel Europa. Situated in the city center, Hotel Europa provides comfortable accommodations at affordable prices. Its central location makes it perfect for budget-conscious travelers wanting to explore Ancona’s attractions.
3. Couples Escape: Grand Hotel Palace. This elegant 4-star hotel in the heart of Ancona offers luxurious rooms and a spa, perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway. Its restaurant serves excellent local cuisine with panoramic city views.
4. Family-Friendly: Hotel della Vittoria. Located near Passetto Beach, Hotel della Vittoria offers spacious family rooms and easy access to both the beach and city center, making it ideal for families with children.
5. Group Travel: NH Ancona. This modern hotel can accommodate larger groups and offers a shuttle service to the city center. Its meeting rooms and restaurant make it suitable for both leisure and business travelers.
6. High-End Luxury: Hotel Emilia. Perched on Mount Conero, Hotel Emilia offers breathtaking sea views, a gourmet restaurant, and luxurious rooms. It’s perfect for those seeking a high-end retreat near Ancona.

2. Pescara: Abruzzo’s Coastal Jewel

Pescara, the largest city in Abruzzo, offers a perfect blend of beach life and urban amenities. With its long stretches of sandy beaches and vibrant cultural scene, it’s an ideal base for exploring the region.

Best For: Beach lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, modern amenities

Pros:

• Long sandy beaches
• Excellent shopping
• Vibrant nightlife
• Good transport connections
• Modern city amenities
• Year-round activities
• Great seafood restaurants

Cons:

• Less historical character
• Crowded beaches in summer
• Some areas feel commercial
• Limited cultural sites
• Hot in peak summer

Best Places to Stay in Pescara

1. For Solo Travelers: Victoria Hotel. Located near the beach and train station, Victoria Hotel offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers looking to explore Pescara and beyond.
2. Budget-Friendly: Hotel Esplanade. Situated right on the beachfront, Hotel Esplanade offers great value for money with its prime location and comfortable rooms.
3. Couples Escape: G Hotel Pescara. This stylish boutique hotel offers modern rooms and a rooftop terrace with sea views, ideal for couples seeking a romantic urban retreat.
4. Family-Friendly: Best Western Hotel Plaza. Located in the city center, Best Western Hotel Plaza offers family rooms and is within walking distance of the beach and main attractions, making it perfect for families.
5. Group Travel: Hotel Salus. With its large rooms and beachfront location, Hotel Salus can easily accommodate groups. Its restaurant and private beach area make it ideal for friend gatherings or family reunions.
6. High-End Luxury: Villa Maria Hotel & Spa. This elegant hotel offers luxurious rooms, a spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Its peaceful setting just outside Pescara makes it perfect for those seeking a high-end experience.

3. Urbino: Renaissance Splendor in Marche

Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a beautifully preserved Renaissance hill town in Marche. Home to one of the most important Renaissance courts in Europe, it offers visitors a journey back in time.

Best For: Art lovers, history buffs, authentic atmosphere

Pros:

• UNESCO World Heritage site
• Stunning Renaissance architecture
• Prestigious university
• Authentic atmosphere
• Less touristy
• Rich cultural heritage
• Beautiful countryside views

Cons:

• Limited public transportation
• Hilly terrain
• Few modern amenities
• Quiet nightlife
• Many shops close midday

Best Places to Stay in Urbino

1. For Solo Travelers: B&B Il Cortegiano. This charming B&B in the heart of Urbino offers cozy rooms and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers exploring the town’s Renaissance treasures.
2. Budget-Friendly: Hotel Mamiani. Located just outside the historic center, Hotel Mamiani offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices, with easy access to Urbino’s main attractions.
3. Couples Escape: Albergo San Domenico. Housed in a former convent, this romantic hotel in the historic center offers elegant rooms with views of the Ducal Palace, ideal for couples.
4. Family-Friendly: Hotel Bonconte. This family-run hotel offers spacious rooms and a garden, providing a comfortable base for families exploring Urbino and the surrounding countryside.
5. Group Travel: Hotel Raffaello. Located near the historic center, Hotel Raffaello can accommodate larger groups and offers parking, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
6. High-End Luxury: Borgo Palazzo Apostolico. This luxurious resort in a restored medieval village near Urbino offers high-end accommodations, a spa, and stunning views of the countryside.

4. L’Aquila: The Eagle of Abruzzo

L’Aquila, the capital of Abruzzo, is a city of resilience and beauty. Despite the devastating earthquake in 2009, it has risen from the ashes and offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and proximity to natural wonders.

Best For: Mountain lovers, authentic experiences, base for national parks

Pros:

• Gateway to national parks
• Rich cultural heritage
• Less touristy
• Authentic atmosphere
• Good value for money
• Cool summer temperatures
• Historic architecture

Cons:

• Still recovering from 2009 earthquake
• Limited public transportation
• Fewer accommodation options
• Cold winters
• Some areas under reconstruction

Best Places to Stay in L’Aquila

1. For Solo Travelers: Ostello dell’Orso. This modern hostel in the city center offers both dormitory and private rooms, making it perfect for solo travelers looking to meet others while exploring L’Aquila.
2. Budget-Friendly: B&B L’Aquila Prima. Located in the historic center, this B&B offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices, allowing budget-conscious travelers to stay in the heart of the action.
3. Couples Escape: Magione Papale Relais. This elegant hotel in a restored 16th-century building offers romantic rooms and a gourmet restaurant, perfect for couples seeking a special getaway.
4. Family-Friendly: Canadian Hotel. Situated just outside the city center, Canadian Hotel offers spacious family rooms and a garden, providing a comfortable base for families exploring L’Aquila and the surrounding national parks.
5. Group Travel: Hotel Federico II. This large hotel can accommodate groups and offers meeting rooms, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers.
6. High-End Luxury: Castello Orsini Hotel. Located in a medieval castle in nearby Balsorano, this unique hotel offers a truly luxurious and memorable experience for those seeking something extraordinary.

5. Ascoli Piceno: Marche’s Travertine Treasure

Ascoli Piceno, often called “the city of travertine” due to its extensive use of the stone in architecture, is a hidden gem in southern Marche. Its stunning Piazza del Popolo is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy.

Best For: Architecture lovers, food enthusiasts, authentic Italian experience

Pros:

• Beautiful historic center
• Famous olive all’ascolana
• Less touristy
• Reasonable prices
• Rich cultural heritage
• Local food specialties
• Beautiful piazzas

Cons:

• Limited international connections
• Few English speakers
• Quiet nightlife
• Limited shopping options
• Some attractions close early

Best Places to Stay in Ascoli Piceno

1. For Solo Travelers: Residenza 100 Torri. This centrally located residence offers studio apartments, giving solo travelers the flexibility to cook their own meals while exploring the city.
2. Budget-Friendly: Hotel Pennile. Located just outside the historic center, Hotel Pennile offers comfortable rooms at affordable prices, with easy access to Ascoli Piceno’s attractions.
3. Couples Escape: Palazzo Guiderocchi. This boutique hotel in a restored 16th-century palace offers elegant rooms in the heart of the historic center, perfect for a romantic stay.
4. Family-Friendly: Hotel Villa Pigna. Situated in a quiet area just outside Ascoli Piceno, Hotel Villa Pigna offers family rooms, a pool, and a large garden, making it ideal for families with children.
5. Group Travel: Hotel Gioli. Located near the historic center, Hotel Gioli can accommodate larger groups and offers parking, making it convenient for those traveling together by car.
6. High-End Luxury: Borgo Storico Seghetti Panichi. This luxurious resort in a historic borgo near Ascoli Piceno offers high-end accommodations, a spa, and stunning views of the Marche countryside.

Two Towns to Avoid Staying

While Marche and Abruzzo are filled with charming destinations, there are a couple of places you might want to skip:

1. San Benedetto del Tronto, Marche: While it’s a popular beach resort, San Benedetto del Tronto can get extremely crowded in summer, with its beaches packed and prices inflated. The town itself lacks the charm of other Marche destinations.
2. Vasto, Abruzzo: Although Vasto has some interesting historical sites, its beaches are often overcrowded, and the town can feel a bit neglected. There are more appealing options along the Abruzzo coast.

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (March-May)

• Temperature: 15-22°C (59-72°F)
• Pros: Wildflowers, comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists
• Cons: Variable weather, some rain
• Price Impact: 10-20% lower than peak season

Summer (June-August)

• Temperature: 25-35°C (77-95°F)
• Pros: Beach weather, festivals, outdoor dining
• Cons: Crowded beaches, hot inland
• Price Impact: Peak rates (100%)

Fall (September-November)

• Temperature: 12-25°C (54-77°F)
• Pros: Harvest festivals, fewer tourists, pleasant weather
• Cons: More rain, shorter days
• Price Impact: 15-25% lower than peak season

Winter (December-February)

• Temperature: 3-12°C (37-54°F)
• Pros: Skiing in Abruzzo, lowest prices, authentic experience
• Cons: Many coastal businesses closed, cold mountain areas
• Price Impact: 30-40% lower than peak season

Expert Tips for Booking

Accommodation Strategy

• Book 2-3 months ahead for summer
• Consider agriturismo options in rural areas
• Look for hotels with parking in cities
• Check distance to beaches/mountains
• Request air conditioning in summer

Money-Saving Tips

• Visit during shoulder season
• Book accommodations inland
• Use regional trains instead of driving
• Look for half-board options
• Consider apartment rentals for longer stays

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring Car Requirements

• Reality: Public transport limited in rural areas
• Solution: Rent a car for mountain/countryside visits

2. Missing Festival Bookings

• Problem: Hotels fill during local festivals
• Fix: Check event calendars when booking

3. Beach Timing Errors

• Issue: Crowded beaches mid-July to mid-August
• Solution: Visit in June or September

4. Overlooking Mountain Weather

• Reality: Mountains can be 10°C cooler than coast
• Fix: Pack layers even in summer

5. Restaurant Timing

• Problem: Many restaurants close 3-7pm
• Solution: Plan meals around local schedules

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many days should I spend in the regions? A: Minimum 5 days, ideally 7-10 to explore both regions properly.

Q: Is it easy to combine both regions in one trip? A: Yes, they’re well-connected by train and car, but plan for travel time between major sites.

Q: When is the best time to visit the beaches? A: June or September offer warm weather with fewer crowds.

Q: Do I need a car? A: Yes, especially for mountain areas and countryside exploration.

Q: Which city is best for first-time visitors? A: Ancona or Pescara, as they offer good connections and plenty of amenities.

Q: Are the regions suitable for winter visits? A: Yes, especially Abruzzo for skiing and winter sports.

Q: How accessible are the national parks? A: Best accessed by car, with some areas served by seasonal shuttle buses.

Q: Is English widely spoken? A: Less common than in more touristy regions; basic Italian is helpful.

Q: Are the beaches free to access? A: Mix of free beaches and paid beach clubs (€15-25/day for umbrellas and chairs).

Q: How do prices compare to other Italian regions? A: Generally 20-30% lower than more popular tourist regions.

Conclusion

Marche and Abruzzo offer a treasure trove of experiences for the discerning traveler. From the Renaissance splendor of Urbino to the coastal charm of Pescara, from the historical resilience of L’Aquila to the architectural beauty of Ascoli Piceno, these regions provide a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

By choosing the right towns to stay, you’ll enhance your journey through these lesser-known Italian gems. So pack your bags, book your accommodation, and prepare to be enchanted by the diverse allure of Marche and Abruzzo. Your off-the-beaten-path Italian adventure is about to begin!