Exploring Gabicce Mare and Beyond

If you're planning a trip to Italy and looking for a beautiful coastal town to visit, look no further than Gabicce Mare!

So, what is Gabicce Mare like and why visit? Well, Gabicce Mare offers stunning views, delicious food, lots of activities to keep you busy, and plenty of nearby places that are absolutely unmissable, including Gradara, Urbino, Vigna del Mare, Gabicce Monte, and Montefabbri. We'll share more about those in a moment, but first, let me find you a place to stay...

Where to Stay in and around Gabicce Mare

Hotel Posillipo: This charming hotel offers stunning views of the sea. It is a little out of town, but in the summer they have a shuttle that runs to the beach in town. However, the best option is to have your own car to get around and explore properly. The restaurant is outstanding, the rooms are spacious and comfortable and everyone working in the hotel and restaurant is always so friendly and helpful. Click here for more.

Hotel Napoleon: Located in the heart of Gabicce Mare's historic center, Hotel Napoleon is a great choice for those who want to be close to the action. I didn't much like the blocky look of the building, but the rooms are stylish and modern, and the hotel has a rooftop terrace with a swimming pool and beautiful views of the sea. Read the reviews here.

Gabicce Mare: What to See and Do

Gabicce Mare is a small town that packs a big punch. Here are some of the things you'll want to see and do while you're here:

Visit the beach: Many of the Italians who visit Gabicce Mare do little more than spend each and every day on the beach working on their suntans or sipping cocktails at the beach bars. If you want to do the same, you'll find that Gabicce Mare Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

The beach is divided into several sections, each with its own unique vibe, and many of the hotels have private sections for the exclusive use of their guests, which means that you will have an exclusive spot allocated just for you. Your own deck chairs and umbrella are all ready for you whenever you decide to visit the beach. Okay, I prefer wild and empty beaches like this stunning beach in Calabria, but the convenience and comfort of Gabicce Mare's oh-so-typically Italian-style beach are loved by many and are great for those with children or for the elderly.

If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, head to the central section of the beach, where you'll find bars, restaurants, and plenty of people-watching. If you prefer a quieter experience, head to the northern or southern sections of the beach, which are more secluded.

Explore the historic center: Gabicce Mare's historic center is a charming maze of narrow streets and colorful buildings. Take a stroll through the center and admire the architecture, or stop at one of the many cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat. 

Take a boat tour: Gabicce Mare is located near the Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo, a nature reserve, and one of the best ways to see the reserve is by taking a boat tour. You'll get to see hidden coves, towering cliffs, and maybe even some dolphins! Your hotel will be able to advise you on how to book a tour.

Visit the Aquarium of Cattolica: Just a short distance from Gabicce Mare is the Aquarium of Cattolica, one of the largest aquariums in Italy. The aquarium is home to over 100 tanks of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. It's a great place to visit with kids or if you're a marine life enthusiast.

Nearby gems to explore during your visit:

Urbino

Take a day trip to Urbino: About an hour's drive from Gabicce Mare is the historic town of Urbino, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Urbino is known for its beautiful Renaissance architecture, including the Palazzo Ducale, which houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

Urbino is as good as any Tuscan Renaissance town, and it comes with the huge plus of not having the crowds of places like Siena, Florence, and Lucca. 

Urbino is a must-visit destination; here is our guide.

Go hiking in the Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo: If you love nature and crave the sense of being wild and free, you won't want to miss the Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo. There are several hiking trails, or you could hire a bicycle and explore. The views of the Adriatic are some of the best in all of Eastern Italy.

Gradara

Gradara: A short distance from Gabicce Mare is the town of Gradara, which is home to a beautifully preserved castle. The castle dates back to the 12th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Standing tall against the skyline, the crowning glory of Gradara is certainly its majestic castle. This fortress, a blend of Byzantine and Renaissance architecture, echoes repeated tales of love, chivalry, and betrayal (in that order) since its foundation in the 12th century.

A guided tour is an absolute must (the official website has details), as it leads you from the terraces to the internal rooms, exhibiting armored knights and ancient artifacts. "Each stone in Gradara Castle has a story to tell," said Marco, our guide, "from the heart-rending story of Paolo and Francesca, immortalized in Dante's 'Inferno,' to the mysteries surrounding the death of Lucrezia Borgia."

Gradara offers a fantastic array of hidden historical gems and photogenic walkways, all nestled on the romantic hills of Marche. I absolutely loved wandering around this little village, exploring the small local shops that provide a fascinating look into the local flair and culture. Each shop has its own charm and unique offerings that capture the artisan spirit of Gradara, making your souvenir shopping an adventure in itself.

After a morning of exploring, Maria (my wife) and I took a walk along the Passeggiata Degli Innamorati (Lovers Walk); the walk takes you through lush forests of oak, beech, and plane trees and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Gradara isn't just a destination; it's a feeling. As any local will tell you, 'Chi visita Gradara, si innamora di Gradara.'—Whoever visits Gradara falls in love with Gradara.

Gabicce Monte

Gabicce Monte: If you're looking for a panoramic view of the Adriatic coast, head to Gabicce Monte. This small, hilltop village offers stunning views of the sea and is a great place to go for a leisurely stroll.

Gabicce Monte is an ideal starting point for hiking trails that wind through the hills of Monte San Bartolo Regional Park. The park is a mosaic of landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows, providing a diverse range of ecosystems and breathtaking scenery for outdoor enthusiasts.

Gabicce Monte, like many Italian destinations, takes pride in its culinary offerings. Savor authentic local cuisine in its many charming trattorias and osterias. From fresh seafood caught in the Adriatic to delectable homemade pasta dishes.

Elsewhere

Vigna del Mare: Just south of Gabicce Mare is Vigna del Mare, a picturesque village that is famous for its olive groves and vineyards. If you're interested in wine tasting, be sure to visit one of the local wineries and try some of the region's best wines.

Montefabbri: About an hour's drive from Gabicce Mare is the medieval village of Montefabbri. This charming village is known for its winding streets, historic buildings, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Dishes to Try

Italy is famous for its delicious cuisine, and Gabicce Mare is no exception. Here are some traditional dishes that you should try during your visit:

Brodetto: Brodetto is a hearty fish stew that is made with a variety of seafood, including fish, shellfish, and squid. It is typically served with crusty bread for dipping in the rich broth.

Tagliatelle al Ragù: This dish consists of fresh tagliatelle pasta served with a rich meat sauce made from tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ground beef or pork. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cool evening. 

Olive Ascolane: These stuffed olives are a popular snack throughout the Marche region of Italy. They are made by stuffing large green olives with a mixture of ground meat, bread crumbs, and cheese, then breading and frying them until crispy. 

Crescia: This is a type of flatbread that is traditionally served during Easter throughout the Marche region. It is made with flour, eggs, and cheese and is typically cooked on a griddle until crispy. 

Restaurants I Recommend in and near Gabicce Mare

Osteria da Joni

You'll find this restaurant in Cattolica, the town that adjoins Gabicce Mare. Their Carbonara di Pesce is out of this world. If you love seafood, this is the restaurant.

Ristorante Bayon

You definitely need to book for this one. The location is fabulous, right on the canal that leads to the sea. I loved their antipasto taster selection and the Spaghetti alla Bayon starter, as well as the catch of the day main course. My wife's choices proved to be just as excellent. Well worth a visit.

Getting to Gabicce Mare

The nearest airport is Ancona Falconara Airport, which is located about 50 kilometers away. From there, you can rent a car (the best option) or take the train for Cattolica-Gabicce (you'll need to change in Ancona). You'll find the timetables on trenitalia.it, and the journey takes between sixty and ninety minutes, depending on the type of train.

From the station, you can take a bus or a taxi into Gabicce Mare, which takes about 10 minutes by bus and 5 minutes by taxi. The walk isn't too bad either, but only if you don't have a lot of luggage. It took us around 25 minutes with light luggage.