Pesaro, Italy’s best kept secret tourist destination has been chosen by the Minister of Culture, as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2024. Located in Le Marche Region, Pesaro is nestled between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, a coastal town with a generous stretch of golden beaches and a strong fishing footprint.
Pesaro was selected for its rich heritage around tradition, culture, and its social values.
What do we know about Pesaro?
Pesaro is a great place to base yourself if you are interested in exploring Le Marche Region. Conveniently located in the northern part of the Region, Pesaro serves as a gateway to the surrounding renaissance hill towns and medieval hamlets many of which are regarded as some of the most beautiful small towns in Italy.
UNESCO recognised Pesaro as a Creative City of Music. It is the birthplace of the great opera composer Gioachino Rossini who’s legacy is celebrated annually in August during the internationally-renowned Rossini Opera Festival. The city is also famous for its locally produced Majolica ceramics, many art treasures and as the home of Benelli Motorcycles.
Things to do while in Pesaro
Known as the City of Bicycles (Citta della Bicicletta), due to the large number of bike trails, one could easily spend an afternoon exploring this coastal town, riding along the beach promenade and harbour admiring its unique features like the modern Palla di Pomodoro structure, and gazing out onto the boats as they sail by.
Pesaro’s historic centre is where you will find Piazza del Popolo, the heart of the City. It is where the local people meet and celebrate major cultural events. The square itself is adorned with historical buildings including The Ducal Palace originally built in the 13th century and a beautiful marble fountain serving as the centrepiece of the square. The Piazza is also where you can grab a gelato, coffee or aperitivo while watching the daily life of the city.
What is happening right now in Pesaro as Summer is on its door step?
You may not instantly associate the Le Marche Region with beaches, but Pesaro has the luxury of a big sandy stretch of open sea, the Adriatic Sea, to be exact. A holiday destination perfect for Italian families, no huge crowds, and beyond the pay-as-you-go beach chairs dominating the sandy coastline, you will discover a ‘spiagge libere’ area where you can plant yourself down with your family and friends, at no cost. Pesaro’s beach has also been flagged as Europe’s best beach holiday destination – it may not be the most beautiful beach, however everything about Pesaro is around family, beach and culture.
What to eat?
Paying homage to Rossini, the great Composer, is a Pizza Rossini – a Margherita pizza topped with a sliced boiled egg and drizzled with mayonnaise.
Another specialty dish is Pasticciata Pesarese – veal cut into slices topped with a sauce made with tomato, bacon, celery, thyme, carrot, lard, and white wine. And, if cold meats are your thing, then Prosciutto di Carpegna is a dry-cured ham famous in the region, worthy of a taste.
Fish dishes must get a mention while in a coastal town, dining at L’Angolo di Mario, along the harbour, serve creative fish dishes, seated in an open space with a large terrace overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea.
Want to learn more about Pesaro and Le Marche Region?
Vita Italian Tours can personally guide you to experience all the hidden gems of Pesaro on one of our many small group tours which visit the Le Marche Region.
If independent travel is more your style let us devise a custom private travel itinerary for you to explore this wonderful city and its surrounds.
Contact us today to start planning your visit.