Just south of Cupra Marittima in the Ascoli Piceno province of Le Marche is the unspoilt and much overlooked coastal resort of Grottamare.  The resort has over five kilometres of sandy beaches and a beautiful palm lined seafront. The palms are lit from beneath at night and this gives a truly magical effect when taking part in the Passagiata in the evening. There is a lovely small central piazza with large palm trees surrounded by restaurants, bars and many small shops selling local produce. The main bar in the Piazza has chairs outside and the owner who loves Irish music plays a mixture of modern and Irish music throughout the evening!

Grottamare is often overlooked as a place to visit, as visitors often bypass  the town while travelling on the Autostrada on their way south to the bigger resort of San Benedetto, or to the north to Porto san Giorgio. But Grottamare is well worth a visit in its own right and it nevers disappoints. I personally think it is one of the more gentle seaside resorts along the Le Marche coastlineand parking is easy most of the year, though more difficult in the summer when numerous antique and general fairs are held all along the beach front.

Also in the hills above the main town is the stunning older Medieval part of the town, Grottamare Alta, with its wonderful views across the town and coast beneath and here can be found some of the best restaurants in the whole of Le Marche. The famous Papa Sisto V restaurant in Grottamare Alta has a large open terrace with panoramic views across the sea and is a wonderful place to spend a long hot evening eating some of the best food in all Le Marche.