Porto San Giorgio, Wonderful Beach Town in Central Italy
If you are looking for a splendid beach, delicious food, heritage, and an authentic experience go to Porto San Giorgio in the Province of Marche. We discovered the beach resort a couple of years ago and loved it.
We went back with my parents and they loved it too. Even in the middle of summer, there was a lot of space and few foreign tourists in sight.
Porto San Giorgio is one of the best places to experience the real Italian culture. It’s a simple town, with interesting architecture, lots of nature, and a chilled vibe. We are sure you will have a great time!
How to Get
The best way to reach Porto San Giorgio is with a direct train from Bologna. There are trains every two hours and the journey lasts about 3 hours. Most trains continue to Bari and Lecce, further south.
The closest international airport is in Ancona, the capital of the Marche Region. Flights from the UK, Spain, Germany, France, Poland and Albania arrive here. Local destinations include Rome, Milano, Catania, and Olbia.
You can go from the airport to Ancona via a train or bus. Trains from Ancona to Porto San Giorgio depart every hour and take one hour. There are buses too.
Things to Do
Hit the Beach
Porto San Giorgio’s main draw is the beach. We are talking about 4 miles (6 km) of sandy beaches with crystal blue waters. Even in winter, a walk along the beach is mandatory.
Winters in the area are mild, it’s never super cold and the sun shines almost every day. In the summer, all you have to do is rent an umbrella and a lounge or bring your own. There are showers.
We had lunch and drinks every day by the beach. There’s even a supermarket near where you can buy bread and salami. The water is not deep and it’s safe to swim.
Explore the Main Square
Every day after hitting the beach we would hang by the main square. The small square is in the middle of Porto San Giorgio, a 10-minute walk from the coast.
San Giorgio Martire Church presides over the plaza. The temple dates back to the 13th Century. The facade is gothic. Go inside and admire the magnificent 16th Century frescoes. They play the bells before mass!
Look out for the massive Torre dell’Orologio (clock tower) and the Fontana della Democrazia fountain in the middle. Caffe Ciferri next to the square has the best gelato in town.
Walk the Streets of the Old Town
Ditch your phone and walk about the streets of the Old Town. You will be able to admire a typical Italian center without crowds. You won’t get lost.
We loved walking along Corso Castel San Giorgio Street to the ancient stone arch, L’Arco Gotico. The local farmers market is nearby, near the Delle Anime Sante Church. The frescoes inside the church will take your breath away.
Tall trees line Via Bruno Buozzi. You can walk along the city walls passing by the Arco del Diavolo arch all the way to the Pelagallo tower.
Visit a Historic House
Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother Girolamo built the grand Villa Bonaparte in the beginning of the 19th Century. Today, it hosts lavish weddings and events. The villa’s gardens will take your breath away.
Unfortunately, the villa’s grand salons open only on Tuesdays. However, we asked politely and the ladies at the reception where kind enough to give us a short tour. Thanks!
The best seafood restaurant in Porto San Giorgio is in front of the house. Al Capitano opens for dinner. Order what the chef owner suggests and eat like a true Italian.
Go Inside the Theater
As most Italian historic towns, Porto San Giorgio has a splendid theater. The Teatro Comunale was built in 1817! However, the frescoes inside the theater are from 1905.
In fact, the theater is so beautiful that it’s on UNESCOs tentative list of World Heritage Sites. Historically, the Marche region exceled in theater construction and productions. The best ones have been catalogued by UNESCO.
The theater is pretty much alive. Be sure to ask in your hotel if there’s something showing. For a fancy dinner, go to Retroscena, in front of the theater. The Michelin starred restaurant is superb.
Visit the Castle
Porto San Giorgio may be small but it has a grand castle. It crowns a small hill in the center of the Old Town, behind San Giorgio Martire church.
You can walk around the massive walls of the 1267 Rocca Tiepolo castle admiring the views. Be sure to ask in your hotel if there are any live performances at the castle. Specially during the summer.
Our favorite pasta place faces the castle. Trattoria La Tradizione serves out of this world food in a lovely house with a garden. The house wine is superb.
Visit the Liberty Style Villas
The railway in this part of Italy opened in 1864. Soon enough, the region’s rich and famous started building their lavish buildings in what’s called the Liberty Style. In a nutshell, Italian Art Nouveau.
Walk around Porto San Giorgio admiring these grand mansions. Our favorites are Villa delle Rose, Villa Carice, Villa Montanari Rosati, and Villa Santa Maria al Poggio.
Most nowadays are event venues. Don’t rush and check out the gardens around the villas. Locals visit the park that surrounds Villa della Rose. You can actually stay in the luxurious Santa Maria al Poggio.
Go on a Day Trip
Porto San Giorgio is a great place to set base and explore nearby beauties. You have to go Fermo, one of the nicest towns in Italy. It’s one 4 miles (6 km) west.
Torre di Palme is 4 miles (6 km) south of San Giorgio. The tiny medieval town on top of a hill is in mint condition. The views to the sea and beyond will take your breath away.
If you have extra time visit Ascoli Piceno, 40 miles (60 km) southwest. The town has impressive Roman remains and tons of heritage. You won’t believe your eyes.
Where to Stay
We spent a weekend at the incredible Villa Santa Maria al Poggio. The grand villa is set in a splendid garden. Everything is elegant, super comfortable, and unique. The breakfast is delicious and Chiara and her mom the best hosts!
With my parents we spent a week at the Hotel Il Caminetto. Our super room had a balcony facing the sea. The hotel has lounges and umbrellas on the beach. The complimentary breakfast was delish.
The Hotel Il Timone is a simple property with private parking a 2-minute walk from the beach. It has bicycles and opens all year round.
