Things To Do
in Civitanova Marche

Civitanova Marche sits on the Adriatic coast in the Marche region, blending sandy beaches with a lively marina and a charming historic center. The town is split into Civitanova Alta, a hilltop historic quarter, and Civitanova Marina, a long seaside promenade favored by families. The waterfront lanes, seafood restaurants, and relaxed pace define its coastal character, while easy day trips reveal medieval towns and rolling countryside.

With a warm, welcoming atmosphere and easy access to central Marche, Civitanova Marche makes for a convenient coastal base.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Civitanova Marche and check into your hotel, soaking in the warm Italian sun. Take a leisurely stroll along the stunning coastline, feeling the soft sand between your toes. Grab a delightful Italian breakfast at a local café, featuring fresh pastries and espresso.

afternoon
:

Explore the charming town center, visiting quaint shops and local markets that showcase authentic Italian crafts. Savor a traditional lunch at a trattoria, where you can relish pasta dishes made from local ingredients. Don't miss a visit to the beautiful Sant’Agostino Church, admiring its impressive architecture.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy a romantic dinner at a seaside restaurant, sampling fresh seafood and regional wines. Stroll along the promenade, watching the sunset colors dance on the waves. End your day with a gelato from a local shop, a perfect treat to cool off after a warm day.

day 2
Beach Day and Water Activities
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the beach for a relaxing morning soaking up the sun. Make use of the beach facilities, renting a sunbed or an umbrella for comfort. Engage in some light water activities, such as paddleboarding or kayaking.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a beachside lunch at one of the nearby eateries that serve delicious local seafood and grilled vegetables. After lunch, take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea or explore the nearby rocky coves for a bit of adventure. Try your hand at beach volleyball or simply relax with a good book under the shade.

evening
:

As evening approaches, join the locals for an aperitivo at a waterfront bar, sipping on spritz while enjoying the view. Consider dining at a pizzeria that specializes in traditional Italian pizzas, with a variety of toppings to choose from. After dinner, take a leisurely walk on the beach, listening to the soothing sound of the waves.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🍝Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
🛏️Mid-range hotel per night$90-180
🚆Public transit day pass$4-8
Coffee in cafe$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful Adriatic beaches and a friendly coastal vibe
  • Easy access to historic towns and countryside in central Marche
  • Fresh seafood and simple, high-quality Marche cuisine
  • Walkable town center with a pleasant promenade and harbor atmosphere
  • Limited nightlife outside peak summer months
  • Some services and connections may wind down in off-season
  • Smaller scale than major cities, so certain amenities require day trips
  • Occasional crowding on weekends in summer
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Vorrei un tavolo per due, per favore" - I’d like a table for two, please
  • "Dov'è...?" - Where is...?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Mi scusi" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Il conto, per favore" - The check, please

Places to Visit in Civitanova Marche

Visit one of these nice places.

Civitanova Alta Old Town

Historic hilltop quarter with winding lanes, stone houses, and views over the coastline—ideal for atmospheric midday and golden hour photos.

Lungomare Nord

Long seaside promenade along the marina; captures wide horizons, palm-lined walks, and fishermen at work.

Porto di Civitanova Marche

Harbor scenes at dawn or dusk with fishing boats, cranes, and reflections on calm water.

Belvedere viewpoints along Civitanova Alta

Elevated vantage points offering sweeping panoramas of the town, coast, and hinterland.

Torre Civica and Piazza della Libertà

Historic square with a civic tower, stone facades, and lively street life perfect for architectural photos.

Culinary Guide

Food in Civitanova Marche

Marche’s cuisine emphasizes fresh Adriatic seafood, olive oil, handmade pastas, and simple, hearty dishes. Expect seasonal produce, lightly seasoned herbs, and dishes that highlight the land and sea without fuss. Local wines from nearby vineyards, such as Verdicchio, pair beautifully with seafood and pasta. Fresh, unpretentious dining is the hallmark of Civitanova Marche’s food scene.

Civitanova Marche Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Vincisgrassi

A rich lasagna from Marche, layered with meat ragù, béchamel, and mushrooms; a heartier specialty often found in traditional trattorie.

Must-Try!

Brodetto di Pesce

A classic Adriatic fish stew featuring assorted local seafood, tomatoes, and garlic; best enjoyed with crusty bread in a seaside restaurant.

Ciauscolo

A soft, spreadable salami from nearby Marche Lazio border traditions; often served with bread or cheese as an antipasto.

Crescia Sfogliata

A flaky, layered flatbread typical of the Marche region; great as an accompaniment or stuffed with cheese and herbs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Piazza XX Settembre Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, olive oil, and local specialties; great for a casual lunch or picnic ingredients.

Lungomare Street Food

Seasonal stalls along the promenade offering fried seafood bites, crostini, pastries, and sweet treats with sea views.

Climate Guide

Weather

Civitanova Marche enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, typically wetter winters. Spring and autumn are pleasant for outdoor activities, while winter can bring cool winds and occasional rain.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A courteous 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' is appreciated; eye contact and a friendly nod accompany the greeting.

Religious sites

Dress modestly and speak softly in churches and chapels; photography may be restricted in some places.

Dining culture

Meals are leisurely; avoid rushing hosts and servers, and wait to be seated in restaurants that don’t have a host station.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe, with typical travel precautions: keep an eye on belongings in crowded areas, especially during market days and festivals. Use registered taxis or reputable ride services, and have emergency numbers (112) handy for medical or safety concerns.

Tipping in Civitanova Marche

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A service charge is often included in bills, but leaving a small extra amount (around 5-10%) for standout service is customary. In cafes and casual spots, rounding up the bill is common.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy at markets and smaller eateries. Some older or remote spots may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures (15-21°C) and blooming countryside; great for walking tours and outdoor markets. Rain showers are possible, so pack a light layer.

Summer

Hot, sunny days and busy beaches; peak festival season and lively nightlife along the promenade. Stay hydrated and book seaside dining early.

Autumn

Pleasant days with cooler evenings; wine and olive harvest activities increase in surrounding hills. Beach visits are calmer and crowd levels lessen.

Winter

Cool, sometimes rainy weather; many seasonal attractions close briefly, but the town lights up for holidays. Coastal winds can be brisk; layer up.

Nightlife Guide

Civitanova Marche at Night

In summer, the waterfront comes alive with beach bars, aperitivo spots, and casual live music. Outside peak season, nightlife centers around relaxed cafes and small venues along the harbor and main squares.

Hiking in Civitanova Marche

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Monti Sibillini National Park (Triggio area)

Accessible via a longer drive; dramatic landscapes, forest trails, and panoramic viewpoints ideal for day hikes.

Colline Maceratesi countryside trails

Gentle hills and vineyard routes near the Marche hinterland—excellent for relaxed day trips and photography.

Airports

How to reach Civitanova Marche by plane.

Ancona Falconara (AOI)

Primary regional airport with connections to Italy and some international routes; about 60-90 minutes by car from Civitanova Marche.

Pescara (PSR)

Another accessible option on the Adriatic coast; longer drive but useful for some international itineraries.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center, Civitanova Alta, and the marina are highly walkable, with pleasant pedestrian lanes and short distances between key sights. Parking can be easier in the off-season, and bike-friendly paths extend along the waterfront. Public transport covers local routes, but a car helps for day trips to nearby hill towns.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Strong presence of family households, especially along the coast and in Civitanova Alta during weekends.

Seasonal visitors

Summer crowds and vacationers peak from June to August, with many returning each year.

Students and professionals

A mix of residents who work locally and in nearby towns, plus students from regional colleges.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing and watersports

Coastal winds and calm waters make sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding popular along the Adriatic coast.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and pickup games are common in town parks and schools.

Transportation

Traffic

Coastal roads can get crowded in summer with holiday traffic. Within town, most areas are navigable by car, bicycle, or on foot; public buses connect Civitanova with nearby towns, and ride-sharing options are available in peak season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Civitanova Marche.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in most restaurants; look for pasta with seasonal vegetables, fresh salads, and garlic-olives oil-based dishes. When in doubt, request dishes without meat stock or broth and ask for simpler preparations featuring local vegetables and cheese.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics and pharmacies serve everyday health needs; for hospital-level care, residents typically go to Macerata or Ancona. In emergencies, dial 112 for immediate assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. Carry your health insurance card and know the location of the nearest pharmacy when staying in rural areas.

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