| Destination of the week: |
| | San Benedetto del Tronto, Le Marche |
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San Benedetto del Tronto in Le Marche is one of the most alluring beach resorts on Italy’s Adriatic coast.
Take your pick from the crystal blue waters of the sea; the five miles of inviting, sandy white beaches that they lap on to; or the more than 7,000 palm trees along the seafront.
They give San Benedetto del Tronto an almost tropical feel – no surprise to learn that it is known as the Riviera delle Palme (Riviera of palms).
No surprise either that it is also one of Le Marche’s most popular resorts and in May 2008 hosted the Powerboat P1 world championships, the watersports world’s equivalent of Formula One.
Its beautiful waters mean all kinds of aquatic sports take place here, while its sands make it a major Italian beach volleyball venue, with more than 50 tournaments each summer.
The best stretch of San Benedetto del Tronto’s beach runs southwards from the town centre and it is here that the best hotels are to be found. Then throw into the mix the town’s vibrant nightlife scene with lively bars and restaurants.
Yet for all its new-found glamour, San Benedetto del Tronto retains its old-fashioned fishing town charm despite now being a bustling town of 50,000 inhabitants. It is an appealing combination of the old and the new – its medieval centre, which sits on the hillside, and the modern marina below.
The old town, a warren of narrow streets lined by brick houses, is dominated by a castle and a 16th century six-sided tower, the Torrione. The 32-metre Torrione, also known as Torre Gualtiera, offers a fantastic vantage point from which to admire all of San Benedetto del Tronto. Another impressive monument is the Torre Guelfa, which once marked medieval city-state boundaries.
As has been the case down the centuries, the town is rightly proud of its heritage as an important fishing port. Take a relaxing stroll around the harbour as evening draws in and watch the returning fishermen sell their fresh catch to waiting restaurateurs. Fish caught here is in highly sought after as far afield as Rome, Milan and Bologna.
Finally, don't leave without trying its most famous culinary speciality, brodetto alla Sambenedettese – a stew made with no fewer than 13 different types of fish.
Click here to view our range of property in San Benedetto del Tronto as well as other property in Le Marche
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