Why choose the Marche region for a family holiday

The Marche is one of Italy’s most well-suited destinations for a family holiday, offering a combination of seaside, nature, culture and amenities in a region that is easy to explore. Towns such as Pesaro and Fano, in particular, are characterised by idyllic beaches, cycle paths, pedestrian seafronts, play areas and family hotels that are perfect for every need. 

With their strategic location, these two towns offer the chance to alternate days at the beach with excursions and activities to explore the local area: in no time at all, you can go from the beach to the trails of a nature reserve, or from a medieval village to a city of art, following a different itinerary every time!

A child-friendly region

Of course, your family seaside holiday starts on the beaches. The Marche coastline is characterised by wide sandy beaches and gently sloping seabeds, making it the perfect place to play and swim in complete safety. Furthermore, unlike more chaotic and crowded destinations, the stretch between Pesaro and Fano has a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere, ideal for those looking to enjoy a fun and tranquil family holiday.

If you are thinking of organising a family holiday in the Marche, you have come to the right place: in this guide, you will find the best beaches, unmissable spots surrounded by nature and two family-friendly resorts that will make you feel right at home.

The best seaside resorts for families in the Marche region

Find out what destinations such as Pesaro and Fano have to offer and why they are so well-suited to your holiday with children in the Marche region.

What to see in Pesaro and the surrounding area

Pesaro is one of the most popular seaside destinations for families on the Adriatic coast. As well as the beaches, this resort offers an opportunity to enjoy nature just outside the town centre: only a few minutes from the famous promenade lies the Monte San Bartolo Nature Park, a protected area that encompasses one of the most spectacular stretches of the Adriatic coast, with scenic footpaths winding through cliffs overlooking the sea, Mediterranean woodlands and breathtaking views.

Lastly, there are plenty of historic villages such as Gradara, famous for its medieval castle and the legend of Paolo and Francesca, or Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its extraordinary Renaissance town centre. These excursions allow you to alternate between relaxing on the beach and spending days exploring local art and traditions.

What to see in Fano and the surrounding area

Located on the Adriatic coast, Fano is a town with a rich Roman heritage: founded as Fanum Fortunae, it preserves important remains from the Roman era, an elegant medieval town centre and an extremely lively seafront promenade.

Above all, Fano is a very popular destination for those planning a family holiday in touch with nature. As well as the beautiful beaches and the Lido waterfront, there are also a number of nature reserves, villages and sites to discover together:

• Gola del Furlo State Nature Reserve. About 30 km from Fano lies one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in central Italy. The canyon carved out by the River Candigliano offers excursion routes suitable for all levels of experience: the easiest are also perfect for children, who are certain to be fascinated by the rich local wildlife.
• Fossombrone. An elegant village crossed by the River Metauro, known for its historic centre, its ancient bridges and the nearby archaeological site of the ancient Forum Sempronii. This is a peaceful destination, ideal for a stroll to explore at a leisurely pace.
• Monte San Bartolo Nature Park. Like Pesaro, Fano is also an excellent base for exploring this stunning protected area.

The best beaches for children

If you are wondering which beaches to visit in the Marche region with children, it is worth knowing that Pesaro and Fano are considered to be some of the most family-friendly destinations on the entire Adriatic Riviera: many of the beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag, which attests to the excellent condition of the water and the quality of the facilities. 

Among the most popular spots in Pesaro are the Levante Beach and the Ponente Beach, both characterised by calm waters and plenty of space for play. Baia Flaminia, at the foot of Monte San Bartolo, is also a good alternative for those looking for a more panoramic setting.

Fano offers a wide range of options for families looking for a relaxing holiday on the Marche coast. The Lido has fine sand and a gently sloping seabed, making it a safe place for children to play and swim. The Sassonia area, with its extensive seafront, is the ideal choice for those who want to alternate days on the beach with walks, sporting activities and leisure pursuits.

For those looking for a quieter setting, we recommend the nearby stretch of coastline leading towards Torrette and Ponte Sasso, with less crowded beaches that are particularly suitable for families during the high season.

Family-friendly resort in Pesaro

The UNA Hotels Imperial Sport Hotel Pesaro is situated on Pesaro’s charming seafront and is the ideal destination for those looking to organise a family holiday that offers both activities and relaxation. The resort not only boasts an enviable location – just a few steps away from sun loungers and parasols – but also offers a warm welcome and a range of personalised services for adults and children, so that everyone can enjoy the best possible holiday! The wide beach, with its fine sand, offers plenty of space to relax in the sun and allows children to play in the dedicated area on the shore or on the beach volleyball court.

The hotel features a semi-Olympic-sized swimming pool, designed both for those who want to keep fit whilst on holiday and for those who want to relax and sunbathe without having to go to the beach. Just a few metres away, you will also find exercise equipment and machines for a workout in a unique setting.

Children, on the other hand, have access to a heated mini-pool and a play area – safe, dedicated spaces where they can have fun with complete peace of mind. In addition, the entertainment team is always on hand to involve the children in creative activities and workshops.

And the rooms? Our family-friendly hotel in Pesaro has 47 bright, spacious rooms with unmissable views of the Adriatic Sea. The utmost comfort is guaranteed by the great care taken with the rooms and the attention to detail, as well as by the attentive and ever-helpful staff. In these rooms, each named after a precious stone, you can relax and enjoy moments of tranquillity whenever you like.

Where to stay in Fano: family-friendly seaside hotels

If you are thinking of taking a holiday dedicated to relaxation and nature, the UNA Hotels Imperial Beach Hotel Fano is the perfect destination for you. Situated in a quiet pedestrianised area of this town in the Marche region, this resort offers a warm welcome to couples and families looking to enjoy a relaxing break just a short distance from the coast.

 
Our family-friendly hotel in Fano is set within a 4,000-square-metre park, perfect for relaxing and unwinding, where you will also find an outdoor swimming pool with sun loungers. The resort has over 40 rooms, many of which have sea views and can accommodate up to five people.

Hotel facilities and fun for everyone by the sea

There is also a private beach near the hotel where you can spend a few hours by the sea and organise a game of beach football, beach volleyball or bocce. In addition, you will find a play area equipped for young children, as well as canoe and pedalo hire so you can all head out onto the water together. The hotel offers an experienced entertainment team and a mini club, guaranteeing fun for guests of all ages!

And for those who want to enjoy sport and getting out into nature, the resort offers bikes for hire, perfect for enchanting rides along the seafront and for exploring the long cycle path that links the resort to the village of Marotta.

Your seaside holiday in the Marche region

With its well-equipped beaches, historic villages, nature trails and activities designed for all ages, this part of the Marche region is undoubtedly one of Italy’s best destinations for a family holiday. 

What makes a stay in Pesaro and Fano even more special is the range of family-friendly resorts designed to meet everyone’s needs, with services tailored to children, spaces for relaxation and leisure activities, while offering all the convenience of a seafront location.

Whether you are planning your first holiday with your children or a new trip to enjoy with the whole family, choosing the Marche region means opting for a welcoming, child-friendly destination where sea, nature and culture are all just a few kilometres away.