6 reasons to visit
Gabicce Mare
Gabicce Mare is a town which, despite its small size, embodies a dual, wonderful character; two sides of the same precious coin.
A dual landscape, where the crystal-clear turquoise of the Adriatic and the vivid green of San Bartolo Park coexist.
The sea and the hills: two distinct entities that represent two identities – one linked to seaside life and the Vallugola marina, with its beach clubs and beachside entertainment…
…and the hilly countryside, where you can experience the thrill of cycling or long walks, surrounded by nature.
Two areas – Gabicce Mare, Gabicce Monte and Baia Vallugola – are linked by winding footpaths that offer unrivalled views.
A dual destination that comes together in Gabicce Mare, characterised by magnificent, unspoilt nature and relaxing, sustainable fun. Two natural environments, one marvellous destination. Gabicce Mare: different by nature.
Discover the charms of Gabicce Mare
The Beauty Trail comes to life
Exploring the beating heart of the Marche region has never been easier with Criluma Viaggi!
Romantic weekends, days spent immersed in nature or cultural tours: we’ve put together itineraries to suit all tastes and time constraints.
The dual nature of the landscape
The spectacle between the sea and the hills
Even the greatest landscape painters would find it difficult to capture the radiant beauty that Gabicce offers.
The colours of its natural landscape are dazzling; they seem to have absorbed the sun’s rays into their hues, as the sun bathes every corner in its warmth.
The natural landscape here is characterised by two environments that are as different as they are intimately linked, coming together to create a stunning spectacle. First and foremost, the waters of the Adriatic: crystal-clear and immaculately clean, rippled only by bathers swimming happily.
The beach here has a distinctive layout, different from the rest of the coastline with which it borders. In fact, it forms a natural cove where, beyond the beach – as fine as gold dust – there is also a stretch of rocky coastline, much like the splendid Bay of Vallugola, in the area the people of Gabicce call ‘sottomonte’.
The mountain in question is Mount San Bartolo, the second major natural feature of Gabicce.
At the summit of Mount San Bartolo lies the San Bartolo Nature Park, a viewpoint from which you can admire the blue of the sea whilst surrounded by lush and varied natural scenery.
What could be more beautiful than strolling amongst the reeds of Plinio, gently swaying in the breeze, pausing for a moment in the shade of a holm oak or a pine tree, until you reach the edge of the hill overlooking the boundless spectacle of the sea? The San Bartolo Park offers a rich natural environment, where the greenery is dotted with the bright yellow of flowering broom, which grows in abundance in this area. Two natural wonders that come together to stir the soul.
Nature as identity
The history and legend of Gabicce Mare
Whilst certain archaeological finds confirm that Gabicce was already inhabited in Roman times, it was not until 998, with the issue of a papal bull, that the name ‘Castellum Ligabitii’ first appeared.
The name suggests the presence of a walled fortification that has now completely disappeared; we can only form an idea of it through the depictions by Francesco Mingucci, a painter and cartographer from Pesaro, and from the few remains of the ancient hamlet at Gabicce Monte, the original centre of the village where the ancient church of Sant’Ermete stands, small but charming. The etymology of the place name can probably be traced back to Ligabitio, the name of the feudal lord who ruled the territory.
A more imaginative theory suggests that the name derives from the expression ‘liga i bicci’, where ‘bicci’ refers to rams, thus making a clear reference to sheep farming, which was once widespread in the area.
The history of Gabicce in the Middle Ages is characterised by conflicts over its control between the Church of Ravenna and the municipality of Pesaro, which led the people of Gabicce to seek the protection of the most powerful families of the time.
During this period, the village became renowned thanks to the artistry of the potters Girolamo and Giacomo Lanfranco, father and son, who created stunning terracotta works featuring gold decorations – a technique of which they were pioneers.
This earned them international fame, and even today their works are housed in prestigious museums.
The countless legal disputes and changes of ownership involving Gabicce came to an end when, in 1623, the Papal States definitively assumed jurisdiction over it, a moment from which the town’s slow decline began.
A genuine turning point and rebirth came after the Second World War, when Gabicce turned its attention to seafaring and seaside tourism, capitalising on its natural heritage and its tradition of hospitality.
So much for the documented history.
But even today, if you walk along the stretch of coastline covered in small stones, there are those who see in them not just ordinary pebbles, but fragments of the ancient and legendary city of Valbruna, which, according to myth, vanished as a result of a gigantic explosion.
On the clearest days, when the water is perfectly transparent, swimmers and divers still love to search the geological formations on the seabed for the streets and remains of this Gabicce-style Atlantis.
The nature of hospitality
Relaxation, fun and sport, all
in the name of excellence
It is difficult to capture emotions in figures, yet it is only right to begin with a statistic when discussing Gabicce’s tourist offering: since 1987, without interruption, the town has been awarded the Blue Flag, which certifies the quality of its waters, coastline, services and safety measures.
Set against a backdrop of pristine seas, a hospitality industry of the very highest standard has flourished: around forty beach establishments and a hundred or so accommodation facilities, almost all right by the sea, allow visitors to enjoy every comfort on the immaculately maintained beach, thanks to highly trained staff who ensure tourists feel pampered at all times.
Facilities, amenities and infrastructure – everything is of the highest quality. Gabicce, a border town, is quintessentially Marche in its choice of a purely ‘slow’ approach to enjoying its natural beauty, in keeping with the typical Marche tourism experience, characterised by sustainable and responsible travel, to better attune oneself to places where calm, silence and peace form the natural backdrop that accompanies the visitor.
Of course, it is not just sunbathing under the sun or swimming in crystal-clear waters that tempt those staying in Gabicce…
For the more active, the beaches offer plenty of sports facilities where you can try your hand at sailing, beach volleyball, tennis, football and golf.
Working up a good sweat whilst having fun and then diving into the sea to cool off is easy and tempting here.
The range of physical activities on offer expands even further if you decide to venture a little way from the sea and explore the numerous trails in San Bartolo Park.
This network of trails offers the chance, at every bend, to take in breathtaking views, through which the sea comes into view from new, fascinating perspectives, until you reach the summit at Gabicce Monte where, at the end of the day, it’s a must to take a break whilst marvelling at the sunset from a vantage point that is second to none.
The trail network is perfect for both cycling and walking enthusiasts.
It’s not the mode of transport that matters, but the desire to take a walk in the heart of unspoilt nature, breathing in the fresh air and feasting your eyes on the treasures of Gabicce.
Nature for children
“Gabicceland”: the perfect destination for little ones
Children, as we all know, love going to playgrounds and water parks to have fun on all the rides.
But what happens if the park in question goes beyond the usual boundaries and spreads across an entire town? You end up with something like ‘Gabicceland’, the name by which Gabicce Mare is making a name for itself as a prime destination for family tourism, with a special focus on fun and safety for the little ones.
A project carried out to an exemplary standard, as evidenced by the fifth consecutive Green Flag awarded in 2019 – a recognition achieved following a careful selection process involving a panel of 170 paediatricians.
Gabicce Mare meets all the necessary requirements, ensuring that children and their families find the ideal environment during their stay.
In the sea, with its perfectly clean water, children can play amidst splashes and laughter in complete safety, as the seabed slopes gently.
The fine sand on the beach, perfect for building sandcastles with a bucket and spade, is constantly monitored by the relevant authorities, who keep a watchful eye to ensure that nothing dangerous can happen.
Beach attendants are on hand at all times, fully trained in first aid and resuscitation.
The beach clubs are fully equipped with games, workshops, entertainment and all the necessary amenities.
In the wholesome atmosphere of this vast, city-like amusement park, families can therefore enjoy a cheerful and peaceful holiday, made all the more relaxing by the fact that it is safe and secure.
The nature of fun
Major events: a blend of innovation and tradition
The dual nature of Gabicce Mare is also evident in the major events it hosts.
Whilst today this resort is known for its focus on relaxing, family-friendly tourism, we must not forget that in the past – particularly in the 1970s – it was a national hotspot for nightlife and disco music.
The social scene back then was frenetic, with big names from the entertainment world coming to spend their evenings in Gabicce’s renowned nightspots.
Today, there is an event that brings those times back to life, adapting them to Gabicce’s new character.
This is Disco Diva, Italy’s number one disco music festival, which was launched in 2015 and attracts record crowds. It hosts internationally renowned singers and DJs, both past and present, who get audiences of all ages dancing and having fun.
Gabicce Mare was also a hugely important cultural melting pot, as demonstrated by the prestigious Debenedetti Literary Prize, which was awarded here under the distinguished chairmanship of the great man of letters Carlo Bo, and which saw poets who have left their mark on the history of our literature – such as Zanzotto and Caproni – among its entrants and winners.
Gabicce has recently decided to revive this noble tradition through the ‘Gabicce in Rosa’ festival, whose name echoes another famous event launched in the 1980s and dedicated to fashion, entertainment and television: the ‘Rosa a Gabicce’.
Today, the festival offers a very wide-ranging and varied programme, featuring debates, musical interludes, talks on beauty and wellbeing, and, indeed, a Poetry Prize open to everyone, including schools.
In the summer, the “Turismo in festa” music festival takes place, conceived and organised by Confcommercio Marche Nord.
In Gabicce, sport is deeply rooted in the town’s identity.
In particular, the International Cycle Tourism Week boasts a tradition stretching back several decades, whilst the Gran Fondo degli Squali, established in 2015, is also significant and ranks amongst the top ten gran fondo events in Italy.
During these events, participants discover the area’s stunning landscapes and culinary delights as they cycle through the countryside.
Not to mention the numerous football tournaments that bring the town to life in spring, thanks to a multi-purpose sports centre, and the international MG car rally.
Finally, as a testament to how deeply the sea is intertwined with the spirit of the people of Gabicce, every year the evocative Stella Maris ceremony takes place, during which the statue of the Virgin Mary is carried in procession through the streets of the town and out to sea, surrounded by children receiving Confirmation and First Holy Communion who, having reached the open sea by boat at sunset, cast a wreath of flowers into the water.
The charm of this celebration even captivated the writer Ondaatje, featuring in his novel *The English Patient*, from which the highly acclaimed film of the same name was adapted.
The nature of cooking
Food and wine that delight the senses
We have already discussed the symbiotic relationship between Gabicce Mare and the Adriatic. Gabicce’s history and traditions are inextricably linked to the sea, and the tourism sector thrives on this synergy through the beaches and the beach establishments that line them.
What remains to be highlighted is how the sea provides another fundamental resource that sets Gabicce apart as a coastal town of excellence: its seafood cuisine.
Gabicce Mare is dotted with countless restaurants where you can savour the seafood offered by the Adriatic, caught with hard work and dedication by the fishermen, who are ready to set sail in the dead of night towards the open sea in the hope of returning with their nets bulging with precious treasures.
Gabicce’s restaurants are sure to make your mouth water with fish that is always, without exception, fresh, prepared using traditional recipes that are nonetheless constantly updated to reflect contemporary culinary trends.
However, the concept of enjoying a good meal in Gabicce goes beyond the quality of the dishes and how they are prepared.
It is through a magical synaesthetic interplay that sight blends with taste and smell; whilst comfortably seated at the table, diners can enjoy the breathtaking views from which all the restaurants overlook, whether it be the sea just a few steps away or the natural scenery along the paths of San Bartolo.
Even your sense of hearing is engaged, in the relaxing tranquillity that characterises the atmosphere in Gabicce.
The importance of oily fish in the local culinary tradition will be celebrated from 2020 with the first edition of a festival dedicated to this speciality.
Seafood is paired with produce from the land, creating the perfect combination of a delicious dish of oily fish enjoyed whilst sipping a white wine made from the vines that cover large areas of San Bartolo.
Discover the charms of Gabicce Mare
The Beauty Trail comes to life
Exploring the beating heart of the Marche region has never been easier. Criluma Viaggi is proud to bring to life the ‘Itinerario della Bellezza’ project by Confcommercio Marche Nord, transforming a guide of excellence into real-life itineraries, ready for you to experience.
Romantic weekends, days spent immersed in nature or cultural tours: we’ve created itineraries to suit all tastes and time constraints. The Criluma experience is the added value that guarantees you first-class treatment, comprising ongoing support, personalised attention and prompt responses.