Pesaro has been defined by a number of its attributes: for some it’s the ’Cycling City’, for its many bike paths; for some it’s the ’City of Music’, named for its son, the composer Gioacchino Rossini; for the Italian government it’s a ’Creative City’; and it’s had a turn at being the European City of Sport too. Despite all this it’s not particularly well known to foreign visitors, though loved by Italian families on bucket and spade holidays, or local beach breaks. Like many Italian seaside resorts, the historic part of Pesaro is slightly inland, linked to the Mediterranean by seaside villas and hotel developments, some of which our gurus have included on our list of the best places to stay in Pesaro. They also like a converted Belle Epoque villa, and an impressive work of contemporary architecture which is the setting for a hotel too.

Pesaro is a city filled with a great range of museums, galleries, shops and other facilities, so we think it's a good base for groups with varied interests, or beach breakers who can’t face all day on the beach. There’s lots to do here, from visiting Rossini’s birthplace, the cathedral and the Palazzo Ducale, to the region’s archaeological museum, and various villas and parks. Pesaro is also at the centre of a local bus network, so the best places to stay in Pesaro also make great bases for exploring the whole region. Urbino, Rimini, Ancona and Fano are all easily reached.

One of the reasons Italian families love Pesaro so much is that the sea is so much more accessible here than in many other resorts. There’s a promenade along the water, and while there are still some private beaches and beach concessions, there are also lovely sandy free public beaches. Summer is busy here, and August is doubly popular, because this is when the annual Rossini opera festival takes place. So don't forget to book well ahead!

The Best Places to Stay in Pesaro

For the Views

• The Hotel Alexander Museum Palace is a striking, white building, designed by a group of renowned local architects, and now considered both a landmark and a modern masterpiece. Its 63 rooms and suites offer a huge range of decor, some extremely artsy, and some very pared back and minimal. The infinity pool, terraces and Michelin recommended restaurant are the icing on the cake!

For Romantics

• The Grand Hotel Vittoria is a gorgeous Belle Epoque villa, complete with manicured gardens that run all the way down to the beach. The decor is in keeping with the era of the hotel’s construction, and features gilt, brocade, pillars and double height ceilings, but with all the creature comforts we've all come to expect from a 21st century hotel too. The elegant pool terrace overlooks the water, and the hotel also has a spa.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest airport to Pesaro is in Rimini, which is a short drive along the coast. However Rimini’s airport isn’t linked to many international destinations and you might be better off using one of the larger local airports. Falconara Airport, which is just outside Ancona, is about 45 minutes away by car, or train; Bologna Airport is about an hour and a half away by car or taxi, or about two hours away by train; Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport is just over two hours by car, or about three hours by train; and Venice’s Marco Polo Airport is around three hours by car, or about three and a half by public transport. Pesaro has a station, so it’s possible to travel all the way by train.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• As with many coastal spots, spring and summer are the most popular times to visit Pesaro. Pesaro’s rainfall is spread throughout the year, and even during the winter months you can still anticipate some sunny days. Easter and Christmas are always wonderful celebrations in Italy, and there’s plenty to do here beyond the beach, but it does get chilly during winter, with a regular sprinkling of snow.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Le Marche
• Or consider one of the best places to stay in Ancona, which is a near neighbour along the coast to the south, or one of the best places to stay in Rimini, which is just along the coastline to the north.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.