La Torre Sopra

Montalto delle Marche lies between the Adriatic Coast and the Sibillini National Park. The nearest blue flag beaches of Grottammare, San Benedetto and Pedaso are 25 minutes away and the National Park which is popular with walkers and mountain bikers is 35 minutes inland. The town has a population of about 2500 so is well serviced with a number of shops, restaurants, local bars, a post office, newsagent, grocer, butcher, bank etc. The town is 25 minutes from the provincial capital of Ascoli Piceno which is famous for its architecture, old travertine marble squares, churches, museums and is thought to be older than Rome. It is also packed with boutiques and cafe bars so is perfect for people watching. The Frasassi Caves, thought to be the largest limestone caves in Europe are well worth a visit - they have frequent tours during the summer months. Rome can easily be visited on a day trip and there are air conditioned buses from Grottamare to the centre of Rome daily. The town of Loreto is within easy reach and here you can see the House of Nazareth where Mary was born and is a focal point for pilgrims throughout the world. Assisi in Umbria is a good daytrip and you can see the tomb of St Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Italy.