Numana is the Solution for an Uncrowded Italian Beach Getaway

It’s understandable why so many flock to Italy in the summer, but the downside is it makes some of the country’s most popular destinations an overcrowded nightmare. And while there are some underrated beach towns near the French border, those beaches tend to be rockier. If you’re looking for a quintessential Italian beach town that will give you bright blue waters paired against white pebbles, Numana is the place to be.

Where is Numana?

I suppose you can’t visit if you don’t know where to go, right? Numana is located in the Province of Ancona in the wildly underrated Marche region. Numana is a small town with a population of less than 4,000, and is located directly on the Riviera del Conero, making it a perfect destination for an unspoiled Italian beach town.

What to do in Numana

Numana is a beach town, so naturally, you’ll want to head to the beach. The designated beach in town is The Beach of Numana Alta, but don’t limit yourself to just the one. Nearby Spiaggia dei Frati and Cala dei Gabbiani are equally worth venturing out to. The beaches of Numana and along the Riviera del Conero are typically white pebble or white sand, all contrasted with the vibrant blue hues of the Adriatic Sea.

Aside from the beach, you’ll want to actually get out on the water. Book a boat tour to get out in the sun, drink Prosecco, eat good food, and listen to Italian music while cruising along the Adriatic. If you’re feeling adventurous, try parasailing over the water. And for an activity dry on land, give into Italian stereotypes and take a Vespa tour.

• Fashion Tip: I’d highly recommend wearing a swimsuit that pops! Bright pink, orange, and yellow all contrast great against the blue water.

Where to stay in Numana

Numana for me was part of a larger tour of the Marche region with Uncover Untouched Italy, and the hotel I stayed at here was my absolute favorite. I stayed at Murè Hotel Numana which reminded me of a California beach house in Santa Barbara; think white and tan accents, seashell and seaside decor, and thoughtful touches like striped bedding that resembled that of a beach chair. The hotel was chic and artistic without being over-the-top. Aside from Murè, here are some good spots in town:

• Budget: Hotel Bellavista
• Mid-Range: Murè Hotel Numana (highly recommend); NUMA HOTEL
• Luxury: San Michele Relais & Spa (in Sirolo); Hotel Numana Palace

What to eat in Numana

Despite how small Numana is, the options for seaside fare are seemingly endless. Parasol is a great option for a bite while on the beach. For a nice restaurant with stunning views of the sea, head to Bocasalina Restaurant Numana, and sample an array of elevated seafood dishes. Wherever you go, make sure to try some local specialities of the Marche region. Olive all’ascolana is a deep fried olive stuffed with pork, cremini are simply fried sweet cream covered in breading with an almost sponge-like texture, and vincisgrassi is the region’s version of lasagna, as a layered pasta with meat and bechamel. Of course, when in Numana, you must also eat a lot of seafood.

If you’re willing to make about a 45 minute drive to Senigallia, it’s well worth it if you can snag a reservation at Uliassi. Uliassi just landed as No. 50 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurant List in 2024. Quite a big move for a small underrated part of Italy!

How to get to Numana

There is no train station in Numana. To get here, your best bet is to have a car, which I would recommend booking through Booking.com. Once you’re in town, walking around is an easy way to explore since Numana is fairly small, however, having a car will best allow you to explore some of the other nearby towns.

The nearest major hub is Ancona, which is the capital of the Marche region. Ancona is about a 20-25 minute drive from Numana. There is a train station in Ancona, as well as an airport, where you can arrange a private transfer to Numana if you don’t feel comfortable driving on the chaotic Italian roads.

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