THE BEACHES
The beach of Porto Potenza Picena is very wide and has received the Blue Flag prize for several years. It is a 3-kilometre sandy waterfront promenade having no equal in the area and that alternates stretches of free beach with bathing establishments equipped with every comfort. Even in high season there is plenty of room for everyone, unlike the crowd you can find in the most popular locations. The beach is clean and wide, with fine and soft sand, and it is the ideal place for a relaxing walk along the shore, with your feet immersed in crystalline water and your eyes lost in the azure horizon of the sea. Even the younger ones can play and have fun without any restrictions thanks to shallow water. Beaches are also accessible to people with disabilities.
A STROLL ALONG THE SEAFRONT PROMENADE
Absolutely not to miss is a walk in complete safety along the waterfront promenade, recently embellished by trees, benches, viewpoints, small wooden bridges and the construction of a long and wide paved path, situated between the main road and the lidos. These last, for the most part, have small restaurants that come alive and offer shows and live music on summer evenings. The walk is highly recommended not only in summer but also on all sunny days in spring!
THE CLAMS FESTIVAL
The traditional Clam Festival (Sagra delle vongole) of Porto Potenza Picena is by definition the eno-gastronomic event of its inhabitants. The festival offers typical dishes based on clams, such as spaghetti with clams, seafood spaghetti and a traditional local specialty, clams “alla carrettiera” which combines clams, potatoes and sausages. Also in this event there is the collaboration with the local wineries that offer their highly appreciated wines.
TO TASTE THE “BRODETTO DI PESCE” (FISH SOUP)
During the month of July, for three nights, the local Pro Loco organizes the “tasting of the Brodetto of Porto Potenza Picena”, in collaboration with some local restaurateurs, in the Arena Florida. Tourists can taste the delicious variations of the brodetto proposed by the chefs who compete in a pan for the greatest number of prepared dishes during the well-established event. The brodetto is served in an earthenware bowl, on a slice of polenta. The expectations of even the most demanding palates are satisfied and every evening hundreds of people attend the event and many return more evenings to taste all the various recipes offered. Highly appreciated wines, offered by the local wineries, accompany the brodetto, just like every good dish.
A VISIT TO VILLA BUONACCORSI
Villa Buonaccorsi is located on the hills around the village of Potenza Picena. It is a splendid eighteenth-century villa, the summer residence of a powerful family of the Macerata area. The interior of the villa are fascinating and suggestive thanks to the sumptuous decorations of its large hall but the peculiar aspect of this villa is its Garden Park. There are five degrading terraces, of different styles, linked by a staircase. You can spend an afternoon in an atmosphere that is almost fairy-tale like, walking among rare plants, fragrant lemon trees, fountains and water games, niches and obelisks. There is also a small theatre with automated puppets and a small church. In summer the villa houses theatrical and musical performances.
THE CHURCH OF ST. ANNA
The church of St. Anna is located near the Port Tower and, together with it, constitutes one of the most important historical elements of the village. After the demolition of the previous one, the church was rebuilt in Neo-Gothic style, on a design by the architect Eusebio Petetti in 1926. It houses an interesting canvas depicting “the Virgin with the Child between the saints Joaquin and Anne” of the seventeenth century, attributed to the painter Giandomenico Cerrini, better known as Cavalier Perugino (Perugia 1609 – Rome 1681).
A WALK IN THE PONDS PARK (PARCO DEI LAGHETTI)
The Ponds Park is located north of Porto Potenza Picena. It is a very nice place easy to reach from the centre using a foot and bike path. It is a true oasis of peace where you can see some small lakes surrounded by a wooded park, famous for the richness of its flora, providing shelter for 158 species of birds. It is an ideal place where you can spend a moment of serenity walking in the middle of nature. We recommend it to everyone, in particular to those looking for a place regenerating body and soul.
