Weekend in Pesaro

Pesaro's eastern free beach, a mix of sand and pebbles stretching about 1 km. No sunbeds or umbrellas for rent – just open shoreline with basic showers and a few bars. Clean water

Tip: The less crowded section starts 100 metres past Bagno 25 towards the port, where locals lay towels directly on the sand. Bring water shoes – the pebbles get hot by midday.

Pomodoro's large bronze sphere sculpture sits on Piazzale della Libertà right on the seafront. It's cracked open, revealing a complex interior of gears and shapes. A local icon sin

Tip: Best viewed from the beach side at low tide when you can walk right under it. In summer, there's often free evening music events on the adjacent lawn.

The main square of Pesaro, lined with Renaissance-era buildings including the Palazzo Ducale and Palazzo Comunale. It's a paved open space used for markets and events, with a central fountain and outd

Tip: Go just before sunset when the light catches the brick facades. If you want a cheap coffee, skip the square's cafes and walk 50 metres down Via Borgolungo to Bar Commercio.

A protected coastal nature reserve stretching 12 km from Pesaro to Gabicce Monte. Cliffs, Mediterranean scrub, walking trails and viewpoints over the Adriatic. Wild boar, buzzards and orchids in seaso

Tip: Start at the ancient washhouse (Lavatoio) in the Fiorenzuola di Focara hamlet and follow trail No. 1 east – it's the easiest path and gives the best sea views. Doable in comfy shoes in 1 hour. No water fountains on the trail.

City museums inside a 17th-century palace. Houses Giovanni Bellini's 'Coronation of the Virgin' altarpiece (Pesaro's most famous painting) plus ceramics, archaeological finds and local history exhibit

Tip: Free entry on the first Sunday of each month. Even if you don't go inside, the courtyard and ground floor hall are open and worth a peek. The ticket is valid for 7 days for all municipal museums.