Recanati Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan your trip to the historic town in Marche
Table of Contents
Recanati
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Latest page update: 21 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Recanati
Recanati offers a good range of established hotels that reflect the town’s cultural appeal and position within the rolling hills of the Province of Macerata. Many of the best-rated options combine historical character with modern comfort, providing convenient access to the town’s landmarks and surrounding countryside.
Gallery Hotel Recanati is the leading choice, housed in a converted historic building in the heart of town, offering stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace and excellent service (€€€). Hotel La Ginestra provides comfortable, modern accommodation close to the historic centre, appreciated for its cleanliness, parking facilities and friendly atmosphere (€€). For a quieter stay in the nearby hills, Agriturismo Raggioverde in Recanati offers hotel-style comfort with panoramic views, a pool and strong guest feedback for its setting and hospitality (€€).
Gallery Hotel Recanati is the leading choice, housed in a converted historic building in the heart of town, offering stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace and excellent service (€€€). Hotel La Ginestra provides comfortable, modern accommodation close to the historic centre, appreciated for its cleanliness, parking facilities and friendly atmosphere (€€). For a quieter stay in the nearby hills, Agriturismo Raggioverde in Recanati offers hotel-style comfort with panoramic views, a pool and strong guest feedback for its setting and hospitality (€€).
Where is
Where is Recanati?
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The hill town of Recanati is situated in the Province of Macerata. It has a population of around 21,000 inhabitants and stands at an elevation of 296 metres above sea level.
Places of interest nearby include Loreto, Osimo, Porto Recanati, Castelfidardo and Marcelli, while the recommended accommodation for Recanati is the Country House Le Meraviglie. |
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Comune di Recanati
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Province: Macerata
Region: Marche Population: 20,696 (in 2024 - source) Size: 103 km² Elevation: 296 metres Close by: Loreto, Osimo, Porto Recanati, Castelfidardo, Marcelli |
What People Ask About Recanati
Is Recanati worth visiting?
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Discover
Discover Recanati
Set on a hill between the Potenza and Musone valleys, Recanati is a historic town in the central Marche region, overlooking the rolling countryside that stretches towards the Adriatic Sea. Its elevated position provides broad views of the surrounding hills and coastline, while the compact centre retains its medieval and Renaissance layout, with elegant palazzi, narrow lanes, and open terraces. The town’s atmosphere reflects both its noble past and its enduring role as a cultural centre in the Marche.
Recanati is best known as the birthplace of the poet Giacomo Leopardi, whose family home, the Casa Leopardi, now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and works. The Piazza Leopardi, with its neoclassical Town Hall and the Torre del Borgo, forms the heart of civic life, while the Cathedral of San Flaviano and the Church of Santa Maria di Castelnuovo reveal its deep historical roots. The Civic Art Gallery, housed in the Palazzo Ricci, includes works by Lorenzo Lotto, linking Recanati to the artistic traditions of the Renaissance. Positioned near Loreto and Potenza Picena, the town combines literary heritage, art, and sweeping views across the central Marche landscape.
Recanati is best known as the birthplace of the poet Giacomo Leopardi, whose family home, the Casa Leopardi, now serves as a museum dedicated to his life and works. The Piazza Leopardi, with its neoclassical Town Hall and the Torre del Borgo, forms the heart of civic life, while the Cathedral of San Flaviano and the Church of Santa Maria di Castelnuovo reveal its deep historical roots. The Civic Art Gallery, housed in the Palazzo Ricci, includes works by Lorenzo Lotto, linking Recanati to the artistic traditions of the Renaissance. Positioned near Loreto and Potenza Picena, the town combines literary heritage, art, and sweeping views across the central Marche landscape.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Recanati
- Centro Storico di Recanati is a refined hill town where narrow medieval streets wind among elegant houses, noble palaces, and terracotta rooftops. Brick façades, graceful arcades, and spacious piazzas bring dignity and artistic charm to the traditional architecture. The town stands high on a ridge in the Marche region, surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and distant views of the Adriatic Sea. Its atmosphere blends vibrant town life with literary heritage and noble history.
- Cattedrale di San Flaviano rises prominently in Recanati, with a dignified façade and a serene, luminous interior. Inside are marble altars, refined frescoes, and elegant architectural details reflecting centuries of devotion. The cathedral remains central to religious life and local tradition. It’s a tranquil and inspiring place to visit while exploring Recanati’s historic streets.
- Piazza Leopardi serves as the social and cultural heart of Recanati, edged with noble buildings, lively cafés, and inviting benches. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, festivals, and animated conversations. Outdoor seating offers views of grand façades and the monument dedicated to Giacomo Leopardi. The square reflects the vibrant yet authentic rhythm of life in this Marche town.
- Casa Leopardi is the birthplace of Italy’s great poet Giacomo Leopardi, preserved as a museum showcasing manuscripts, personal objects, and the vast family library. Touring the house offers insight into Leopardi’s life and the intellectual atmosphere of his time. It’s a highlight for literary enthusiasts and those seeking a deeper connection to Recanati’s cultural identity.
- Guided historical and cultural tours in Recanati explore medieval alleys, noble palaces, and panoramic trails overlooking the Marche landscape. Local guides share stories about noble families, artistic figures, and the town’s links to poetry and music. Tours often include tastings of local wines, olive oil, and Marche specialities. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the cultural richness and poetic spirit of this region.
Tours and Activities
Recanati Tours and Activities
Marche Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Marche
1. Urbino
2. Conero Peninsula
3. Ascoli Piceno
4. Fano
5. Gradara
6. Frasassi Caves
7. Senigallia
8. Corinaldo
9. San Benedetto del Tronto
10. Ripatransone
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Marche
1. Urbino
2. Conero Peninsula
3. Ascoli Piceno
4. Fano
5. Gradara
6. Frasassi Caves
7. Senigallia
8. Corinaldo
9. San Benedetto del Tronto
10. Ripatransone
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Marche
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Recanati
By Rail: The nearest train station to Recanati is in Porto Recanati, approximately 10 kilometres away. The station lies on the Adriatic line between Bologna and Lecce, operated by Trenitalia, with frequent regional services. Trains from Porto Recanati reach Ancona in about 35 minutes and Pescara in roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Buses and taxis connect Porto Recanati with Recanati throughout the day.
By Road: Recanati is located in the province of Macerata, Marche, set a few kilometres inland from the Adriatic coast. From Ancona, the drive is around 35 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes via the A14 motorway and SP77. From Macerata, it is approximately 20 kilometres and takes roughly 25 minutes by car. Parking is available near the historic centre and along the main approach roads.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Recanati is located in the province of Macerata, Marche, set a few kilometres inland from the Adriatic coast. From Ancona, the drive is around 35 kilometres and takes about 30 minutes via the A14 motorway and SP77. From Macerata, it is approximately 20 kilometres and takes roughly 25 minutes by car. Parking is available near the historic centre and along the main approach roads.
Nearest International Airports:
- Ancona Falconara Airport: Approximately 40 kilometres from Recanati, with a driving time of around 35 minutes via the A14 motorway. It is the closest airport, offering domestic and short-haul international flights.
- Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport: Located about 135 kilometres west, taking roughly 2 hours by car via the SS77. A good alternative for visitors arriving from central Italy.
- Pescara Abruzzo Airport: Around 150 kilometres south, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours via the A14 motorway. Suitable for travellers from southern and coastal regions.
Private Transfers
Recanati Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to reach Recanati or continue your journey from the town to other destinations in the Marche region and beyond. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey without the need for public transport or car hire.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Ancona Falconara Airport, offering a reliable option for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Recanati generally takes around 40 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Loreto, Porto Recanati, and Macerata, or to destinations further afield such as Fermo, Ascoli Piceno, and Perugia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Private transfers can be arranged to and from Ancona Falconara Airport, offering a reliable option for both arrivals and departures. The journey from the airport to Recanati generally takes around 40 to 45 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Transfers can also be organised to Loreto, Porto Recanati, and Macerata, or to destinations further afield such as Fermo, Ascoli Piceno, and Perugia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
