Beaches of Cupra Marittima

With more than 2.5 kilometers of coastline, there are plenty of beaches backed by swaying palms to make everyone happy. Whether you want open space without development where beaches are free, or you want the services of a concession that provide umbrellas, sun beds, snack bars or restaurants, there are beaches for all preferences here. The concessions in this part of the country are -oddly enough- called "chalet" instead of the usual "lido". Much of the waterfront is occupied by these concessions but there are some free beaches (we tell you where below).

There is a bike and walking path that leads south from town, so if you want seclusion, go down that way and find a free beach where crowds are thinner. In town, there is a mix of free open beaches (though some provide free showers) and the "chalets" that give you services (changing cabins, umbrellas, sun beds, showers, bars, food, and sometimes play areas for the kids, beach volleyball and the like.) The water tends to be shallow and deepens very gradually.

The beach sand ranges from course to fine sand with a mix of pebbles, and if you go to the free beach where they do not rake the shoreline daily, shell seekers can find some pretty shells and sea glass. Some nice free beaches are found in Via Tomasso da Marano, whre there is some green space and a pair of parks (one called Parco Padre Martelli, for reference). Here you can lay on the grass, or on the sand, which is less wide than some other spots. In Viale Giuseppe Romita there is a stretch of sandy free beach. Otherwise, you'll have to go to the south, between chalets La Perla and Gabry, and between Gabry and Il Borghetto chalet. Then, further south, on both sides of chalet Pine' are lengths of undeveloped beach. You'll have to park on the state road (SS 18) and you'll likely spot some other cars to tell you where there is an underpass walkway below the railroad tracks.

There are many "chalet" to choose from. A few we think are worthwhile are listed here.

If food is more important to you than the beach itself, then Chalet Cristal Beach is for you. Chef Pietro Prichio' presides over the kitchen to bring you appetizing and innovative meals from the fresh catch and area's produce. Open year-round, they have indoor dining as well as ample outdoor terrace and in summer put tables right on the sand in the evening. They also offer aperitivi. Plus, it is a beach chalet, so there are umbrellas, sun beds and showers.

Flammini Beach Chalet has umbrellas and sun beds or sling chairs with a little more space between them than most, changing rooms, hot showers, and a bar/snack bar. Sand is super-clean and they have wheelchair access to the water, one of the few in the area to do so. Via Nazario Sauro 14

Along the bike path north of town, Chalet Alta Marea comes with parking, kids play area, and a nice restaurant and bar. Dogs are permitted.

A little upscale, Chalet Sea Life has clean, fine sand, umbrellas and sun beds or sling chairs, and an excellent restaurant. The bar serves breakfast and snacks, while the dining room, with its wall of windows that can slide open for the sea breezes, is more refined and the chef turns out impressive plates with the fresh catch. Comfy terrace seating for aperitivi is nice, too.

Chalet Gabry is "above average" and nice, with its white umbrellas and teal sun beds, along with free parking, bar and restaurant and the services you expect. Their selling point is the "maxi ombrellone" - big jute umbrellas that fit the sun beds and a table and chairs, so you can have the space to dine there on the beach, or play cards. They also have some cabanas -big mattress "cubes" with curtains to block the sun, at the back where they are set against the foliage and palms. The restaurant is notable, and at night they turn the beach into an open-air eatery with tables on the sand with candelight and the music of the waves.

There are certainly many more chalets and free beaches to find!