Matelica(Italy) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Mattirica, highly recommended is Hotel Villa Fiorita, a boutique hotel blending traditional stone architecture with panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. It offers authentic Italian breakfasts and features a private garden and terrace perfect for sunset views over the Marche hills. Another excellent choice is B&B La Corte dei Sogni, located in the historic center near the Church of the Assumption, renowned for its vintage décor and family-style hospitality. Both provide immersive cultural experiences for travelers seeking authenticity.

The best area for stays is the Old Town (Centro Storico), nestled around the Medieval Square and Town Hall. Its narrow, cobblestone streets exude rustic charm, and most attractions are within walking distance. Many guesthouses and small hotels are housed in restored 18th-century homes, preserving original timber beams and hand-painted frescoes. Staying near the Church of the Assumption grants easy access to daily masses and weekend artisan markets, ideal for cultural immersion.

Each September, Mattirica hosts the Festa della Assunzione, its most iconic festival featuring traditional parades, folk music, and craft fairs. Locals dress in 18th-century attire, showcasing Marche-region embroidery and pottery. Visitors can also join wine-tasting workshops at local family-run vineyards, learning to produce Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, a hallmark of central Italian winemaking. These events offer deep insight into rural Italian life and heritage.

Mattirica lies at the foot of the Monti Ascani Mountains, offering scenic hiking trails and forest paths. Head to Punta di Verruca Viewpoint for sweeping vistas of the Adriatic coastline and turquoise waters. In summer, take a boat trip to the Isole del Mare Adriatico, hidden coves and limestone caves—some protected as ecological reserves—ideal for snorkeling and nature exploration. The region’s biodiversity makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Must-try dishes include Brodetto alla Mattirichese, a rich fish stew made with fresh bass and octopus, served with pasta. Local specialties also feature handmade Tagliatelle al Tartufo and dark rye bread. Afterward, visit Caffè dell'Orso for desserts—especially the Sfogliatella di Mattirica, a flaky pastry filled with almond-honey filling. These culinary delights reflect the town’s coastal and agricultural roots.

Though a small town, Mattirica is accessible via Ancona Falconara Airport (70 km away), reachable by bus or car rental. No rail service exists, but two daily Regional Bus lines connect to Ancona and Pesaro. Renting a car or electric vehicle is recommended for exploring mountain villages and seaside towns. The town center is pedestrian-only, with parking available at the Church Parking Lot or East Gate Car Park.

Absolutely. Mattirica offers family-friendly activities like children's trails and farm experiences such as La Fattoria di San Giacomo, where kids can milk goats and make cheese. The Piazza hosts outdoor film screenings and children’s theater every Friday. Most hotels provide cribs and child-friendly menus; some even feature playrooms and sandpits. Safe, quiet streets and low traffic make it ideal for families with young children.

Nightlife in Mattirica is peaceful and intimate. Main gathering spots include Bar Piazza and Cantina del Sole, serving local wines and tapas, often with live folk music. Every Friday, guests enjoy Cena sotto le stelle—an open-air dinner under the stars, prepared by local chefs. Some cafés also host poetry readings and art exhibitions, creating a warm, artistic atmosphere perfect for those who appreciate slow living.

Visit Via Roma’s artisan shops, such as Bottega Artigiana Mattirichese, selling handmade ceramics, embroidered textiles, and natural dye products. The weekly Mercato Contadino at the square features fresh produce, wild honey, and homemade olive oil. For gifts, the souvenir shop near the Church of the Assumption offers limited-edition religious statues and handmade paper lanterns—all crafted locally, reflecting genuine regional craftsmanship.

Seasonal highlights include the Vine Blossom Festival (Festa della Vite) in spring, celebrating pruning techniques and wine tasting; Estivo in Riviera in summer, a beach music festival along the Adriatic coast; Pumpkin Festival (Festa del Cavolo Nero) in autumn, centered on local black cabbage cuisine; and the Christmas Market (Mercatino di Natale) in winter, adorned with lights and handmade decorations, creating a festive, nostalgic ambiance.