Day trips with kids
Gabicce Monte and Gabicce Mare with kids from Pesaro
Updated 1 November 2026. Half a day or a full day between the village on the headland and the beach below the hill: how to get there from Pesaro, what to see and what to know if you travel with children and a stroller.
Gabicce Monte and Gabicce Mare: two villages in one
Gabicce is really two places: Gabicce Monte, the old village on the San Bartolo headland, and Gabicce Mare, the seaside resort below the hill, which ends where the Tavollo stream separates it from Cattolica and the Romagna region. With children it works best as a two-part trip: the view up top first, then the beach or the promenade below.
How to get there from Pesaro
By car, on the Panoramic road. Leave Pesaro towards San Bartolo Park and follow the road along the ridge, through Santa Marina Alta, Fiorenzuola di Focara and Casteldimezzo, before reaching Gabicce Monte. It is the most beautiful route, but it is narrow, with many bends and lots of cyclists: allow roughly half an hour or more, not counting stops. If anyone gets car sick, take a break halfway.
By car, on the SS16. This is the quickest route to Gabicce Mare: from central Pesaro it usually takes 20-25 minutes without traffic. From there a short but steep road climbs to Gabicce Monte. Times are approximate: in summer and at weekends always check your sat nav.
By bus or shuttle. In past summers there has been a free shuttle linking Pesaro and Gabicce Mare through the San Bartolo villages, organised by the two municipalities and the Park with the bus company Adriabus, as reported by il Resto del Carlino (in Italian). Days and times change from year to year and it does not run off-season: check the current timetable on the municipality or Adriabus website before you go. See also our guide to Pesaro's free shuttles.
Gabicce Monte: the viewpoint and the church
The square in Gabicce Monte is a natural terrace over the sea: you can see Gabicce Mare, Cattolica and, on clear days, much of the Romagna coast. For kids this is the “wow” moment of the trip: there is room to stop, watch the boats and take a few photos with no effort.
Next to the square stands the small church of Sant'Ermete, of ancient origin, which the Italian tourism portal italia.it (in Italian) lists among the village's sights. Opening hours are not fixed: if you want to go in, check on the spot. The village is tiny and takes just a few minutes to explore, so it is ideal even with very young children.
Gabicce Mare: beach and promenade
Gabicce Mare has a sandy beach sheltered by the headland, with equipped beach clubs and free stretches. The pedestrian promenade is flat and easy with a stroller and leads to the canal harbour on the Tavollo, where children enjoy watching the fishing boats. In summer a tourist train also runs from Gabicce Mare up to Gabicce Monte: handy with tired kids, but it is seasonal, so check whether it is running.
Vallugola cove
Just south of Gabicce Monte, a small road drops down to Vallugola cove, a little bay with a tiny harbour inside San Bartolo Park (in Italian). It is one of the most striking corners of the coast, but the beach is shingle and pebbles: small children will need water shoes. The road is narrow and the car park fills up in summer: arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Family tips
- Strollers: perfect on the Gabicce Mare promenade; walking up to Gabicce Monte is steep and tiring. Drive or take the train up and keep a baby carrier for narrow stretches.
- Care on the Panoramic road: in many stretches there is no pavement or verge, and cars and cyclists pass by. It is not a road to walk with children: stop only in lay-bys and car parks.
- Timing: with kids the easiest plan is the view at Gabicce Monte in the morning, then beach or ice cream at Gabicce Mare in the afternoon.
- What to bring: water, sun hats and sunscreen in summer; a windproof jacket in other months, as the headland is often windy.
Off-season and winter
From October to spring Gabicce is much quieter: the views are still there and the promenade is pleasant for a walk. However, many beach clubs, beach bars, the tourist train and some restaurants are closed, and the summer shuttle does not run. Check what is open before you go, especially if you plan to have lunch there.
Combine it with San Bartolo Park
If you take the Panoramic road, you can stop at Fiorenzuola di Focara or Casteldimezzo on the way: find ideas in our San Bartolo Park with children guide. Nuovo Fiore is at Via Barignani 60, in Pesaro's historic centre: easy to set off in the morning and be back in town for dinner.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Pesaro to Gabicce Mare?
By car from central Pesaro along the SS16 it usually takes about 20-25 minutes without traffic; the San Bartolo Panoramic road takes longer because of the bends. These are rough times: check them on your sat nav.
Can you get to Gabicce without a car?
In past summers there has been a free Pesaro–Gabicce Mare shuttle through San Bartolo Park, run with the bus company Adriabus. Days and times change every year: check with the municipality or the bus company first.
Is Gabicce Monte suitable for a stroller?
The square and viewpoint are, but walking up from Gabicce Mare is steep and along the Panoramic road there is no pavement in many stretches. It is better to drive up or take the summer tourist train, and bring a baby carrier for narrow sections.
Is Vallugola cove good for small children?
It is a small pebble and shingle cove inside San Bartolo Park: beautiful, but less comfortable than the sand at Gabicce Mare. Bring water shoes for little ones; the access road is narrow and in summer the car park fills up early.
Is Gabicce worth it in winter?
Yes for the views and a walk, but off-season many beach clubs, beach bars and the tourist train are closed. Check what is open before you go.
Read also: Nuovo Fiore · San Bartolo Park with children · Pesaro beaches