Pesaro, with its golden beaches and rich cultural heritage, is a city that rewards slow exploration. Start in Piazza del Popolo, the elegant heart of the city, framed by Renaissance arcades and the stately Palazzo Ducale, once home to the powerful Della Rovere family. From here, wander toward the Rocca Costanza, a 15th-century fortress whose thick walls and moat recall Pesaro’s days of strategic importance.

Art lovers should visit the Musei Civici inside Palazzo Mosca, which houses an impressive collection of paintings, ceramics, and the famous Pesaro Altarpiece by Giovanni Bellini. Just a short walk away stands the Casa Rossini, birthplace of the celebrated composer Gioachino Rossini, where memorabilia and exhibitions bring his life and music to life.

For a touch of spirituality and architecture, the Cathedral of Pesaro offers a striking blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with floor mosaics dating back to the early Christian period. Nearby, the Sant’Agostino Church and San Giovanni Battista Church showcase ornate facades and treasured artworks.

If you’re drawn to the sea, head to the long sandy beaches of the Lungomare promenade. Here you’ll find the modern Sfera Grande sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro, a bronze sphere that has become one of Pesaro’s most recognizable symbols. For panoramic views, take a trip to Monte San Bartolo Natural Park, where coastal cliffs and winding trails offer breathtaking scenery and charming hilltop villages like Fiorenzuola di Focara.

Evenings in Pesaro are perfect for strolling along the waterfront, enjoying fresh Adriatic seafood, and perhaps catching a performance during the Rossini Opera Festival if you visit in summer. With its blend of art, history, seaside relaxation, and musical tradition, Pesaro is a city that offers something to enchant every traveler.