This coastal town on Italy's Adriatic coast has a 2,000-year-old Roman arch, a 16th-century fortress, and sandy beaches along its 8-kilometer shoreline.
In Fano, you can walk through the triple-arched gateway of Augustus from 9 AD, swim at the Blue Flag beaches of Lido and Sassonia, or watch fishing boats return with their daily catch at sunset. The town comes alive during Italy's oldest carnival celebration in February, when 15-meter parade floats roll through streets filled with masked revelers, and again in July when 500 participants recreate Roman chariot races at the Fano dei Cesari festival.
Getting to Fano
Direct trains connect Fano's central station to Bologna (2.5 hours), Rimini (40 minutes), and Ancona (30 minutes). You can drive along the A14 motorway to reach other Adriatic coastal towns. Fano Airport serves private aircraft and flight schools.
Beaches of Fano
Walk west from the marina to find Lido's 2-kilometer sandy beach, or east for Sassonia's pebble shore. Both beaches have lifeguards, showers, changing rooms, and rows of umbrellas with lounge chairs. The central marina fills with activity when over 100 fishing boats return each evening.
Ancient Roman Architecture
Walk through the Arch of Augustus, built in 9 AD, where the Via Flaminia road meets the Adriatic Sea. Look for the original stone blocks and decorative details on this triple-arched gateway, then follow the Roman walls that stretch through the city center.
Medieval Buildings and Museums
Inside the 14th-century Malatesta Palace, the Civic Museum displays paintings by Guercino and Giovanni Santi across three floors. Climb the original watchtower for views across Fano, then walk to the Church of San Francesco to see the intricate marble tombs of Pandolfo III Malatesta and his wife.
Local Food and Drinks
Try brodetto alla fanese, a tomato-based fish stew that local fishermen make with 13 different types of Adriatic fish. Warm up with a moretta - a local drink combining coffee, rum, aniseed, and brandy, created by Fano's sailors. Visit in September for the Brodetto Fest, when regional chefs demonstrate traditional cooking techniques.
Annual Events
During February's carnival, children catch candy thrown from masked performers on 15-meter floats. The Fano dei Cesari in July transforms the city center with Roman reenactments, including chariot races and a historical parade with 500 participants. In summer, Jazz by the Sea brings musicians to perform in the main squares and historic theaters.
