• Number of Blue Flag beaches in Italy increases to 280 (FEE)
  • Le Marche region home to 17 of the cleanest Italian beaches (FEE)
  • Le Marche’s Petritoli 20 mins from three Blue Flag beaches and home to Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi

 The number of Italian beaches granted the prestigious international Blue Flag award has this year grown to 280. An increase of an impressive 11 beaches on 2014, when 269 met the strict requirements, those granted the accolade by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) are recognised as those locations with the very cleanest waters and the most pristine of sands.

Taking third place in this important listing, behind the more tourist-centric regions of Liguria (with 23) and Tuscany (with 18), is the somewhat more undiscovered region of Le Marche, a location that, although growing in popularity, manages to retain a true sense of authentic Italia. Having been granted Bandiera Blu, or Blue Flag, awards for 17 of their beaches for two years in a row, this is set to further increase the popularity of the beautiful region with visiting tourists and holiday home buyers alike.

Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, Founder of fractional ownership company Appassionata, whose latest project Casa Tre Archi islocated in Le Marche’s beautiful hilltop town of Petritoli, comments,

 “The stunning Le Marche region in which we have renovated a number of beautiful properties, including Casa Tre Archi, and that we are also lucky enough to call home, boasts 180km of Adriatic coastline, all of which is eye-catching and some of which is the proud recipient of the prestigious Blue Flag award. With it being said that the granting of such an accolade can increase regional tourism by some 35%, this can only spell good things for a region that has so very much to offer to visitors, locals and those looking to purchase a base for their holidays in the wonderful Italy.”

As Dawn references, from Petritoli’s hilltop position, three of Le Marche’s Blue Flag beaches are within easy reach, all less than a twenty minute drive away. Of Fermo’s four beaches referenced by the 2015 awards, both Porto San Giorgio and Pedaso are easily reached by car from Petritoli, joining the commune of Ascoli Piceno’s three, one of which, Grottammare, is close by too.

Many of the coasts’ golden sandy beaches are protected by small rocky breakwaters, making the sun-kissed Adriatic waters safe for all the family to swim in and for those looking for something a little more adventurous, there are various water sports on offer, from sailing to windsurfing, scuba diving to fishing.

With Petritoli being one such standout hilltop town, Appassionata’s Casa Tre Archi is built into the ancient walls of the town, with the traditional rough-hewn brickwork a unique and beautiful feature of the lounge which, like all of the townhouse, is impeccably attired with furniture and fittings individually-sourced locally to provide a luxurious but homely feel.

The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom property enjoys outdoor space on three levels and even has a spectacular 50m² roof terrace with views across Petritoli, the rolling countryside, and sea views, making the very most of the region’s award-winning coastline. With beamed ceilings and traditional terracotta floors, Casa Tre Archi is ideally situated close to shops, restaurants and cafes too.

The property is offered as part of a fractional ownership scheme and shares of 1/10th of the property, offering five weeks’ exclusive use annually, are available from £70,000.

 For more information, contact Appassionata on +39 33154 13225 or visit www.appassionata.com.