Sambenedettese Playbook: Your Unrivalled Calcio Experience by the Beach

The town of San Benedetto del Tronto is in sharp contrast to the football team that represents it in the third tier of the Italian game.

The town is tranquil, quiet and perfect for a gentle stroll along the seafront as the waves wash against the long stretch of sandy beach. Going to see Sambenedettese is a rather different vibe.

Samb have a reputation for being among the most passionate supporters in the land, and their Stadio Riviera Delle Palme bounces during matches.

Having spent most of their existence in the lower echelons of the Italian football pyramid, Sambenedettese are not that well known by calcio tourists. Yet any trip to San Benedetto should include a day watching the Rossoblu.

The town holds the distinction of having the stadium that is closest to a beach in Italy, so you could still be brushing off sand as you enter the Delle Palme.

San Benedetto is very much a summer destination. Going in the months outside of May to September is a very different experience, although you will have more choice when it comes to fixtures and it can make for a nice change if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life in nearby Ancona or Pescara. 

Here is all you need to know.

Where To Stay

The ideal place to be is along the seafront, with hotels lined up on the promenade. Staying in this part of town, with the stadium so close to the beach, is perfect in the warmer months when going to a game at night after a few hours lounging around. AirBnb is also an option, with plenty of choice close to the shore.

Where To Eat

San Benedetto is teeming with fresh fish, and seafood is very much the name of the game in this part of Italy.

Il Corallo along the lungomare should be your first port of call. With a splendid view of the Adriatic, it is no surprise that Il Corallo’s menu is seafood heavy. The tagliatella with monkfish and scampi sauce was a particular highlight.

For something that doesn’t come out of the sea, look no further than Bianca by Don Franchino. Opened up in the town in the past few years, it has quickly earned a reputation for being one of the best pizzerias in San Benedetto. Try the Nutella pizza as a dessert, it tastes a lot better than it sounds.

Il Cibo along Viale Europa is another great option for a spot of lunch, with the risotto marinara and chitarrine ragu our favourites.

Where To Drink

The place for a drink before going to see Sambenedettese is The Old Spirit Pub on Via Gioacchino Pizzi. This is where many of the fanatical supporters congregate. An old-school pub, the inside is covered in football memorabilia and the selection of beer on tap is impressive. In the hours before kick-off, the atmosphere intensifies as more and more fans pile in before setting off for the Delle Palme.

If you want something a little more tranquil, then Harbour – Distilleria Del Porto is worth checking out. Open from evening into the early hours, this cocktail bar is the perfect venue to end the day with a nice aperitif in an intimate setting.

If you’re a beer expert, than Birlandia on Via Laureati is a good shout. The fridges are stacked with bottles from around the globe and there are more on tap. They take beer seriously here.

Don’t Forget

Tickets – Available through the club’s official authoriser – Vivaticket – and can be bought in the days leading up to games. Tickets start at €10.

When picking up tickets at the stadium or at the office, remember ID.

Kick-off times can be moved at short notice, so bear that in mind when arranging a trip far in advance.

Merchandise – All of Samb’s shirts and other official items can be bought on the club’s website. Their store is on Via Fiscaletti 8, is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Did You Know?

Walter Zenga, goalkeeper for Italy and Scudetto winner with Inter Milan, played for the club from 1980 to 1982. Other famous alumni include Gigi Cagni and 1982 World Cup winner Franco Causio.

Getting There

San Benedetto doesn’t have an airport, so the best way to reach the town is from the cities either side of it: Ancona or Pescara. Ryanair flies to both from the UK. Hire a car if arriving late at night.

If travelling from within Italy, San Benedetto has a train station, which is connected to cities such as Ancona, Pescara and further afield to Rimini. 

Need Another Football Fix?

Ancona and Pescara are a one-hour drive either side of San Benedetto. Ascoli, Samb’s heated rivals, are half an hour away on the train.