Fermo

Understand

The town of Fermo rests atop the summit of a hill, overlooking the Tenna River and providing a breathtaking view of the countryside. The antiquity of the town is perhaps its most striking feature; remains of cyclopean walls, ancient architectural sites, and an intricate system of thirty well-preserved Roman cisterns all contribute to the historical richness of Fermo. Its rich ancient heritage, beautiful architecture and landscape, and exciting social lifestyle make Fermo a very attractive tourist destination, especially for those tourists who prefer to travel “off the beaten path.”

Getting there

For domestic travelers or for those who live within driving distance, it is easiest and most cost effective to reach Fermo by car. International travelers have a variety of options while traveling to Fermo. Many travelers to Fermo will find that they require multiple mode of transportation to reach their destination. Most commonly, air travel is used in combination with travel by car (rental), bus, or railway.

By plane Although Fermo does not have its own airport, there are two airports in Italy that are reasonably close by. The more accessible of the two for international travelers is located Rome; it is the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, or in Italian, Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci di Fiumicino. The other airport, located in Ancona, is much closer to Fermo but it is very small and not a direct option for those traveling from outside of Europe. It is possible, however, to arrive at the Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome, and then board a connecting flight to Ancona Airport]. Regardless of which airport one arrives at, additional travel is necessary to reach Fermo. The most popular options are rental car and train.

By car This is an attractive option for those who do not wish to adhere to a strict time schedule, as is sometimes necessary with travel by train or bus. A rental car, while expensive, is often the quickest way to arrive in Fermo. A rental car can be acquired from a number of companies that operate through either airport, with prices starting at around $45 or €50 per day. From Rome, Fermo is approximately a 2.5 hour drive. Driving from Ancona takes around one hour. It is important to note that tolls do exist en route to Fermo from both locations, which must be paid using cash.

By train It is possible to travel by rail from Rome to Fermo, but a change in train is necessary. Most commonly, rail travelers will take the train from Rome to Ancona, and then from Ancona to Porto San Giorgio, which is a short bus ride away from Fermo.

Getting around

Tourists have a variety of options for getting around in Fermo.

By foot For short distances, walking is the best way to get from place to place in Fermo. Tourists will find that the town of Fermo is a very walk-able destination. Walking around also allows tourists in Fermo to really get to experience the beautiful town and its friendly, hospitable inhabitants. Since the walled town is on a steep hill, three public lifts are available (for free) to help reach the top of the town. If a distance is too lengthy to walk, consider biking, using the town bus service, or renting a car.

By bike For short to medium distances, biking is a great way to get around in Fermo. It is also a popular mode of transport used by the locals. If it is not possible to bring a bike with you to Fermo, there are several bike rental services available in the town. Oftentimes hotels in the area will provide this service for their guests. Most of these services allow for hourly or daily use, and they are fairy inexpensive.

By bus Bus services are available for going lengthier distances in Fermo. Bus travel in Fermo is fairly straightforward, inexpensive and quick. Buses are also a great way to get to and from towns close by to Fermo. Tourists should definitely take advantage bus services when they wish to explore the surrounding areas. It is important to note that most buses do not run on Sundays in the area.

By car Several car rental companies are located within the town of Fermo. These companies are fairly small and only have a limited number of cars available to rent on a daily basis, so if possible try to book your rental well in advance. Some hotels in the area offer a car rental service for their guests. One should also note that driving in Italy is often difficult, espcially for foreigners, due to unfamiliar traffic patterns and notoriously speedy Italian drivers.

See

There are many interesting things to see in the town of Fermo. First and foremost, a tourist in Fermo should simply take in all of the beautiful scenery that the town has to offer. From countryside to coastline, Fermo’s breathtaking landscape is sure to captivate any tourist. There are also several historical sites that are worthwhile to visit. Below are a few of the most popular places for tourists to visit.

Duomo di Fermo – This magnificent 13th century cathedral, which rises in the most elevated part of the town, is a fine example of asymmetrical Romanesque-Gothic architecture. It boasts a richly decorated interior and a beautiful rose window over the main entrance. One can enjoy breathtaking views of the countryside from well-maintained gardens that surround the cathedral. Piazza del Popolo – This large main square is the heart of Fermo. It is surrounded by colonnaded municipality buildings and 16th century palazzi, including the Palazzo Communale which houses the towns art collection. Atop of the Palazzo Communale sits a noteworthy statue of Pope_Sixtus_V Pope Sixtus V. The Piazza Popolo is the social center of the town and it is host to the town’s many annual festivals. Lido di Fermo or “beach of Fermo”– This beautiful stretch of Adriatic coastline is a definite must see while in Fermo. With its warm waves and wide, sandy beaches it is the perfect relaxation spot. Lido di Fermo can be reached by a 15-minute bus ride from the town center. There are also other beaches close by to Fermo that are worthwhile to visit. The beach of Porto San Giorgio, for example, is particularly nice to visit. This beach has earned a prestigious blue-flag beach designation, which means that it meets high standards of aesthetic beauty and cleanliness. 1 Musei di Fermo (Museums of Fermo), Piazza del Popolo, ☏ +39 0734 217140, [email protected]. Daily 10:30–13:00, 14:00–19:00. The 13th century Palazzo dei Priori is the oldest palace in the city. With surrounding buildings it now h

Do

There are an endless number of activities to keep tourists occupied in Fermo.

Visit the beaches – Do take the time to experience Fermo’s beaches. Lido di Fermo is a great place for tourists who like to relax, sunbathe, or play sports. Interact with locals – Do go out of your way to get to know the locals. The people of Fermo are known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor. Almost all people in the area speak Italian in their everyday interactions, but many do know how to speak English as well, especial