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Located near the village of Torre di Palme, the Cugnolo Forest is a rare example of coastal Mediterranean scrub, protected as a Floristic Area. The path, a loop of about two kilometers that takes about half an hour to walk, winds along a picturesque fossil dune from the Pliocene, offering views that range from dense centuries-old oak forests to breathtaking overlooks of the sea.
The Cugnolo Forest is a small thicket of Mediterranean scrub just a few hundred meters from the sea. The area is protected for its exceptional botanical and morphological value: indeed, the presence of the strawberry tree, buckthorn, holm oak, and other species confirms this. A walk in the forest is unmissable; it is a short and easy path of about two kilometers, where luckier visitors may encounter the Italian sparrow, the bee-eater, the badger, or even the fox.
In the context of the characteristic village of Torre di Palme, the short walk to the Cugnolo Forest takes place along a section of fossil dune from the Pliocene, just a few hundred meters from the sea.
The route through the thicket, surrounded by the countryside, is protected by the Marche Region as a Floristic Area, as it represents one of the few remnants of Mediterranean vegetation along the Marche coastline due to the presence of strawberry tree, buckthorn, holm oak, and other tree varieties.
The fauna is also diverse, with a good level of biodiversity due to the numerous ecological situations created among the fossil sands (polecat, badger, fox, Italian sparrow, etc.).
The path is a loop starting from the parking area just above the end of the village, on the road to Lapedona, and is easily identifiable thanks to some wooden stakes placed by the local section of the CAI.
It can be walked in about 30 minutes with some ups and downs, except for the Grotta degli Amanti, where you can use a rope to overcome a sloped section of about 5 meters.
The path, wide and well-maintained, descends into the San Filippo Ravine and enters a grove dominated by well-grown saplings and ancient oaks, offering picturesque views of Torre di Palme and the Pliocene cliff. After a few minutes of walking, one can catch sight of the sea, as if from a shady and cool balcony.
The view of the village from the abyss created by the water of the Fosso Cupo is unique; its brief journey to the sea has made it resemble a canyon formed by the steep slope and the easily erodible material of the fossil dune.
Bosco del Cugnolo is located near Torre di Palme, a hilltop village overlooking the Adriatic Sea. If arriving by car, take the A14 motorway and exit at Porto San Giorgio–Fermo or Pedaso, then continue along the SS16 Adriatica road to the turn-off for Torre di Palme. Once you reach the village, follow local signs for Bosco del Cugnolo and the beginning of the trail.
The reference railway stations are Porto San Giorgio–Fermo and Pedaso, both on the Adriatic railway line. From there, Torre di Palme can be reached by local transport or taxi; the Bosco del Cugnolo trail can then be accessed from the village area.
To visit Bosco del Cugnolo, it is advisable to park in the parking areas outside the village of Torre di Palme or along the road towards Lapedona, where the trail access is located. The beginning of the path is marked by information boards and wooden trail markers. During busier periods, check parking availability on site and follow local signs.
The Civic Pinacoteca of Fermo preserves masterpieces of the Marche and Venetian schools, including the Stories of Saint Lucia by Jacobello del Fiore and the famous Adoration of the Shepherds by Rubens.
The beach of Marina di Altidona features a wide expanse of sand mixed with pebbles and gravel. It's easily accessible from the coast, surrounded by a convenient bike path.
Porto Sant'Elpidio offers a perfect combination of wellness and nature thanks to its magnificent historic pine grove, an oasis of shade ideal for light trekking and family relaxation.
