Sea Turtle Sanctuary

The somewhat rare sea turtle species called "caretta caretta" swims the waters of the Adriatic and goes ashore to deposit eggs. The fascinating animals can live up to 80 years, but when they get sick or injuried - from pollution, fishing activity or other infections- they have a hard time recovering. The sea turtle sanctuary, called Citta' delle Tartarughe, in Numana is a rehabilitation center for healing the graceful swimmers. The project is carried out in collaboration with the sea turtle hospital up the coast in Riccione, and the site in Numana is the convalescent center, if you will, where they gain their strength, recover from their ills, and are released to the sea.

The 'Caletta' is a protected, netted curing spot at the beach called Spiaggia dei Fratelli, next to the Spiaggiola beach, below Numana. Here the sea turtles can heal in a natural, deep water area where there are fish species for their natural feeding habits, but under the protection and watch of the staff. Once they're strong enough, the creatures are set free, and it's a big day for them - and visitors who can come and watch them take to the water, and their natural freedom.

A calendar of planned releases is published on the organization's website, and you can book tickets for a boat ride to the beach to watch the surprisingly emotional event. The release is scheduled for 4:30 PM and if, for health reasons the turtle isn't able to be freed, the visitor is refunded the ticket price. When you visit the Conero, it's a great way to spend an afternoon!

The Citta delle Tartarughe has an Adopt a Sea Turtle program to help fund their efforts, along with an online store that sells T-shirts to raise awareness of their work.