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With the towering peaks of the Apennines to the west and the pebble-strewn beaches of the Adriatic to the east, Le Marche wears its scenic beauty on its sleeve. This unsung central region is a favorite of in-the-know Italophiles for its landscapes, stately hill towns, and authentic eateries—all mostly devoid of tourists. Outdoor enthusiasts hike and bike through the Monti Sibillini National Park or frolic in the Adriatic. Meanwhile culture vultures head to Renaissance towns such as the walled city of Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, which glows with travertine.
Le Marche’s slopes are better for hiking and biking than for winter sports, so most visitors start hitting the mountain trails come the warmer and dryer days of spring. Summer is peak beach season along the Adriatic coastline and is when the resort towns come alive. Classical music fans flock to the inland town of Macerata for the annual Sferisterio Opera Festival in July.
Trains run up and down the coastline, making it a breeze to travel between the coastal towns, from Pesaro all the way south to San Benedetto del Tronto. Once you head inland, however, using public transportation becomes far less practical. Rent a car to travel among the hill towns and around the Monti Sibillini National Park, or join a tour that includes transportation for hassle-free logistics.
Much of Le Marche’s coast is lined with drab modern hotels and apartment blocks, with one exception: Mount Conero Regional Park. True beach aficionados head to this pocket-sized stretch of coastline just south of Ancona that covers the Mount Conero promontory, including the resort towns of Numana and Sirolo. The coast here is protected from development, and white cliffs rise above the turquoise waters, with tiny pebble beaches wedged below.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +39 | Language(s) Italian | Attractions 2 | Tours 119 | Reviews 337 |
Le Marche encompasses some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes, stretching from the Sibylline summits to the Adriatic sea. A rolling countryside stretches between these two extremes, home to vineyards and farms that produce the area’s wines and foods. Its Renaissance hill towns, including Ascoli Piceno and Urbino, are also famous.
...MoreIf you split the region into three main areas—mountains, hills, and coastline—you’ll need at least three days. Spend one day hiking, biking, or driving through Monti Sibillini National Park, another day in the hill country sampling traditional cuisine and admiring its Renaissance towns, and a third relaxing on the Adriatic beaches.
...MoreLe Marche has long been a region of farmers and fishers, and the local cuisine reflects these agricultural and maritime traditions. The inland hills are known for olive oil, wine, truffles, pork charcuterie, and artisan cheeses. The coastline is where you find fresh fish and seafood plucked from the Adriatic.
...MoreLe Marche is home to a clutch of handsome Renaissance towns, including Ascoli Piceno and Urbino. The region is also dotted with historic cities like Pesaro, Fano, Cesena, and Senigallia, which were once ruled by the medieval Malatesta dynasty and still have marble churches and palaces dating from its reign.
...MoreYes, Le Marche has a variety of beaches from which to choose, including family-friendly stretches along the Fano and San Benedetto del Tronto coastlines and the party hubs of Marotta and Senigallia. Nature lovers should head to Monte Conero to enjoy the pristine waters off Sirolo and Numana.
...MoreYes, Le Marche has a history of winemaking dating back to Roman times. Today vineyards cover the hills and coastline. The region is ideal for wine tours and tastings, as there are dozens of traditional, family-run cellars dotting the countryside. Try verdicchio and pecorino, two local, aromatic white wines.
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