A visit to the Italian region of Le Marche will offer you the country’s rolling countryside, charming hilltop towns, as well as some of the best sandy beaches in central Italy. Holidays in Le Marche can also provide a truly unique taste of Italian history that cannot be found in any other part of the country.
Located on the east coast, Le Marche sits right on the Adriatic Sea and is home to a wealth of resorts that offer Italian holiday accommodation to suit every type of visitor. The city of Pesaro is where you can find some great sandy beaches that are buzzing with life and activities for all ages to enjoy. Whether its zipping across the Adriatic on a jet ski, swimming in its blue waters or relaxing on the soft sand, you will have no trouble filling in your day on the beach. Many rental villas and holiday apartments in Le Marche overlook the coast and can cater for parties of any size. Opening the door of your holiday home to the breathtaking view of the Adriatic is something that you are not likely to forget.
What is so great about the region is the convenience of the different areas and attractions. A quick climb from the coast up to the hills and you will be in the depths of the wide-open countryside. Sloping valleys and acres of fields and vineyards will provide a stunning backdrop to your adventures through this enchanting rural region.
Monte Conero is an ideal starting point to explore the rustic scenery. From the centre of the coast to the heart of the luscious green hills, it has been listed as a state park and protected ecological area since the 70s and offers intriguing trails into the depths of the countryside that also cover some of the regions historical attractions. There is a wonderful array of wildlife that inhabits the park and you might catch a glimpse of a rare Peregrine Falcon, a Kingfisher or a Least Weasel.
One of the most endearing aspects of Le Marche is the way that some of the hilltop towns and cities seem to magically appear from behind the trees and slopes of the countryside. There are so many places you can visit, but one in particular is the university city of Urbino. This famous World Heritage Site is renowned for it renaissance architecture and museums and is a great place to spend an educational and inspiring day in the shadows of its majestic buildings. Some of Urbinos’ must-see attractions include the city walls, the Ducal Palace and the Duomo sitting in the heart of the centre. This is also a good place to sample some of Le Marches finest cuisine, with many establishments offering competitive rates for families and couples alike. Urbino can also provide a wide range of accommodation for your holiday. Urbino Cottages and apartments near the centre can have you in walking distance of its fine restaurants and night-time atmosphere.
Among the other main cities in the region is the main port of Ancona. Its famous cathedral overlooks the port from its envious hilltop location and provides truly unrivalled views up and down the length of the coast and into the countryside. The cathedral, with a strange boat-like interior ceiling, also sits on the ruins of an old monument to Venus. Having such a strong fishing heritage from the port, Ancona is a must-visit for all lovers of seafood.
Further south lies the inland city of Ascoli Piceno. It may surprise you that it is actually older than the Italian capital Rome. The central square, the Piazza del Popolo, has often been labelled as the most beautiful in all of Italy. Also overlooking the square is the charming La chiesa di San Francesco and also not to be missed is the ancient Roman theatre in the outskirts.
For a real medieval experience, the town has is an immaculate collection of architecture dating back o the 12th and 13th centuries. It is so well preserved you would almost think you are in a reconstructed theme park rather than an ancient town. Its winding cobbled streets weave their way through some stunning examples of medieval design. It also offers skiing in the winter months.
If you want to see the best of the countryrside and the charming towns, Le Marche holiday farmhouses are the perfect way to combine all that the region provides. There will always be a farmhouse suited to your needs and budget – if its a family size home or a small bungalow for two. There are also some authentic rural-style rentals available to add to the captivating rustic charm of the rural areas.
Plenty of opportunities are presented to go off the beaten track when you are exploring the blossoming Le Marche scenery. Many of the nearby towns have maps detailing the main trails of the countryside, but some also highlight the hidden secrets that lie just off these trails. If you choose not to walk, there is an abundance of bike rental in the main towns.
But to experience the real rugged side of Le Marches landscape requires a visit to the Sibillini Mountains in the south west of the region, which are located in the Sibillini National Park – home to a fantastic range of lakes, rivers and gorges. The area offers a whole host of water activities and mountain adventures and you can also get some great opportunities to discover the regions wildlife. For the extreme-sports enthusiast, the park even offers white water rafting and its untamed rivers.
With so much to keep any visitor entertained, it is now wonder Le Marche is called “all of Italy in one province”. It includes some of the best holiday accommodation in Italy, and you sure to find value for money in the more rural areas. After witnessing the stunning beachfronts, historic cities and captivating countryside, Le Marche is sure to be a place you are going to want to return to in the near future.