Le Marche is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and its more popular neighbors, Tuscany and Umbria, this quiet and sparsely-populated region has remained unnoticed by many travelers. However, with its charming hilltop towns, landscapes featuring snow-capped Apennine peaks, serene beaches, and mysterious caves, Le Marche offers an authentic Italian experience away from the crowds.
Here are seven compelling reasons why Le Marche should be on your next Italian itinerary.
Renaissance Art in Urbino
There’s no better place to immerse yourself in Renaissance art than Urbino. This historic town was a prominent cultural center in the 15th century and is the birthplace of the artist Raphael, who was born in 1483. The vibrant center of Urbino is alive with students who frequent the local university. Visitors should explore the exceptional art collection housed in the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche within the stunning Palazzo Ducale, a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture. Don’t miss Piero della Francesca’s *Flagellazione di Cristo* (Flagellation of Christ) and Raphael’s enigmatic *La Muta* (Portrait of a Young Woman), located in the nearby Casa Natale di Raffaello.
Coastal Scenery in the Parco del Conero
Rivaling even the famed Cinque Terre, the Parco del Conero features one of Italy’s most breathtaking coastlines. Here, the Adriatic’s cobalt blue waters gently wash over pristine pebbly beaches framed by striking white cliffs and fragrant pine, oak, beech, and oleander trees. Although well-known locally, few foreign travelers venture here, maintaining its peaceful ambiance. Popular resorts such as Portonovo, Numana, and Sirolo serve as gateways to two of the area’s finest beaches: Spiaggia Urbani and Spiaggia San Michele. Another idyllic spot, Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle, can be accessed via summer-only ferries from Numana.
Street Food in Ascoli Piceno
When it comes to street food in Ascoli Piceno, the crispy olive all’ascolana (fried olives stuffed with minced meat) is a must-try. These delectable bites are local specialties found in numerous takeaways and bars. Beyond its culinary delights, Ascoli features an enchanting provincial town atmosphere characterized by its magnificent churches and picturesque piazzas, such as Piazza del Popolo and the charming Piazza Arringa. For a festive experience, consider visiting in April for the fried food festival, Fritto Misto all’Italiana.
Going Underground at the Grotte di Frasassi
Le Marche is not only about its rugged peaks and tranquil valleys; it also houses incredible underground marvels. The Grotte di Frasassi is one of Europe’s largest cave systems, a stunning underground realm sculpted by the river Sentino. Guided tours highlight extraordinary features such as the Ancona Abyss, a giant chamber soaring to 200 meters, and the Gran Canyon, an awe-inspiring area filled with monumental stalactites and stalagmites. Situated near Genga, the caves can be reached from Ancona via SS76 and the Genga-Sassoferrato exit.
Exploring the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini
As one of central Italy’s major wilderness areas, the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini is a highlight of Le Marche’s mountainous region. Home to ten peaks over 2000m, this unspoiled park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. Start your adventure in Sarnano, exploring stunning routes like the Gola dell’Infernaccio, a spectacular canyon near Montefortino. Although the park faced challenges due to earthquakes in 2016, most roads and trails have reopened, allowing visitors to experience its natural beauty once more.
Taking in an Opera
Visit Le Marche during the summer to enjoy the enchanting sounds of music filling the hills – the region hosts significant opera festivals. The month-long Macerata Opera Festival attracts opera lovers to the scenic hilltop town of Macerata, where performances are held at the stunning Arena Sferisterio, an outdoor neoclassical theater. Additionally, the picturesque resort of Pesaro pays tribute to its celebrated native son during the two-week Rossini Opera Festival. Gioachino Rossini, composer of *The Barber of Seville*, was born in Pesaro in 1792, and his childhood home is now a museum.
A Pilgrimage to Loreto
The name Loreto may be unfamiliar to many travelers, yet it holds great significance for Italians as a major pilgrimage destination. Each year, thousands of worshippers flock to the Basilica della Santa Casa. This impressive church, with its soaring dome and 75m bell tower visible from afar, houses the legendary site where the Virgin Mary is said to have grown up. According to lore, the Santa Casa, now enshrined in breathtaking marble by Bramante, was miraculously transported from Nazareth by angels in 1294 after the Crusaders’ expulsion from Palestine.
Getting to and Around Le Marche
Le Marche’s primary transport hub is the Adriatic port city of Ancona. International flights operate from Marche Airport, located just northwest of the city, while ferries connect to Greece, Croatia, and Albania.
Once in the region, trains run along the coast, and buses service most inland towns. However, for a comprehensive exploration of Le Marche’s lush interior, renting a car is ideal. Car hire options are available at Marche Airport and Ancona train station.
