If you’re looking for the best things to do in Marche, Italy, you have come to the right place.
Situated on the east coast of Italy, the enchanting region of Marche, or Le Marche (“The Marches”), takes its name from the Frankish term for “frontier.” It boasts some of the country’s most breathtaking coasts and beaches. With its picturesque landscapes of rolling hills, fertile plains, and the magnificent Apennine Mountains, Marche offers a diverse and dramatic natural beauty.
Marche is the birthplace of renowned painter and architect Raffaello, poet Giacomo Leopardi, and composer Gioachino Rossini. Suffice it to say, it is a region rich in artistic and literary heritage.
Marche is bordered by Abruzzo and Lazio to the south, Umbria to the west, Emilia-Romagna to the north, and Tuscany to the northwest. The region consists of six provinces, each contributing to its rich history and artistic heritage. From the charming town of Urbino to the majestic Sibillini Mountains, Marche is a treasure trove of cultural and natural wonders waiting to be explored.
Despite its remarkable attributes, however, Marche remains relatively undiscovered by travelers outside of Italy. It’s one of Italy’s many hidden gems waiting to be uncovered.
With its fascinating history, delectable flat pastas, savory meats, and a plethora of fun experiences, Marche deserves a prominent spot on any traveler’s bucket list. Discover the best of this Central Italian region and experience its remarkable beauty and cultural heritage.
How To Get to Ancona, Marche
The closest airport to the capital Ancona is the Raffaello Sanzio Airport. However, a more popular choice among travelers would be the Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport because it caters more international flights.
If you’re traveling by land from Rome, Ancona is about 3.5 hours away by car or 3.5 hours to over 4 hours by bus. Travel time via train is around the same. If you’re coming from Milan, it will take about 4.5 hours.
Best Times To Visit Le Marche
Le Marche is a good place to visit anytime of the year. However, if you want sunshine but not too warm, come in late spring or early fall. During these seasons, the days are still long like in the summer, allowing you to enjoy more activities in Marche.
20 Best Things To Do in Marche, Italy
If you’re traveling to this part of Central Italy, the following should be included in your itinerary. Let’s delve into the top activities in Marche that you simply shouldn’t miss.
1. Check out the charming towns along the Conero Riviera
Conero Riviera is a coastal area shaped by winds that Mount Conero encounters, offering rugged cliffs, lush vegetation, and cities rich in history.
Ancona, the main city, boasts attractions such as the Rocca fortress, the Duomo of S. Ciriaco, and Cardeto Park. Visit the Civic Art Gallery, Museo Archeologico, and the unique Museo Statale Omero.
Nearby Sirolo offers a medieval village and archaeological excavations, while Numana features the Antiquarium Statale museum and a sanctuary with a miraculous crucifix.
Recanati, birthplace of poet Giacomo Leopardi, showcases Palazzo Leopardi, Colle dell’Infinito, and ancient ruins.
Portonovo is home to charming gravel and stone beaches and Vela beach with its sail-shaped rock and of Portonovo. It also offers the beautiful Santa Maria church.
Other stunning towns along the Riviera include Potenza Picena, Agugliano, Offagna, S. Maria Nuova, Camerano, Castelfidardo, Porto Recanati, Polverigi, Montefano, Filottrano, Osimo, and Loreto, a pilgrimage site.
Ancona, a small port city on the Adriatic Sea, offers a wealth of experiences and sights that make it worth exploring.
The city’s main shopping area, Corso Garibaldi, is a short walk from the port and offers a mix of stores. Visit Piazza della Repubblica to see the Teatro delle Muse and Piazza San Francesco for the impressive Chiesa di San Francesco delle Scale. Continue to the grand Duomo of San Ciriaco for a stunning view. Nearby, Parco del Cardeto offers panoramic views.
In the port area, explore the Roman arches of Arco Traiano and Arco Clementino. On the opposite end of the port stands the Mole Vanvitelliana, an 18th-century exhibition venue.
Take a 20-minute walk along Viale della Vittoria to experience the local atmosphere. It leads to the Monumenti ai Caduti and the staircase down to the public beach, the Passetto.
3. See the Holy House of the Virgin in Loreto
The city of Loreto in the province of Ancona is known for its religious significance and pilgrimage site, the Santa Casa or Holy House of the Virgin, which is housed in the city’s Basilica. A major attraction in Loreto, the Holy House is where Mary is believed to have received the Annunciation.
According to Catholic tradition, the Holy House is believed to have miraculously arrived in Loreto, Italy, on December 10, 1294, following its rescue from the Holy Land. This event is said to have taken place at the end of the 13th century, when the Crusaders were being expelled from Palestine.
Besides its religious importance, the Basilica della Santa Casa is also a fascinating place for art and history enthusiasts, deserving a thorough visit.
4. Visit Palazzo Ducale di Urbino
Prepare to be transported back in time at the Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale) in Urbino, a Renaissance masterpiece that’s considered one of the most significant monuments in the country. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. Do not miss out on this incredible piece of history and architecture when in Marche!
The corridors and rooms offer stunning views of Urbino through the windows, while the hidden gems are the impressive galleries on the 1st and 2nd floors. Don’t skip the basement and stables; they will leave you mesmerized! Make sure to explore these areas during your visit.
5. Stroll along the medieval walls of Gradara
According to legend, Castello di Gradara is where starcrossed lovers were slain by the woman’s husband when he caught them in an embrace. Dante immortalized this tragic love story in his famous masterpiece, The Divine Comedy.
Climbing the castle entrance may be a little steep, but the reward of breathtaking views and strolling along the walls is well worth it. Exploring takes a couple hours or so. Take in the splendor of the 12-century castle and discover the shops and chapels you can find inside.
The well-preserved medieval castle of Gradara, located in one of the prettiest villages in Italy, is definitely one of the best places to visit in Marche.
6. Have a dose of art and culture in Recanati
You must visit Giacomo Leopardi’s childhood home in Recanati, called Palazzo Leopardi, which is a well-preserved museum featuring Leopardi’s memorabilia, manuscripts, and a library of 20,000 volumes.
Other significant sites include the square of Il Sabato del Villagio, the House of Silvia, the Hill of Infinity on Mount Tabor, and the ancient vegetable garden. Villa Colloredo Mels houses a diverse art collection.
Important religious buildings include the Capuchin friars’ church and convent, the Church of Santa Maria Morello, Church of San Vito with its stunning façade, Church of Sant’Agostino with its Istrian stone portal, Church of San Domenico featuring Lorenzo Lotto’s fresco, and the Cathedral of San Flaviano with its beautiful wood ceiling. Palazzo Venieri, constructed in the 15th century, is another highlight.
Recanati is also the birthplace of tenor Beniamino Gigli, and the Museo Gigli in Teatro Persiani displays his opera costumes, a replica of his dressing room, and gifts received, including a walking stick from Verdi.
7. Explore the Grotte di Frasassi and the Temple of Valadier
The Grotte di Frasassi (Frasassi Caves) in Genga is one of Europe’s largest cave systems. These caves have impressive formations that took 1.4 million years to form.
The Temple of Valadier, set in the rock in one of these ancient caves, offers a neo-classical silhouette against rugged cave walls. It was built in 1828 with remnants of earlier cave uses discovered. It served as a hiding place for locals during an enemy attack. They called it the “Refuge of Sinners” because it symbolizes Jesus’ resurrection. While a popular tourist attraction, it still has a special religious significance with a shrine inside.
To reach the caves from Ancona, take the SS76 and look for the Genga-Sassoferrato exit. Take a guided tour to explore the karst wonderland, including the Ancona Abyss and Gran Canyon with unique stalactites and stalagmites. Wear comfortable shoes and bring an extra layer for the 14°C temperature.
The Frasassi Caves, including the Temple of Valadier, are open for visits year-round and offer a visitor center on-site, plus convenient tourist facilities in the surrounding areas.
8. Discover Monte San Bartolo Nature Park
Monte San Bartolo Nature Park is the starting point of the coastal hill system in Central Italy, following the popular beaches of the North Adriatic Sea. It features stunning cliffs and reaches its highest points in San Bartolo, Castellaro, Casteldimezzo, and Fiorenzuola di Focara.
The park offers a winter home for many bird species. It also holds archaeological and historical significance, with Neolithic discoveries, the Colombarone site along the ancient Via Flaminia, ancient Greek ports, and beautiful Renaissance villas and gardens.
Explore the park from Gabicce Mare to Pesaro via the Via Panoramica for an unforgettable journey.
9. Explore Monti Sibillini National Park
Located between Umbria and Marche, Monti Sibillini National Park spans 70,000 hectares of wetlands, forests, and beautiful plateaus like Castelluccio di Norcia (known for its lentil flowers).
Ancient villages are scattered in the unique landscape throughout the Monte Sibillini, surrounded by changing scenery at different altitudes.
The area has many peaks over 2000 meters, including Monte Sibilla, Monte Bove, and Cima del Redentore. With plenty of rivers and valleys, here you can find an impressive array of more than 1800 species of fauna and flora. Plants such as hornbean, bearberry, and the Apennine edelweiss are in abundance. Choughs, wildcats, wolves, and porcupines roam freely in these lands.
Monti Sibillini National Park offers a slew of outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking, wildlife spotting, photography, and simply admiring the region’s natural beauty.
10. Hike the unique rock formations at Lame Rosse in Fiastra
Fiastra is a town in the province of Macerata, located not far from the border of Umbria. It’s nestled within the Monti Sibillini National Park and boasts the breathtaking Lake Fiastra, its main attraction.
One of the best highlights in the vicinity of the lake is the crazy hike to Lame Rosse. Lame Rosse is a unique geological formation resembling crimson fingers emerging from the earth’s surface. These intriguing rock formations were sculpted by millions of years of erosion.
To access these stunning rock formations, one must hike the 3.5-kilometer trail that begins at the stunning Lake Fiastra dam. The hike typically takes only around 2.5 hours, but brace yourself for a challenging ascent toward the top, with all the loose shale and stone and stuff. Wear the right hiking boots and go slow to fully enjoy the experience.
11. Admire Gola del Furlo and go kayaking to Marmitte dei Giganti
Photo by Mauro Cavallo via Wikimedia Commons
Gola del Furlo, located between Acqualagna and Fossombrone, is an impressive limestone gorge carved by the Candigliano River over millions of years. The ancient Roman road, Via Flaminia, runs alongside the river with a tunnel built by Emperor Vespasian that is still in use today.
You can explore the area by driving along the scenic autoroute or by hiking and biking through the beautiful green surroundings. The views are absolutely stunning. At the meeting point of the Candigliano and Metauro Rivers, the Marmitte dei Giganti (“Giants’ Pots”) canyon is formed. Here you can go on a kayaking adventure.
However, if you don’t fancy such activity, you can simply admire this natural wonder from the Diocleziano Bridge near San Lazzaro and even descend into the canyon on a designated path.
12. Go wine and olive oil tasting
Winemaking heritage in Marche spans thousands of years. The region is renowned for its white wines like Trebbiano and Verdicchio, as well as quality reds like Montepulciano. Its vineyards cover 16,000 hectares, producing nearly a million hectoliters of wine annually. As it is, Le Marche provides abundant opportunities for wine tasting.
Check out wine-tasting tours in Marche.
The culinary heritage of olive oil in Marche traces its roots back to ancient Roman times. There is a wide variety of highly valued single-variety olive oil products available in the region. The Ascolana Tenera variety is a local cultivar that stands out, together with the Piantone di Mogliano, Mignola, and Raggia varieties – each with their distinct and recognizable characteristics.
Find the best deals on olive oil tasting tours here.
13. Eat and hunt for truffles at Acqualagna
When one thinks of Italian truffles, the tiny Piedmontese town of Alba immediately comes to mind. After all, Alba has earned widespread renown for its highly coveted white truffles.
Acqualagna is Le Marche’s answer to Alba, having gained worldwide recognition as the hub of year-round availability of fresh truffles. It’s a village located in the hinterland of the province of Pesaro e Urbino, not far from the breathtaking Gola del Furlo. It serves as a vibrant center for truffle production, trade, and culinary exploration.
Acqualagna, along with Alba in Northern Italy, holds the exclusive designation of origin for the prestigious Magnatum Pico truffle. It is in these two towns where the superior white truffles are cultivated and celebrated, but Acqualagna is the only place with a rich variety of all nine types of truffles found in the world.
Acqualagna proudly hosts three significant national and regional fairs dedicated to showcasing white truffles, summer black truffles, and superior black truffles.
14. Buy Italian shoes
Marche is renowned for being the home of the best artisanal shoemakers in Italy. The region boasts a multitude of large shoemaking factories, as well as numerous midsize and small workshops, where skilled artisans — many of whom have inherited their craft from previous generations — continue to uphold traditional techniques. Santoni and Tod’s, two of the best Italian shoe brands, have established state-of-the-art shoe manufacturing facilities in the region.
Marche is a treasure trove for shoe enthusiasts, with a plethora of designer shoe shops and outlets. The region is a shoe shopper’s paradise, with a slew of great destinations to choose. The following are a few of the best recommendations for buying Italian shoes.
• Civitanova: You can find high heels by brands such as Cesare Paciotti, Santoni, and Strategia in Civitanova Marche. Also make a stop at Sant’Elpidio a Mare to visit the headquarters and outlet store of Tod’s.
• Montegranaro: Here you’ll discover a rich heritage of shoemaking that dates back to the late 18th century when local artisans crafted their first cloth slippers with horse leather soles. You can visit factory outlets for Alberto Guardiani, Dino Bigioni, and Zeis Excelsa. Some prestigious brands are still headquartered here.
• Monte San Pietangeli: In Monte San Pietangeli, you’ll find an outlet featuring the latest shoe collections from Nero Giardini.
• Torre San Patrizio: The hometown of designer Rocco Pistolesi, Torre San Patrizio offers boots, bags, and shoes for both men and women, some of which are crafted from distinctive materials like snake skin and crocodile leather.
15. Buy local handicrafts
Marche is a haven for artisanal craftsmanship despite the decline in the widespread use of handmade products. The artisans of Le Marche have persevered in their craft, continuing to work diligently and making sure their skills and knowledge are passed on to younger generations.
A multitude of family businesses still specialize in various traditional crafts such as sandstone carving, wool and textiles, basket bags, leather balls, handcraft paper, and majolica. These are the best souvenirs you can buy to commemorate your trip to Le Marche.
You might also be interested in the best Italian souvenirs to take home as mementos of your Italian trip. Check it out!
16. Relax at a Roman spa
Nestled between the Apennine range and Adriatic coast, Le Marche features a thermal system across valleys and hills. Springs vary from pure and clear to muddy and boiling, rich in minerals. They are perfect for a rejuvenating holiday amidst pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes.
Terme di Frasassi in San Vittore di Genga is a thermal spa dating back to Roman times. Its sulphurous mud, a mix of clay and thermal water, has remarkable benefits for aesthetic and medical treatments. Even the prehistoric communities that inhabited the region were aware of the therapeutic properties offered by the sulphurous waters found in the caves of Frasassi. Nothing can be more relaxing than submerging in the waters of this ancient Roman spa!
17. Hit Le Marche’s tranquil beaches
Some of the region’s 29 Blue Flag Beaches, are among the best places to visit in Marche. Check out some of them.
• Portonovo
Portonovo is the preferred beach for Ancona visitors. Just a 20-minute car ride away, it provides a quick escape to Conero Mountain’s parklands, making it an ideal day trip if you want a quick city escape.
• Sirolo
Sirolo is home the beaches of Urbani, San Michele, and Sassi Neri, which are easily accessible by bus or on foot. The more secluded Spiaggia Due Sorelle (Two Sisters Beach), with its endless expanse of pristine white sandy shores, is the perfect for escaping the crowds.
• Numana
Numana boasts some truly gorgeous beaches such as Numana Alta, Numana Bassa, and Marcelli Nord. They are easily reached on foot, close to Rosso Conero wine region. Numana is an excellent choice if you’re planning to indulge in some wine tasting.
• Pesaro
Sottomonte Pesaro, Ponente Pesaro, and Levante Pesaro are Pesaro’s three Blue Flag beaches.
• Fano
About 30 minutes or so from Urbino, Fano has sandy shores and a waterfront boardwalk. Nord Fano, Sassonia Nord Fano, and Torrette Fano are its top beaches.
18. Take pictures at a sunflower field
Early to mid-July is the time of year when Le Marche is bursting with the most stunning sunflowers you’ve ever seen. They are a must-see attractions in Marche.
The region is brimming with rolling farmlands and charming little towns perched on top of hills. And during these few weeks in July, those towns are straight-up on fire with these yellow fields of sunflowers.
Sunflowers grow real quick and love the sunshine, hence the Italian name “girasole,” which means they “turn to the sun.” The sunflower season is in summertime, and Le Marche’s green fields from spring transform into blazing yellows.
The best way to witness and take photos of these stunning floral displays is by biking or riding a car with the windows down. The breathtaking sight of Le Marche’s sunflower fields is a summer memory you will cherish for a long time.
19. Sample the local cuisine
Often overshadowed by neighboring regions like Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, Marche is a true hidden culinary gem.
Located along the picturesque Adriatic Sea, the region’s cuisine is influenced by the abundance of fresh seafood. Inland, the landscape transitions to rolling hills and the Apennine foothills.
Le Marche’s culinary offerings showcase the diversity of its geography. Savor delightful pasta dishes, hearty stews, grilled meats, and a variety of salumi. The region’s expertise in deep-frying results in crispy and delicious local specialties. With a fusion of coastal and inland influences, Le Marche offers a gastronomic exploration for food enthusiasts.
Marche cuisine, following the philosophy of cucina povera (“the kitchen of the poor”), emphasizes the use of local, seasonal ingredients and minimizing waste, much like other regional Italian traditions.
The region is renowned for its exceptional olives and the production of high-quality olive oil. Le Marche is also celebrated for its truffles and wines, adding to the wealth of its culinary heritage.
20. Partake in local festivals or events
In the cities and villages of Marche, numerous festivals and events are held annually. Here are some of them:
• La Befana (Epiphany Eve)
January 5th
Urbania, in the province of Pesaro-Urbino, is the official home of La Befana, the “good witch of Christmas.” La Befana, riding atop a broomstick, descends through chimneys to deliver presents to children inside their homes every January 5th.
La Befana’s name is derived from “epifania,” the Italian word for the Epiphany, as she presides over the Epiphany feast on January 6th.
• Festa del Covo
1st Sunday of August
Campocavallo, a hamlet of Osimo in the province of Ancona, hosts the religious celebration known as the Festa del Covo. This authentic festival takes place annually on the first Sunday of August, featuring a colorful display of infiorate (intricate floral carpets) created in honor of Corpus Domini. This event showcases the rich traditions of the region.
• Ascolive Festival
2nd week of August
This event celebrates Ascoli stuffed olives, a traditional snack from Marche. The recipe, passed down through generations, remains true to tradition. Olives are brined, stuffed with meat, and fried.
The Ascolive Festival features conferences, meetings, and tastings promoting this delicacy globally. Local producers showcase their products, spreading awareness.
• Rossini Opera Festival
2nd to 3rd week of August
Since 1980, the Rossini Opera Festival has been held in Gioachino Rossini’s birthplace of Pesaro. It is an annual event featuring the operas of the great Italian composer.
The festival draws a large number of crowds, resulting in high demand for tickets and accommodations. To ensure a smooth experience, it is recommended to book accommodations and tickets well in advance due to the festival’s popularity.
Book your Pesaro accommodation here.
• Palio del Duca – Sponsalia
1st weekend of August
Step back in time at the Palio del Duca – Sponsalia in Acquaviva Picena. This three-day extravaganza commemorates the 1234 wedding of Forastéria and Rainaldo of Brunforte, featuring duels, parade, the Historical Court, and a grand Wedding Banquet with period dances, medieval music, charlatan games, and fire eaters.
During this event, you can indulge in authentic 13th-century recipes served by waiters in medieval attire and wander the streets, where armies, flag wavers, ladies, and townsfolk transport you to a bygone era.
