Venture off the beaten track and discover the rolling hills, medieval towns and sandy beaches of Marche. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains, the region offers a taste of life in the Italian countryside. Marvel at centuries-old buildings in the bustling capital of Ancona and top up your tan on the sun-drenched Riviera del Conero.
Things to do in Marche
The lively capital of Ancona is built around an ancient harbour and will charm you with its leafy parks, pedestrianised boulevards and piazzas lined with cafes and trattorias. Stroll around the city and admire beautiful architecture, including the pentagon-shaped Mole Vanvitelliana built in the 1700s. The city is also dotted with fascinating archaeological sites, including several Roman arches and Romanesque churches. Cattedrale di San Ciriaco is perched on a hilltop and commands sweeping views over the city and the harbour.
It's hard to resist the postcard-perfect beaches strung along the Riviera del Conero. This stretch of the Adriatic Sea is dotted with holiday resorts, including the charming medieval village of Sirolo. In the waterfront town of Numana, you can bask on white-sand beaches surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs.
The Marche countryside is a vision of rolling green hills, glacier-carved valleys and centuries-old fort towns. Explore the high-altitude trails of Monti Sibillini National Park or rent a bicycle and enjoy a scenic ride past lush vineyards and bright-yellow sunflower fields.
Marche is famous for its centuries-old tradition of shoemaking, with some of the finest Italian footwear crafted in the region. Across the region, you’ll be tempted by boutiques selling handcrafted sandals and dress shoes.
Like every Italian region, Marche boasts its own unique flavour. Many local restaurants serve fritto misto, a local specialty featuring fried seafood topped with lemon wedges. You can also indulge in “brodetto” fish soup and “vincisgrassi” lasagne layered with rich ragu and bechamel sauces.
Getting around Marche
Marche is easy to get around by car, bus or train. All towns and cities in Marche are pedestrian-friendly. Ancona Railway Station is a gateway to the region and offers connections to cities across Italy and Ancona International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the city centre.