Description
Stunningly beautiful landscape, spectacular coast, rich in Italian culture and charm; Le Marche is an unspoilt region of mountains, orchards and vineyards waiting to be explored. It has spectacular beaches and a coastline dotted with 26 medieval cities all facing the deep blue Adriatic Sea. It borders with Romagna to the north, Abruzzo to the south, Toscana and Umbria to the west. Ancona, the capital, is an ancient port city and boasts a marvellous beach and impressive monuments like the Cathedral of San Ciriaco which is on the site of an ancient Greek acropolis.
Le Marche is known as the “Blue Flag” region due to its crystal clear waters and there are many wonderful seaside resorts to entice holidaymakers. Grottamare, San Benedetto del Tronto, Gabicce Mare, Civitanova Marche, Pesaro, Fano, Porto Recanati Senigallia, Sirolo, Numana, Porto Recanati, Fano and Porto San San Giorgio are all locations which have been honoured with the Blue Flag. The Conero Riviera which includes the seaside towns of Portonovo, Sirolo and Numana; along with the Conero Regional Park is another area that has beautiful beaches, cliffs, caves and a marine reserve. Some of the beaches in this area are only accessible by boat or footpaths and unspoiled as a result.
Another location that cannot be missed is Genga with its defensive walls and imposing castle perched on a hill overlooking the valley and the countryside of Le Marche. Moreover, the exceptionally beautiful Frasassi Caves; one of the largest known cave systems in Europe, is nearby with its breathtaking array of stalactites and stalagmites covering 1500 metres of accessible chambers in all of their layered limestone magnificence. Don’t miss the “jaw dropping” Temple of Valadier and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria Infrasaxa; constructed within a hillside cave near Frasassi Caves’ main entrance!
Go trekking in the strikingly scenic Monti della Laga National Parks, Gran Sasso or, between Le Marche and Umbria, one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in Italy; the Monti Sibillini National Park with its magnificent Monte Vettore. Drive through emerald green valleys and limestone mountains rich in flora and fauna, stop in small historic towns and villages and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like mountain biking, canoeing and horse riding. For winter vacations, there’s downhill skiing in Sarnano, Campo Felice and Teramo or cross country skiing in Sassotetto.
Enjoy shopping at one of the weekly local markets in a town like Fermo where quality leather goods, shoes, clothing, food and artisan products can be purchased but remember to leave plenty of time to stop in the agriturismi (farmhouses), osterias and trattorias where genuine flavours and traditional dishes from the past take precedence and you can indulge in the delicious cuisine which is a tasty mix of the best dishes from the surrounding regions. This region also hosts cultural events and festivals like the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, the Carnival in Fano and many more.
Some areas of the interior, like Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, are still recovering from the earthquake activity of recent years and it’s very important that visitors realize while many locations were not damaged at all, parts of other locations were. This proud, tenacious and hardworking population remain dedicated to completing restoration wherever possible and are ready to welcome guests and grateful for the solidarity tourists bring to the heart of this region.
Tuscany Travelist offers transportation in luxury sedans, minivans or minibuses with knowledgeable drivers and a consultation service for travel in Italy. Whether you require a shore excursion, day trip, tour, personalized itinerary or an airport transfer, our staff will provide the professional assistance necessary to ensure comfortable, time efficient and safe travel.
