Amalfi Coast
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Tuscany
Cilento National Park
Lake Como
Rome and Latium
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Venice
Puglia (Apulia)
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Abruzzo and Marche
CalabriaMarche
Le Marche has it all - seaside, rolling hills speckled with vines and olive groves, mountains, valleys, and glorious art towns. In fact, they say that all of Italy is encapsulated in this one region. It is also still relatively unknown, making it uncrowded and authentic feeling. You'll find few knick-knack souvenirs, but artisans and centuries-old crafts still prevail. Mystic-looking castles dot the landscape, flower-decked streets lend a splash of color and joy. It is an Old World region of brick-built towns with modern conveniences.
Le Marche is a land of sunflowers, regional wines, and down-home hospitality. The hill towns are carefully maintained with pride, so even the smallest hamlet is quaint and tended. But you'll also find art cities that are noteworthy with monumental architecture and stunning streets, like Urbino, Jesi, and Ascoli Piceno. Some of Italy's most beautiful piazzas are here, and the lifestyle is relaxed. Excellent eateries, sidewalk cafes, beaches and mountain trails will keep everyone satisfied. Notable poets, composers and artists were born here, leaving their mark in the famous opera festival in Macerata, Recanati, and Urbino. And upbeat Palio events are thrilling sights in the summer and miles of sandy, palm-lined beaches beckon for a day of relaxing.
Bordered by Umbria and Tuscany to the west, it has many things in common with its central neighbors, yet keeps its own traditions and recipes. Sample specialties like stuffed olives, fresh-made tagliatelle, and succulent roasted pork or lamb. Because Marche is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east, you'll also find abundance seafood, so be sure to sample brodetto, a fish stew specialty that varies by each province. Wines made from heritage grapes are the region's pride, relatively unknown outside Italy but highly respected by connoisseurs in the peninsula.
This is also home to Italy's shoe-making industry, so you'll be able to cruise the countryside of central Marche shopping the manufacturers' outlet stores! Home-spun festivals take place throughout the summer months, and there are lots of outdoors activities, including the incredible caverns of Frasassi. In short, Marche offers the best of Italy in one region!
Settled into the valley between two rivers and below hills and mountains, Ascoli Piceno is a delightful city at the Marche and Abruzzo border.
The unmistakable dome of Loreto stands out can be seen on its hilltop for miles around.
This bustling city of 94,000 people is the second largest in the Marche region and blends a charming historic center with a busy port and light industry.
Your first glimpse of the stately city of Urbino and you'll understand why it's been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The primary city and regional capital of Le Marche is Ancona, a bustling and sprawling city on the Adriatic Sea.
The city of Fano sits along the Adriatic Coast of Le Marche, but it's more than a mere beach town.
The curving road follows the hillside and the coastline along the Adriatic Sea and leads you to the gorgeous Regional Nature Park of San Bartolo, where Fiorenzuola di Focara sits, surrounded by glorious nature.
Climbing up the hill from the Metauro River valley, Fossombrone is a little-known town that is a real gem.
Experience centuries of history in a stunning setting at the walled hamlet of Gradara.
One of Le Marche's loveliest and liveliest cities also has a regal past.
One of Marche's cultural capitals, the city of Macerata spreads over a hilltop in a beautiful spot.
Offida sits on a hill in southern Le Marche preserving its Old World charm within its ancient brick walls.
The city of Recanati is not just a pretty place, but a poetic one, as well.
Sprawling along the Adriatic shore, Senigalli has a dual identity of modern city and old historic center.
Near Macerata in central Marche is a lovely town and archeological site called Urbisaglia.
A pretty brick-built town in Le Marche, Castelfidardo sits on a rocky spur at the foot of the Conero Promontory.
A perfectly preserved medieval center of brick buildings and stately palaces makes Corinaldo a beautiful place.
The last town in Le Marche where the region meets Emilia Romagna, this seaside town takes it out with a bang.
The Renaissance castle-town of Mondavio is a magnificent jewel, named among the most beautiful small towns in Italy.
It isn't hard to see why Montecosaro is among "the prettiest small towns in Italy" -it's a picture postcard hilltown.
Monterado is a brick-built hilltop hamlet in northern Le Marche.
Sitting in the hills just a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, Morro d'Alba enjoys nice views and medieval atmosphere.
A picture-perfect town occupying a low hill, Morrovalle is just a few minutes from the Adriatic Sea, in the gentle hills of Le Marche.
Occupying a hill near Ancona, Osimo is a monumental town with breathtaking views.
A brick-built hill town in Le Marche that is so charming it is named as "one of the prettiest towns in Italy" and also awarded the prestigious "Orange Flag" from the Italian Touring Club.
A cute hamlet in the hills just inland from the Adriatic Sea, Mondolfo is listed as one of Italy's prettiest towns.
The cute, compact town of Montemaggior al Metauro sits on a "balcony" in northern Le Marche.
Have a look at our holiday homes in Marche.
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