Marche Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Marche with our comprehensive travel guide, covering top attractions, best things to do, food scene, where to stay, and more.


Ultimate Travel Guide to Marche, Italy

Marche is a region located in the central part of Italy, boasting a diverse landscape including snow-capped mountains, rolling hills, and stunning coastline. Despite its rich history and natural beauty, the region is often overlooked by tourists, making it the perfect destination for an off-the-beaten-path adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, activities to engage in, food and drink scene, and much more.

Introduction to Marche

Marche is situated in central Italy, bordered by regions such as Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. The region is divided into five provinces, including Pesaro and Urbino, Ancona, Macerata, Fermo, and Ascoli Piceno, each with its unique appeal. Featuring a blend of traditional architecture, rolling hills, and an expansive coastline, Marche is often called “Italy in miniature.”

List of Places to Visit in Marche

There is no shortage of places to visit in Marche, from culturally significant attractions to stunning natural landscapes.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Marche boasts a rich history, and visitors can learn about it by visiting museums and historical places in the region.

  • Urbino: Urbino is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a great place to visit for history buffs. Here, you’ll find the Ducal Palace, which is one of the most important Renaissance monuments in Italy.

  • Gradara Castle: Gradara Castle is a stunning medieval fortress located in the province of Pesaro e Urbino. It’s one of the best-preserved castles in Italy, offering visitors a glimpse of the life of Italian nobility during the Middle Ages.

  • San Marino: San Marino is a small, independent nation located entirely within Italy. The country is famous for its stunning castles and fortresses as well as its beautiful landscapes.

Natural Attractions of Marche: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature lovers will appreciate the stunning vistas and outdoor activities available in Marche.

  • Frasassi Caves: The Frasassi Caves are a complex of underground caves featuring dazzling stalactites and stalagmites.

  • Mount Conero: Mount Conero is a picturesque mountain located along the Adriatic coast and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can go hiking, biking, or simply relax and take in the view.

  • Riviera del Conero: The Riviera del Conero is a scenic stretch of coastline near Ancona. It features stunning beaches with clear blue waters, making it a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Marche

Marche offers some of Italy’s most scenic hiking and biking trails, offering visitors an excellent way to explore the region while enjoying the great outdoors.

  • Sibillini National Park: Sibillini National Park is a beautiful place to go hiking. It’s home to numerous trails suitable for all levels of hikers, from beginners to advanced.

  • Monte San Vicino: Monte San Vicino is another great hiking destination in Marche. It offers fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, including medieval towns and snow-capped mountains.

Best Things to Do in Marche: Activities and Tours

With so much to see and do in Marche, visitors will have plenty of activities to keep them busy.

  • Wine Tasting: Marche is home to many vineyards and wineries, where visitors can sample delicious wines and learn about the making process.

  • Cooking Classes: Visitors can also take part in cooking classes and learn how to prepare authentic Italian dishes like pasta and pizza.

  • Hot Air Balloon Rides: For a unique adventure in Marche, visitors can book a hot air balloon ride and enjoy stunning views of the region from above.

Week-Long Itinerary for Marche

For visitors planning a week-long trip to Marche, we suggest the following itinerary:

  • Day 1-2: Urbino and Gradara Castle
  • Day 3-4: Frasassi Caves and Mount Conero
  • Day 5: San Marino
  • Day 6-7: Riviera del Conero and hiking in Sibillini National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Marche

Marche is famous for its excellent food and drink scene. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Brodetto: Brodetto is a fish-based soup typical of the Marche region.

  • Olive Ascolane: Olive Ascolane is a popular dish consisting of green olives stuffed with meat and then fried.

  • Vincisgrassi: Vincisgrassi is a rich lasagne-like pasta dish made with meat, mushrooms, and a béchamel sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Verdicchio: Verdicchio is a popular Marche wine, known for its crisp and refreshing taste.

  • Rosso Conero: Rosso Conero is a red wine grown in the Conero Riviera area, known for its full-bodied flavor.

Where to Stay in Marche: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Marche offers visitors a range of accommodations options, ranging from luxury hotels to hostels and guesthouses.

  • Adler Spa Resort Thermae: This five-star hotel is located in the peaceful hills surrounding Ascoli Piceno. The hotel features a large spa and wellness center, making it perfect for a relaxing vacation.

  • Ostello di Pesaro: Ostello di Pesaro is a modern hostel located in the heart of the city. The hostel offers affordable accommodation, making it ideal for budget travelers.

  • B&B Casa Fuori Casa: B&B Casa Fuori Casa is a cozy guesthouse located in the historic center of Macerata. The guesthouse features tastefully decorated rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Marche: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Marche is home to many locally made products that make excellent souvenirs, including:

  • Leather goods: Marche is famous for its high-quality leather products, including shoes, bags, and wallets.

  • Truffles: The Marche region is a hub for truffle production, and visitors can buy the expensive delicacy at local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Marche

Marche is known for its friendly and welcoming locals. Visitors should be respectful of the region’s culture and customs, such as being punctual and dressing appropriately when visiting churches, monasteries, and religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Marche

The best time to visit Marche is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the weather is milder, and tourist crowds are smaller.

Do’s and Don’ts of Marche

Do:

  • Try traditional food and wine.
  • Experience the outdoors by hiking, biking, or swimming.
  • Take part in cooking classes to learn authentic Italian dishes.

Don’t:

  • Be late for appointments or meetings.
  • Wear swimsuits or beachwear outside of the beach areas.
  • Take photographs of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Marche

Marche is generally a safe region to visit, but visitors should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

Health in Marche

Medical care in Marche is of a high standard. Visitors should ensure that they have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling to the region.

Getting to Marche: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Marche

The closest airports to Marche are Ancona-Falconara Airport and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. From there, visitors can take a bus or train to reach their destination in Marche.

Bus Stations Near Marche

The main bus station in Marche is located in Ancona, where visitors can catch buses to other parts of the region or to nearby destinations.

Other Options

Visitors can reach Marche by train from major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, and Milan.

How to Get Around in Marche

The best way to get around Marche is by car or public transportation. The region has an extensive network of buses and trains that connect major cities and towns.

Where to Go Next from Marche: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Marche is surrounded by other beautiful regions in Italy, making it easy for visitors to plan trips to nearby destinations and excursions.

  • Emilia-Romagna: Emilia-Romagna is located to the north of Marche and is famous for its beautiful cities, including Bologna and Ravenna.

  • Tuscany: Tuscany borders Marche to the west and is known for its picturesque countryside, delicious food, and famous cities like Florence and Siena.

Conclusion

Marche offers visitors a rich cultural experience and the chance to explore some of Italy’s most stunning landscapes. From hiking in the Sibillini Mountains to enjoying fresh seafood on the Riviera del Conero, there’s something for everyone in this charming region.

The view from Monte Sibilla toward Monte Porche and the Aso Valley The view from Monte Sibilla toward Monte Porche and the Aso Valley


    Ancona (province)
    Ascoli Piceno (province)
    Fermo (province)
    Macerata (province)
    Pesaro and Urbino (province)