Montalto delle Marche Travel Guide

Montalto delle Marche is a hidden gem in Central Italy, offering culture, delicious food, natural scenery, and much more. Explore this charming town with our complete travel guide.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Montalto delle Marche, Italy

Montalto delle Marche, located in Ascoli Piceno (province) in Marche, is a hidden gem in Central Italy. This charming town is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. Surrounded by stunning landscapes of the Sibillini Mountains and the Adriatic Sea, Montalto delle Marche offers a tranquil and relaxing getaway perfect for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before planning your trip to Montalto delle Marche, including the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, cultural traditions, safety, health, transportation options, and more.

Introduction to Montalto delle Marche

Montalto delle Marche is a medieval town located about 500 meters above sea level. The town’s history dates back to the pre-Roman era and has since played an important role in the region’s history. Visitors will be delighted with the quiet and friendly atmosphere, medieval architecture, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

List of Places to Visit in Montalto delle Marche

Montalto delle Marche is a small town but packed with cultural and historical attractions. Here are some must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie: This beautiful church dates back to the 16th century and is a fine example of Renaissance architecture.
  • Palazzo Antonelli: Built in the 18th century, this grand palace showcases the decadent lifestyle of the Antonelli family, one of Montalto’s most prominent and wealthiest families.
  • Museo Diocesano di Montalto: This museum houses a rare collection of religious artifacts and paintings from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Natural Attractions of Montalto delle Marche: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Monte Vettore: Take a scenic drive to the highest peak in the Sibillini Mountains, where you can hike, bike, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Riserva Naturale Statale della Gola del Furlo: Explore this natural reserve and discover the stunning beauty of the Furlo Gorge, a 14-kilometer-long canyon that provides a stunning backdrop for hikers and adventurers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Montalto delle Marche

Montalto delle Marche is surrounded by natural beauty, so hiking and biking are popular activities. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Riserva Naturale Abbadia di Fiastra: This reserve offers a scenic and easy trail that leads to the Abbadia di Fiastra, a beautiful and historic abbey.
  • Roccamaia-Monte Rinaldo: This challenging trail starts in Roccamaia, winds through Monte Rinaldo, and ends in Montalto delle Marche, offering panoramic views of the region’s landscape.

Best Things to Do in Montalto delle Marche: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting: Visit the local wineries and taste the delicious wines of the region, such as Vernaccia di Serrapetrona and Rosso Conero.
  • Truffle Hunting: Join a truffle hunter in search of the most coveted edible mushroom in Italy, the White Truffle, and learn about the tradition of truffle hunting.
  • Cooking Class: Learn how to make traditional Italian dishes using locally-sourced ingredients.

Week-Long Itinerary for Montalto delle Marche

Day 1: Downtown Montalto delle Marche

  • Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie
  • Palazzo Antonelli

Day 2: Hiking in the Sibillini Mountains

  • Monte Vettore

Day 3: Wine Tour

  • Visit the local wineries and taste the delicious wines of the region

Day 4: Furlo Gorge Tour

  • Riserva Naturale Statale della Gola del Furlo

Day 5: Cooking Class

  • Learn how to make traditional Italian dishes using locally sourced ingredients

Day 6: Truffle Hunting

  • Join a truffle hunter in search of the most coveted edible mushroom in Italy, the White Truffle

Day 7: Abbadia Di Fiastra

  • Riserva Naturale Abbadia di Fiastra

Food and Drink Scene of Montalto delle Marche

Italian cuisine is world-renowned, and Montalto delle Marche offers a unique taste of regional dishes that are not found elsewhere.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pollo alla cacciatora: A local and traditional chicken dish in tomato sauce and olives
  • Olive Ascolane: Fried stuffed olives
  • Crescia sfogliata: A thin and crispy flatbread typically served with grilled meats, cheese, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Vernaccia di Serrapetrona: A delightful red sparkling wine that is unique to the region
  • Rosso Piceno: A medium-bodied red wine made primarily from Montepulciano grapes.

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

Montalto delle Marche is a small town, but there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. Here are some of the best:

  • Hotel Palazzo:
  • Le Case Rosse:
  • Agriturismo La Valle del Sole:

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

  • Leather goods: Montalto delle Marche is known for its traditional leather craftsmanship, which produces high-quality leather bags, belts, and shoes.
  • Lacework: Discover the delicate works of art made from bobbin lace, which is typical of the Marche region.
  • Olive products: Try different olive-based products that include olive oils of various flavors, preserves, and cosmetics.

Local Culture and Customs of Montalto delle Marche

Montalto delle Marche is a town that values tradition and celebrates culture. During the month of August, the town hosts the “Sagra della Polenta e della Salsiccia” festival, where visitors can taste and celebrate the town’s signature dish - Polenta.

Best Time to Visit Montalto delle Marche

The best time to visit Montalto delle Marche is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, and many local festivals take place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Montalto delle Marche

Do:

  • Respect local traditions and customs
  • Use common sense while hiking or exploring natural reserves
  • Enjoy the local wines and cuisine

Don’t:

  • Ignore safety rules while exploring natural reserves
  • Be loud and/or rude in public spaces
  • Ignore the dress code of religious sites

Safety and Health

Safety in Montalto delle Marche

Montalto delle Marche is generally safe, but visitors should still take common sense precautions such as keeping valuables in a safe place and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Montalto delle Marche

Visitors should take basic health precautions such as staying hydrated, using sunscreen, and taking precautions against insect bites.

Getting to Montalto delle Marche: Transportation Options and Logistics

Montalto delle Marche is accessible by different means of transportation.

Airports Near Montalto delle Marche

  • Ancona Airport: This airport is about 100 km from Montalto delle Marche.
  • Pescara Airport: This airport is about 130 km from Montalto delle Marche.

Bus Stations Near Montalto delle Marche

  • Ascoli Piceno: This is the closest city to Montalto delle Marche with a bus station.

Other Options

  • Private Transport: Private car hire is a popular choice, but visitors should check their rental agreements carefully and familiarize themselves with the local road rules.

How to Get Around in Montalto delle Marche

Montalto delle Marche is a small town, and many attractions are within easy walking distance. Visitors can also rent a car or bike to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Montalto delle Marche: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ascoli Piceno: Visit this lovely nearby city, known for its rich history, art, and stunning architecture.
  • Gubbio: Explore the medieval town of Gubbio, where visitors can discover ancient buildings, museums, and craft shops.

Conclusion

Montalto delle Marche is a hidden gem in Central Italy, offering culture, delicious food, natural scenery, and much more. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing, Montalto delle Marche has something to offer. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey in this charming town and region!

Cattedrale di Montalto Cattedrale di Montalto