Pesaro and Urbino (province) Travel Guide

Discover the top places to visit, food and drink scene, best hiking and biking routes, and local culture and customs of Pesaro and Urbino (Province), Italy.


Introduction to Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

Pesaro and Urbino (Province) is a stunning destination in Marche, located in Central Italy, Europe. This province is famous for its magnificent seaside towns, breathtaking natural landscapes, historical sites, and local culture.

It is the birthplace of Gioachino Rossini, the renowned composer, and is home to some of the oldest universities in the world. The area offers diverse attractions ranging from interesting museums and art galleries, compelling historical sites, beautiful beaches, rolling hills, and hiking trails.

List of Places to Visit in Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

Get ready to be awed by the following places in Pesaro and Urbino (Province):

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Palazzo Ducale, a stately Renaissance palace in Urbino that houses the civic museums and splendid art collections showcasing works of remarkable artists like Raphael, Piero della Francesca, and Titian.
  • Raphael’s House, where the renowned artist, Raffaello Sanzio, was born in Urbino.
  • National Archaeological Museum of the Marche, in Ancona, where you can witness the fascinating Etruscan artifacts dating back to the 9th century.
  • The Oratory of San Giovanni Battista, in Urbino, is famous for its frescoes by the artist Lorenzo Salimbeni.

Natural Attractions of Pesaro and Urbino (Province): Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo, a gaze-worthy natural park that offers sweeping views over the Riviera Romagnola and picnicking sites, among others.
  • Furlo Gorge, a paradise of beautiful gorges, springs, waterfalls, and unique rock formations that is perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
  • Monte Catria, an excellent destination for mountaineering activities that offers several hiking trails and breathtaking panoramic views of the Umbrian-Marchigian Apennine.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

Pesaro and Urbino (Province) has excellent biking and hiking routes for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most popular routes include:

  • The Sentiero Italia, a well-marked footpath that crosses the Country from North to South
  • Pesaro to Urbino Bike Route, an easy-to-cycle 33km trail that goes through hilly countryside and offers scenic views.
  • Gola del Furlo Bike Route, which runs parallel to the ancient Roman roadway, Via Flaminia and offers stunning views of the Furlo Gorge.

Best Things to Do in Pesaro and Urbino (Province): Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top recommended activities and tours to make the most of your trip:

  • Wine Tasting Tour from Urbino, where you can savor some of the best wines of the region, such as the Verdicchio and Bianchello del Metauro.
  • Gondola Ride in Pesaro, a romantic and relaxing way to explore Pesaro’s coastline by sea.
  • Cooking classes and food tours, where you can learn how to make traditional dishes, such as olive ascolane, tagliatelle, and piadina.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

Here is a suggested week-long itinerary for Pesaro and Urbino:

  • Day 1: Explore Urbino’s historical town center and visit the Palazzo Ducale and Raphael’s House
  • Day 2: Take a bike tour around Pesaro and go for a swim at the nearby beaches
  • Day 3: Discover Ancona and its National Archaeological Museum of the Marche
  • Day 4: Hike along Furlo Gorge
  • Day 5: Visit the hilltop town Acqualagna, known as the Italy’s truffle capital, and take a truffle hunting tour
  • Day 6: Indulge in a wine tasting experience in the winery of Santa Maria al Monte
  • Day 7: Take a hop-on-hop-off boat tour of the Le Marche coast and admire its natural beauty.

Food and Drink Scene of Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

Pesaro and Urbino’s cuisine is rich and diverse, known for its locally sourced ingredients and bold flavors. Don’t miss out on the following:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crescia or Piadina, a typical street food made from flatbread filled with cured meats, cheese, and vegetables
  • Brodetto, a flavorful fish soup served with croutons
  • Tagliatelle with Porcini Mushrooms, fresh tagliatelle pasta prepared with locally sourced porcini mushrooms.

Local Beverages

  • Verdicchio, a crisp and refreshing white wine
  • Bianchello del Metauro, a fruity dry white wine
  • Schioppettino del Friuli, a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with meats and cheeses.

Where to Stay in Pesaro and Urbino (Province): Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are some of the top-rated accommodations where you can enjoy a comfortable stay in Pesaro and Urbino:

  • Castello di Montegridolfo, an elegant castle from the twelfth century converted into a luxurious five-star hotel, complete with a spa.
  • Hotel Mamiani & Kì-Spa, a beautiful hotel in Urbino with a rooftop pool and spa facilities.
  • Agriturismo Villa Marsi, a bed and breakfast in the countryside of Le Marche where you can experience a rustic and authentic Italian lifestyle.

What to Buy in Pesaro and Urbino (Province): Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Don’t forget to take home some souvenirs from your trip to Pesaro and Urbino (Province):

  • Truffles and truffle-based products, such as truffle oil, pasta, and salt.
  • Olive oil, a staple of Italian cuisine, and considered some of the best in the world.
  • Pottery and ceramics, traditional handcrafted items made by local artisans.

Local Culture and Customs of Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

The locals of Pesaro and Urbino (Province) are known for their welcoming and hospitable nature. Here are some cultural and customs to take note of during your visit:

  • Dress appropriately: Italians are known for their elegance and style, so avoid wearing ultra-casual or revealing outfits when visiting churches or religious events.
  • Be punctual: Italians value time and expect people to arrive on time for meetings and appointments.
  • Learn a few basic phrases: While many people in urban areas speak English, learning basic Italian phrases will go a long way to help you communicate with the locals.

Best Time to Visit Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

The best time to visit Pesaro and Urbino (Province) is between June and September when the weather is mild and sunny, and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to help make your trip even better:

Do:

  • Try to speak a little Italian – It will be appreciated by the locals.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially around religious sites.
  • Try the local wine and food- it is some of the best in Italy.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and disrespectful: Italians value tranquillity and peace and may see loud or boisterous behavior as impolite.
  • Talk loudly on phones: Italians value personal interaction, so avoid spending too much time on your phone while in public places.
  • Dress too casually: Italians value style and fashion, so avoid dressing too casually, especially when visiting historic sites.

Safety and Health

Here is some useful information to help you stay safe and healthy during your trip to Pesaro and Urbino (Province):

Safety in Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

Pesaro and Urbino (Province) is generally safe, but it is still advisable to take the following precautions:

  • Be vigilant of your surroundings and belongings: Pickpocketing can happen, especially in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid flashing expensive items: Minimize the risk of drawing unwanted attention from pickpockets by not displaying valuables.

Health in Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

Pesaro and Urbino (Province) has excellent healthcare facilities, but it would still be a good idea to take the following precautions:

  • Get travel insurance: Ensure that you have the right travel insurance that includes emergency medical cover.
  • Bring essential medications: Bring enough of your required medication with you to cover your stay.

Getting to Pesaro and Urbino (Province): Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some convenient transportation options to get to Pesaro and Urbino (Province):

  • By Air: Many airports in Italy service Pesaro and Urbino (Province). The closest airports to the province are Rimini, Ancona, and Bologna.
  • By Bus: There are direct routes from Florence, Pisa, Bologna, and Rome.
  • By Train: There are direct trains to Pesaro and Urbino from major cities such as Rome, Florence, and Bologna.

Airports Near Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

  • Federico Fellini International Airport, Rimini
  • Ancona-Falconara Airport, Ancona
  • Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport, Bologna

Bus Stations Near Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

  • Pesaro Autostazione, Viale Trieste, 70, 61100 Pesaro PU, Italy
  • Urbino Autostazione, Piazza Mazzini, 61030 Urbino PU, Italy

Other Options

  • By Car: Renting a car is an excellent way to see more of the region, and car rental services are widely available.
  • By Bicycle: If you are an avid cycling enthusiast, bike tours are an excellent way to explore the region’s rolling hills and stunning vistas.

How to Get Around in Pesaro and Urbino (Province)

The easiest way to get around Pesaro and Urbino (Province) is by public transport or on foot, especially around urban areas. There are also excellent bike paths for cycling enthusiasts.

Where to Go Next from Pesaro and Urbino (Province): Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The following are the nearby destinations and excursions that are worth considering:

  • Florence, the heart of Tuscany, is a three-hour drive from Pesaro and Urbino (Province) and offers a magnificent art collection, great cuisine, and stunning views.
  • San Marino, a picturesque city-state located on a hilltop on the Adriatic coast, is only a half-hour drive from Pesaro and Urbino (Province).
  • Venice, a city renowned for its romantic canals, architecture, and artwork, is approximately 3-hours drive from Pesaro and Urbino (Province).

Conclusion

Pesaro and Urbino (Province) offer a unique experience for travelers of all interests. From stunning historical sites and cultural experiences to breathtaking natural landscapes and delectable cuisine, the region’s diverse attractions make for an unforgettable experience. Whether you seek adventures, relaxation, or a combination of both, you won’t regret visiting this beautiful region of Italy.



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