Urbino Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Urbino, Italy with our extensive guide. Discover the best attractions, hiking and biking routes, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Introduction to Urbino

Urbino is a small town located in the Marche region of Italy, famous for its rich culture and history. The town is home to some of the finest art, architecture, and cultural heritage sites in the country. Urbino has quite a few restricted traffic areas, which means that it’s best explored on foot. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of Urbino to help you plan your perfect Italian getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Urbino

If you’re planning a trip to Urbino, these are the must-visit attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Ducal Palace: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Italy and the heart of Urbino’s artistic heritage. It features stunning frescoes and a beautiful courtyard.
  • The Galleria Nazionale delle Marche: This museum houses a remarkable collection of works of art by masters such as Piero della Francesca, Raffaello, and Tiziano, among others. Don’t miss the famous painting ‘The Ideal City’.
  • The House-Museum of Raffaello: This museum showcases the life and work of the famous painter Raffaello Bindio, who was born in Urbino in 1483.

Natural Attractions of Urbino: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Monte Titano: This mountain peak offers some of the most magnificent views of Urbino and the surrounding hills. At its highest point, you’ll find the statue of San Marino, the patron saint of the Republic of San Marino.
  • San Bartolo National Park: The park spreads over 1600 hectares and offers an extensive network of hiking and biking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Urbino

Urbino and the surrounding hills offer a wonderful range of hiking and biking trails, including:

  • The Urbino to Mercatino Trail: This trail starts from the heart of Urbino and follows a scenic route through rural villages and the mountains to Mercatino.
  • The Gola del Furlo Trail: This trail follows the ancient Roman road that runs through the Gola del Furlo, a natural gorge formed by the Candigliano river.

Best Things to Do in Urbino: Activities and Tours

Apart from the cultural and natural attractions, Urbino offers a range of activities and tours:

  • Wine Tasting: Marche is known for its excellent wine, and Urbino is no exception. Take a wine tour of the region and enjoy the local organic wines.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn how to cook authentic Italian dishes by taking a cooking class with an experienced chef.
  • Guided Walking Tours: Explore Urbino’s stunning architecture and history on a guided walking tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Urbino

Here is an itinerary for a week-long stay in Urbino:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Ducal Palace, Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, and the House-Museum of Raffaello
2 Hike the Gola del Furlo Trail
3 Take a wine tour of the region
4 Visit Monte Titano and San Bartolo National Park
5 Join a cooking class
6 Guided walking tour of Urbino
7 Day trip to nearby San Marino

Food and Drink Scene of Urbino

Must-Try Dishes

  • Crostini di Urbino: Toasted bread topped with chicken liver pate and sprinkled with truffles.
  • Vincisgrassi: A traditional lasagna made with meat sauce, ham, mushrooms, and white sauce.
  • Crescia sfogliata: A type of flatbread filled with cheese, ham, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi: This white wine is famous in the Marche region and is considered one of the best Italian wines.
  • Amaro Sibilla: A herbal liqueur made from local herbs, which is perfect as a digestif.
  • Il Bischero: A beer produced in the nearby town of Cantiano, famous for its unique flavour.

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

Urbino offers a range of accommodation options for every budget. Here are our top picks:

  • Hotel Bonconte: This 3-star hotel is located in a refurbished historical building and offers comfortable and elegant accommodation.
  • Albergo Italia: A 2-star hotel located in the heart of Urbino. Clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
  • Hostel San Francesco: Affordable accommodation for solo travellers or backpackers. Dormitory-style rooms and private rooms available.

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

  • Ceramics: Visit the many local workshops to buy traditional handcrafted ceramics, including plates, bowls, and vases.
  • Leather Products: Urbino is famous for its leather goods, including handbags, shoes, and belts.
  • Truffles: The region is famous for its truffles and truffle-based products, including truffle oil, truffle salt, and truffle honey.

Local Culture and Customs of Urbino

  • The locals place great emphasis on respecting the town’s cultural heritage, and visitors should do the same.
  • The local cuisine is influenced by the region’s rich agricultural heritage and features a variety of locally grown produce.
  • In the summer, many of the local villages hold traditional festivals and events, which provide an excellent opportunity to experience local customs and traditions.

Best Time to Visit Urbino

The best time to visit Urbino is during the months of April, May, September, and October when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are thin. The high season is from June to August, when the weather is hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Urbino

Do:

  • Respect the cultural heritage of the town.
  • Take a walking tour of the city to discover its hidden gems.
  • Try the local cuisine, especially the truffles.

Don’t:

  • Touch or tamper with any artwork or historical artefacts.
  • Litter or damage any of the monuments or buildings.
  • Wear revealing or beachwear in public spaces.

Safety and Health

Safety in Urbino

Urbino is a safe town to visit, but common sense rules apply. Watch out for pickpockets and petty theft in crowded areas. When possible, avoid travelling alone at night.

Health in Urbino

The nearest hospital to Urbino is the Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital in nearby Pesaro.

Getting to Urbino: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Urbino

The closest airports to Urbino are Ancona Airport (97 km) and Bologna Airport (210 km).

Bus Stations Near Urbino

The bus station in Urbino is located in Piazzale Raffaello Sanzio. Daily buses connect Urbino to other major cities in the region, including Pesaro, Rimini, and Ancona.

Other Options

The nearest train station is in Pesaro, which is well connected to other cities in Italy.

How to Get Around in Urbino

The town of Urbino is best explored on foot. There are a few restricted traffic areas, which means that cars and other vehicles are not allowed. However, there are also taxis available for hire.

Where to Go Next from Urbino: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Urbino is located in the heart of the Marche region, with many beautiful towns and destinations nearby. Here are a few:

  • San Marino: A small but independent country located just a few kilometres away from Urbino. It is famous for its stunning views and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano.
  • Pesaro: A seaside town located just a few kilometres from Urbino. It is famous for its long, sandy beaches, and beautiful architecture.
  • Ancona: The capital city of the region, located on the Adriatic coast. A bustling port town, it is home to many beautiful historical sites, including the ancient Roman Arch of Trajan.

Conclusion

Urbino is a beautiful and fascinating town, full of history and culture. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or outdoor adventure, there’s always something to do and see in Urbino. Use this comprehensive guide for planning your trip and experience the best that Urbino has to offer.

Duomo — the cathedral Duomo — the cathedral