Marche: travel guides

Marche and Ancona

Located in Central Italy, Marche has a very diverse territory that stretches from the Adriatic Coast to the Apennine Mountains, which are separated by the renowned bright-coloured Marchigian hills. Ancona is the capital city of this region dotted with many small historic towns and rich of history and enogastronomic traditions. Located in a privileged coastal position, it is an important port, half way along the Adriatic coast, convenient to reach Croatia and Greece by ferry. From an artistic and landscape point of view, Ancona’s symbol is the Cathedral of San Ciriaco (12th century) and, among its many monuments and places of interest, it includes the Arc of Traiano, the remains of the amphitheatre, the Lazzaretto, the National Archaeological Museum, the Diocesan Museum, the church of Santa Maria della Piazza and Piazza del Plebiscito. The view of the sea from the Passetto is a must-see. The neighbourhood also hosts an important symbol of the city: the war memorial monument.

Beach holidays in Marche

From its privileged position, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Marche offers lots of summer holiday opportunities. The area of Monte Conero, in the province of Ancona, is no doubt one of its most popular tourist destinations; a hill overlooking the sea that enjoys spectacular views and has charming small beaches, such as Urbani di Sirolo beach. Other interesting tourist destinations on the Conero Riviera include Numana and Porto Recanati, ideal for family holidays, where visitors will find lots of camping sites and holiday villages. In the province of Ancona, Senigallia, famous for the Rotonda a Mare and its sandy Spiaggia di Valluto (Velvet Beach) is also worth a mention. San Benedetto del Tronto, in the province of Ascoli Piceno, is one of the most beautiful towns in the region, thanks to its beaches and its promenade lined with palm trees, from which its coast, Riviera delle Palme, takes its name. Pesaro and Fano, two well-known beach holiday destinations, are located in the northern part of the region, on the border with Emilia Romagna.

Marche between art and nature

Visitors camping or staying in holiday villages in the region will be spoiled for choice. Those passionate about nature, will enjoy the excursions on the mountains of the National Park of the Sibillini Mountains, in the province of Macerata; Frasassi Caves, in the province of Ancona and the romantic Castele of Gradara, in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, are also unmissable destinations. Urbino and Ascoli Piceno are two beautiful cities well worth visiting, while anyone passionate about literature will enjoy discovering Recanati, the town of the great Italian poet Leopardi.