Marche
Renaissance hill towns, Adriatic beaches, and the unspoiled heart of central Italy.
About Marche
Marche is what Tuscany was 30 years ago—before the world discovered it. Rolling hills dotted with medieval towns cascade down to a long, sandy Adriatic coastline. Urbino, the birthplace of Raphael, is a perfectly preserved Renaissance jewel. The food is a celebration of land and sea: olive all'ascolana (stuffed fried olives), brodetto fish stew, and truffles from the Apennine foothills. With its mix of mountain, hill, and coast, Marche offers extraordinary variety for a region most travellers have never heard of.
Best Time to Visit
May to September for beach weather and hiking. June and September are ideal for combining coast and hills. Autumn brings truffle season and harvest festivals.
Local Tips
- Urbino is the real Renaissance city.
While Florence heaves with tourists, Urbino's Palazzo Ducale offers a more intimate Renaissance experience. A local knows the hidden courtyards and the best view of the town from the Albornoz Fortress.
- Master the olive all'ascolana.
Ascoli Piceno's famous stuffed olives are an art form. A local can arrange a cooking class where you learn to pit, stuff, bread, and fry these addictive morsels with a family who's been making them for generations.
- Find the hidden caves.
The Frasassi Caves are one of Europe's largest cave systems, an underground cathedral of stalactites. A local knows the adventure routes that go beyond the standard tourist path.
Highlights
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Edoardo
Amalfi, Sorrento +11
Born and raised in Italy's Marche region, I have explored the country from north to south during travels and study periods away from home. I have lived part of my life in amazing cities such as Venice and Bologna, and have visited Rome a lot since I have family and friends there. I am an experienced trip planner for destinations all over Italy, from the breezy Cinqueterre in Liguria down to the sun kissed Amalfi coast. If you want someone to help you with all-encompassing guidance and make the best out of your trip to Italy, I will be most happy to help you!
Costanza
Trento, Merano +7
Hi! My name is Costanza😊, I'm 25 years old and I'm travel addicted. I love to help others enjoy their travels. I studied Behavioural Economics in Trento and I decided to remain living here since this pretty city joins the mountains Dolomites beauty with a very high quality life. My roots are in Ancona where I grew up, in particoular in Sirolo a small town in Riviera del Conero, famous for beaches and good sea food. I have lived in Bologna for three years, where I did my bachelor degree. I know this city very well, I am an expert of Lasagne and Tortellini. I’ve been in more than 35 countries since 2017 but during these years I also visited my own country a lot, because I think that before going around is important to know well our home.