TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LE MARCHE, ITALY
Le Marche in Italy is the perfect place where nature, history, and great food come together. Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to relax and enjoy yourself, you’ll find everything here for an unforgettable holiday.
The Best Places to Visit in Le Marche:
Ancona – Gateway to Le Marche
Ancona is the capital of Le Marche and an important port city. It offers a mix of historical landmarks and vibrant city life. The Cathedral of San Ciriaco and the Arch of Trajan are among its highlights.
What to do in Ancona:
- Visit the Cathedral of San Ciriaco
- Explore the Arch of Trajan and the harbor
- Enjoy the local cuisine in the old town and have a lovely lunch at one of the fish restaurants
- See the 13 fountains along Corso Giuseppe Mazzini
Ancona City Walk
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Feel like going on a nice city walk in Ancona?
With this Google Maps route, you’ll discover the city’s most charming spots off the beaten track. This walk of approximately 2.5 hours takes you past some of the most beautiful places in Ancona.
Urbino – A Renaissance Gem
Urbino is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a glimpse into Italy’s Renaissance era. The Palazzo Ducale, an impressive palace, is a highlight with its stunning architecture and art collections. Don’t forget to stroll through the city’s cobbled streets and enjoy the views of the surrounding hills.
What to do in Urbino:
- Visit the Palazzo Ducale
- Explore the historic city center
- Admire the views from the city walls
Ascoli Piceno – The City of 100 Towers
Ascoli Piceno is known for its beautiful Piazza del Popolo, considered one of the most stunning squares in Italy. The city also has an abundance of medieval towers and churches to explore. Don’t miss the local specialty, the fried Ascolane olives.
What to do in Ascoli Piceno:
- Explore Piazza del Popolo
- Visit the San Francesco Church
- Enjoy local cuisine at the Mercato delle Erbe
Conero Riviera – Sun and Sea
The Conero Riviera is a gem on the Adriatic coast. With its turquoise waters, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs, it’s a paradise for beach lovers. Take a walk through the Monte Conero Regional Park for breathtaking views of the coastline.
What to do in the Conero Riviera:
Relax on the beaches of Portonovo and Sirolo
Hike in Monte Conero Regional Park
Taste fresh seafood at local restaurants
Cupramontana – The Capital of Verdicchio
Cupramontana is the proud capital of Verdicchio wine and a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Here, you can visit local wineries, explore the vineyards, and enjoy delightful Verdicchio wine tastings.
Where to Stay in Le Marche?
Villa Verdicchio - B&B for winelovers
A lovely spot in Cupramontana, and centrally located, is Villa Verdicchio, a B&B for wine lovers. This small-scale Bed & Breakfast is peacefully set in the greenery. Adults only, so you can fully relax and enjoy everything that Le Marche has to offer.
Historical Landmarks of Le Marche
Macerata - Opera in the Sferisterio
Macerata is home to one of the most remarkable open-air opera theaters in the world, the Sferisterio. If you visit during the summer months, you can enjoy an opera performance in this stunning setting. The city also has a charming historic center.
What to do in Macerata:
Attend an opera at the Sferisterio
Explore the historic city center
Visit the Palazzo Buonaccorsi for art exhibitions
Fermo – Centuries of History
Fermo is steeped in history, with countless monuments and archaeological sites to explore. The Archaeological Museum of Fermo and the Fermo Cathedral are highlights. Don’t forget to admire the stunning views from Fermo Hill.
What to do in Fermo:
Explore the Archaeological Museum
Visit the Fermo Cathedral
Enjoy the panoramic views from Fermo Hill
Loreto – Sanctuary of the Holy House
Loreto is an important pilgrimage site because of the Sanctuary of the Holy House, which is said to house the home of Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is an impressive religious site and a symbol of faith.
What to do in Loreto:
Visit the Sanctuary of the Holy House
Explore the historic center of Loreto
Discover the Museo del Tesoro, featuring religious treasures
Jesi – Famous Wine and Refined Art
Jesi is known for its Verdicchio wines, which you can taste at local wineries. It is also the birthplace of the famous Renaissance painter Federico Barocci. The Palazzo Pianetti houses an extensive art collection.
What to do in Jesi:
Wine tasting at local wineries
Visit Palazzo Pianetti for art and history
Explore the historic center of Jesi
Offida – Wine and Crafts
Offida is known—not only for its delicious Pecorino and Passerina wines—but also for its fine lacework and handmade crafts. You can attend traditional lace-making workshops and buy artisanal souvenirs. Don’t miss the beautiful Church of Santa Maria della Rocca.
What to do in Offida:
Join a lace-making workshop
Visit the Church of Santa Maria della Rocca
Explore the historic center of Offida
Discover the many wineries in and around Offida
Culinary Delights in Le Marche
Discover Verdicchio Wine and Delicious Cuisine
Le Marche is known for its flavorful dishes, including fresh pasta, truffles, and porchetta. Try specialties like Vincisgrassi (a lasagna-style pasta), ciauscolo (a soft sausage), and cremini (liqueur-filled chocolate).
In a region roughly one-third the size of Belgium, you’ll also find five very distinct wine areas: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, Rosso Conero, Verdicchio di Matelica, Offida, and Vernaccia di Serrapetrona.
Culinary highlights in Le Marche:
Taste truffle dishes in Acqualagna
Enjoy porchetta at local markets
Visit agriturismos for authentic meals
Explore the different wine regions
Natural Areas
Frasassi Caves – Underground Wonders
The Frasassi Caves are among the most impressive limestone caves in the world. Here, you can explore a fascinating underground world filled with massive stalactites and stalagmites. It’s unlike any other cave you’ve seen—trust us!
What to do in the Frasassi Caves:
Take a guided tour of the caves
Admire the underground formations
Visit the Cave Museum for more insights
Gola del Furlo – A Gorge Full of Natural Beauty
The Gola del Furlo is an impressive gorge carved by the Metauro River. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. You can also explore the Roman tunnels of the Via Flaminia.
What to do in Gola del Furlo:
Take a walk through the gorge
Explore the Roman tunnels
Enjoy a picnic by the river
Tip: Combine your visit to the gorge with Acqualagna, a small town known as Italy’s truffle capital (along with Alba in the north). You’ll find plenty of great spots to enjoy truffle dishes.
Monti Sibillini – Stunning Mountain Landscapes
The Monti Sibillini offer breathtaking mountain landscapes and are perfect for hikers and adventure seekers. In winter, you can even go skiing. The Monti Sibillini National Park is home to a variety of rare animals and plants.
What to do in Monti Sibillini:
Go hiking and trekking
Ski during the winter months
Birdwatch and enjoy nature photography
