Le Marche Italy – Discover wine, beaches & Culture
LOCATION AND CLIMATE
Where is Le Marche?
How do you get to Le Marche?
How is the
climate?
ACTIVITIES, SIGHTS AND NATURE IN LE MARCHE
What is there to do?
Top 10 Attractions
Villages & towns
Beaches
Nature reserves
WINE REGION, WINERIES AND WINE FESTIVALS
Le Marche DOC and DOCG wine regions
Top
wineries
Wine tastings
Wine festivals
CUISINE AND LOCAL SPECIALITIES
The best
restaurants
Local
Specialities
Where to stay?
LOCATION AND CLIMATE
Where in Italy is Le Marche located?
Le Marche region is situated in central Italy, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the east. It is bordered by Emilia-Romagna and the Republic of San Marino to the north, Tuscany and Umbria to the west, and Abruzzo to the south. Its strategic location has shaped the region, resulting in a blend of cultural influences from neighbouring regions.
What’s the best way to get to Le marche?
Travelling to Le Marche is fairly straightforward, with a range of transport options available.
The nearest international airport is Ancona-Falconara Airport, which offers connections to various cities across Europe. Train and bus connections are also available from other parts of Italy.
Hiring a car can be a convenient way to explore the region, particularly the more remote areas and picturesque villages.
What is the climate like in Le Marche?
The climate in Le Marche ranges from temperate to Mediterranean, depending on the altitude and proximity to the coast. The coastal areas enjoy mild winters and warm, sunny summers, whilst the mountainous regions have cooler temperatures.
ACTIVITIES, SIGHTS AND NATURE IN LE MARCHE
WHAT IS THERE TO DO IN LE MARCHE?
The Marche region in Italy is a must-see destination for true Italy lovers.
Are you curious about the Marche region and all it has to offer?
In the Marche, in central Italy, you can enjoy a wide range of activities, from cultural attractions to natural beauty and delicious cuisine.
WHAT ARE THE TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN THE MARCHE REGION?
One of the most famous attractions is the Frasassi Caves.
The historic town of Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its cultural heritage and Renaissance architecture.
The Sibillini Mountains are ideal for nature lovers and hikers, whilst coastal towns such as Senigallia and Porto Novo are popular destinations for sun and sea.
For wine lovers, a relatively small area (roughly one-third the size of Belgium) offers a range of diverse wine regions such as Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TOWNS IN LE MARCHE
The towns in the Marche region each have their own charm and unique character. Urbino, the birthplace of the famous painter Raphael, exudes an artistic atmosphere with its historic centre and renowned art academy.
Ascoli Piceno is known for its elegant squares and ancient architecture, whilst Macerata impresses with its open-air arena and opera events.
But don’t forget the port city of Ancona. The city has many beautiful, undiscovered spots with various Roman ruins, as well as a lovely centre where you can enjoy a delicious meal or go shopping.
What are the most famous beaches in the Marche region?
The Adriatic coast of Le Marche boasts several beautiful beaches that are perfect for relaxation and recreation. The velvet beaches in Senigallia are renowned for its velvety soft sand and lively atmosphere. Numana and Sirolo offer enchanting coves and crystal-clear waters at the foot of Mount Conero. For a more peaceful and unspoilt experience, the beaches of Portonovo and Due Sorelle are real gems.
Are there any nature parks or nature reserves in De Marken?
The Marche region has several beautiful nature parks and nature reserves that are well worth exploring.
Europe’s largest cave system: the Frasassi Caves, can be found in the Gola della Rossa e Frasassi National Park. These caves will leave you speechless.
The Monti Sibillini National Park, named after the legendary Sibyl of the Apennines, offers a spectacular landscape, ranging from mountains to meadows and lakes.
The park is ideal for hiking, mountain biking and birdwatching. The Conero Regional Park is another – literally – highlight, with dramatic cliffs overlooking the azure blue sea.
WINE REGIONS, WINERIES AND WINE FESTIVALS
Which DOC and DOCG wine regions are there in the Marche, and which are the best known?
Wine-growing has a long history in the Marche region, which is home to several renowned wine-growing areas. The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC and Verdicchio di Matelica DOC are two important appellations that produce high-quality white wines. The Rosso Conero DOC is known for its red wines, with the Montepulciano grape as the main variety. But don’t forget the Offida and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba regions either.
Which are the best wineries in Le Marche?
Which are the best wineries in Le Marche depends on what you’re looking for. There is, in fact, a wide range of wineries, from small producers where the whole family is involved and who produce a few (ten) thousand bottles a year, to (a few) large wine producers who produce millions of bottles.
In Cupramontana, the capital of Verdicchio, there are mostly smaller winegrowers who talk about their product with great passion. At the larger wineries, you can often visit the wine cellar, which is also a lovely experience. Then there are the wineries that have a restaurant attached, where you can taste the wines straight away with local dishes. Truly something for everyone!
You can find a selection of lovely wineries via the link below. (interactive map that works best on a larger screen)
pictured: Filodivino wine resort and spa
Are there any wine tastings or wine tours available in the Marche region?
You can visit most of the winegrowers and their estates yourself (usually by appointment) and taste their wines. For a small fee, you can usually sample three or four different wines.
Sometimes a small snack is served with the wine, such as a piece of local cheese or sausage. You can visit the wineries on your own. Ask your local hosts for advice; they often know the best places to go.
Would you prefer to be driven around by a local guide who takes you to a number of lovely wineries? Then we can recommend Marco’s Ways Wine Tours. He speaks good English and with him you’ll make some wonderful wine discoveries.
Where are the wine festivals in Le Marche?
Le Marche celebrates its wine heritage with various events and festivals dedicated to wine. The ‘Cantine Aperte’ (Open Cellars) event is an annual tradition in may, in which wineries open their doors to the public, offer tastings and share information about their wine production.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the local wine culture and learn directly from the producers.
Cupramontana hosts the annual Grape Festival (Sagra dell’uva), the second oldest wine festival in Italy.
Wine-growing has a long history in the Marche region, which is home to several renowned wine-growing areas. The Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC and Verdicchio di Matelica DOC are two important appellations that produce high-quality white wines. The Rosso Conero DOC is renowned for its red wines, with the Montepulciano grape as the main variety. Read on here to learn more about this fascinating wine region.
What is the best-known white wine produced in the Marche region?
The best-known white wine from Le Marche is Verdicchio, a dry and crisp wine with notes of citrus and almond. This wine is often paired with fish dishes and seafood, and its versatility makes it a favourite choice among food lovers. Verdicchio can be enjoyed young for its lively character, or cellared for a few years to develop greater complexity.
What is the best-known red wine produced in the Marche region?
For red wine lovers, Le Marche offers Rosso Conero, a robust and well-structured red wine. Made from the Montepulciano grape, Rosso Conero offers aromas of ripe red fruit, herbs and earthy notes. The wine has excellent ageing potential and can be cellared for several years to reach its full expression.
A particularly interesting region is the wine-growing area around Serrapetrona. A characteristic feature of these wines is the technique known as ‘Appassimento’, or the drying of grapes. As can be seen here at Cantina Quacquarini
CUISINE AND LOCAL SPECIALITIES
Where are the best restaurants in Le Marche?
Do you also consider enjoying a good meal out to be an important part of a successful holiday? From a simple trattoria or pizzeria to a restaurant or one with Michelin stars? In Le Marche, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
As Le Marche is a fairly compact region, you can enjoy delicious seafood for lunch by the sea and then cool off in the higher-altitude areas in the evening, savouring the inland cuisine, which is more geared towards lovers of meat and pasta dishes. Don’t feel like searching for yourself? Click on the link below to find our interactive map with our tips (works best on a larger screen)
What are the local specialities and dishes of the Marche region?
The culinary scene in Le Marche is rich and varied, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Naturally, the coast specialises more in fresh fish and shellfish. Inland, you’ll find delicious meat, cheese and truffle dishes.
Try the traditional ‘Olive all’Ascolana’, deep-fried olives stuffed with meat, and enjoy fresh seafood dishes along the coast. Don’t forget to try ‘Vincisgrassi’, a delicious regional variation on lasagne. Local wine and craft beer complement these flavourful meals.
WHERE TO STAY IN LE MARCHE?
Where to stay in Le Marche?
Villa Verdicchio, a B&B for wine lovers, is a delightful spot, and centrally located to boot. It’s a small-scale Bed & Breakfast, nestled peacefully in the countryside. Adults only, so you can relax and enjoy all the beauty that Le Marche has to offer.