Marche, a region often overlooked by travelers, delivers a truly authentic Italian experience that is off the beaten path, with its mix of coastlines, rolling hills, and charming hilltop villages. This region stretched from the Adriatic Sea to the Apennine Mountains, providing a variety of landscapes and activities for every type of traveler, and allowing them to experience these things without the stress of a large crowd.
The region’s cultural highlights are just as captivating as its natural ones. Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a Renaissance town filled with artistry and craftsmanship, including the Palazzo Ducale, which houses works by masters like Raphael. Ascoli Piceno, with its marble-clad Piazza del Popolo, is a great place to see medieval architecture, and Loreto’s famous basilica draws many religious visitors every year.
For food enthusiasts, Marche offers a genuine taste of Italy. It is a great place to sample olive all’ascolana, crispy, stuffed olives native to Ascoli Piceno, or enjoy fresh seafood dishes along the Adriatic coast. The region’s culinary excellence, like much of Italy, is matched by its renowned wines—like the crisp Verdicchio from the hills around Jesi or full-bodied Rosso Conero from the Conero Peninsula.
Exploring Marche is also a journey into Italy’s craftsmanship. This is best experiences by visiting the town of Recanati, birthplace of poet Giacomo Leopardi, or explore Macerata, known for its summer opera festival. For artisan souvenirs, the town of Fabriano is famous for its paper-making traditions, while the surrounding countryside is dotted with local markets brimming with fresh produce, cheeses, and cured meats.
