With the towering peaks of the Apennines to the west and the pebble-strewn beaches of the Adriatic to the east, Le Marche wears its scenic beauty on its sleeve. This unsung central region is a favorite of in-the-know Italophiles for its landscapes, stately hill towns, and authentic eateries—all mostly devoid of tourists. Outdoor enthusiasts hike and bike through the Monti Sibillini National Park or frolic in the Adriatic. Meanwhile culture vultures head to Renaissance towns such as the walled city of Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, which glows with travertine.
Le Marche’s slopes are better for hiking and biking than for winter sports, so most visitors start hitting the mountain trails come the warmer and dryer days of spring. Summer is peak beach season along the Adriatic coastline and is when the resort towns come alive. Classical music fans flock to the inland town of Macerata for the annual Sferisterio Opera Festival in July.
Trains run up and down the coastline, making it a breeze to travel between the coastal towns, from Pesaro all the way south to San Benedetto del Tronto. Once you head inland, however, using public transportation becomes far less practical. Rent a car to travel among the hill towns and around the Monti Sibillini National Park, or join a tour that includes transportation for hassle-free logistics.
Much of Le Marche’s coast is lined with drab modern hotels and apartment blocks, with one exception: Mount Conero Regional Park. True beach aficionados head to this pocket-sized stretch of coastline just south of Ancona that covers the Mount Conero promontory, including the resort towns of Numana and Sirolo. The coast here is protected from development, and white cliffs rise above the turquoise waters, with tiny pebble beaches wedged below.
