Holiday in Marche

What makes Marche special as a destination?

The Marche – or Le Marche, as the Italians say – is Italy's best-kept secret. Nestled between the Adriatic coast and the Apennines, this region combines everything that makes Italy special: golden sandy beaches, medieval mountain villages, Renaissance art, outstanding cuisine, and a landscape that rivals Tuscany – just without the tourist crowds. Those who discover the Marche feel like time travelers to Italy in the 1960s. The Marche coast offers over 170 kilometers of Adriatic beach, including true gems like the Riviera del Conero south of Ancona. Here, forested limestone cliffs drop steeply into the turquoise sea, creating hidden coves reminiscent of Croatia or Sardinia. The beaches of Sirolo, Numana, and the only accessible by boat Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle are among the most beautiful along the entire Adriatic coast. Inland, Urbino sits atop two hills – the Renaissance city of Duke Federico da Montefeltro and the birthplace of Raphael. The Palazzo Ducale with its famous twin-tower facade is one of the most perfect examples of Renaissance architecture and houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche with works by Piero della Francesca and Raphael. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further south, the Sibillini Mountains impress with a wild high mountain landscape, blooming plateaus, and the enchanting Piano Grande – a vast high plain that explodes in a sea of wildflowers in June. Ascoli Piceno in the southern part of the region is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities in Italy, featuring one of the country's most elegant squares, the Piazza del Popolo. From Germany, the best way to reach the Marche is via the Brenner Pass and the A14 along the Adriatic coast – about eight hours from Munich. Ancona Falconara Airport offers limited connections; alternatively, one can fly to Bologna or Rome and continue by car. A rental car is essential in the Marche.