Marches

Overview:

The Marches, stretching along the Adriatic coast, runs close behind Tuscany and Umbria in the way of scenic beauty, history, art, and cultural offerings. It is a prosperous region offering seaside resorts, the Sibillini mountain peaks, bucolic countryside, and Renaissance towns. Urbino, Ascoli Piceno, and Loreto are the most outstanding of the Renaissance towns in the region. Other highlights include the towns of Pesaro (on the sea and the birthplace of Rossini) and Macerata (a medieval city with summer music festivals). The scenically situated Renaissance town of Recanati is also wonderful. The Monte Conero coast south of Ancona is decidedly the most beautiful seaside area of the region, with intimate, rocky beaches and coves best reached by boat. This is a regional park with cliffs swooping down to the sea. Our favorite village here is the charming Sirolo, a walled town perched above the coast. Torre di Palma is another enchanting ancient village by the sea with delightful outdoor dining. The fascinating pink stalactite caves of Grotte di Frasassi are also worth seeing.