Tour of the Marche: what to See and where to go
Suspended between the sea and the mountains, rich in immense artistic and cultural heritage, and capable of offering a calendar of musical, gastronomic, and various other events that attract visitors from all over Europe, the Marche region combines the best of Italy's intangible heritage. In this article, we recommend what to see in the Marche during your next road trip!
What to see in the Marche if you travel by car
Why not start your on-the-road tour of the Marche right from the regional capital, Ancona? The city, perched on hills, offers a spectacular view of the sea where its port, one of the oldest in Italy, extends. In Ancona's city center, you can visit the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche and admire, while strolling, splendid historical architecture like the Arch of Trajan.
If you enjoy exploring urban landscapes, another must-see destination is Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage city and the birthplace of Raphael, made up of a network of narrow streets lined with medieval stone buildings. At the Ducal Palace, a Renaissance building located in the center of Urbino, you will find the National Gallery of the Marche, a majestic collection of paintings, sculptures, and furnishings.
Among the most beautiful villages in the region, all easily reachable from the main centers, you will find magical places like Recanati, home to the house museum of Giacomo Leopardi; Gradara with its medieval castle; and Fabriano, known for paper production, which is dedicated to an entire museum.
Marche: what to see if you are interested in nature
Beyond the magical villages and medieval cities rich in history and culture that dot the entire region, the Marche are also teeming with enchanting natural attractions. One of these is the Sibillini Mountains National Park, a protected area crisscrossed by hiking trails of rare beauty; it also contains the famous Pilato Lakes, named after a legend that Pontius Pilate was buried there.
Another park offering panoramic views is the Gola della Rossa and Frasassi Park, where you can spot many species of wildlife, explore caves, and hike trails immersed in nature. If you’re looking for a compromise between sea and mountains, the Conero Park is for you, with its combination of woods, coastal paths, and rocky beaches. The Conero Riviera offers some of the most fascinating beaches in the Marche, such as Sirolo, Numana, and the Due Sorelle beach, all surrounded by cliffs and unspoiled nature.
Marche on the road: cultural and gastronomic events
We conclude our recommendations with some suggestions regarding events not to be missed, especially in the summer season, which abounds with music-themed events: among the most important are the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, the Macerata Opera Festival, the Fano Jazz by the Sea in July, and the Summer Jamboree in Senigallia dedicated to the music and culture of the 1940s-1950s.
If you want to learn more about the culinary traditions of the Marche region, we recommend the white truffle fair in Acqualagna, the Ascolana olive festival held in August in Ascoli Piceno, and the BrodettoFest in Fano, which celebrates the typical fish stew every year in September.
To best organize your vacation in the Marche, try the flexibility of a rental car with our car rental in Ancona: we are waiting for you!
