The Marche region lies on the Adriatic Sea in the southeast of Italy. It is much less known than Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, but you will find everything here for a wonderful Italian holiday: beautiful cities, charming villages, rolling hills, rugged mountains and good wines. And of course the 180 km long coastline with beautiful beaches – some fully equipped with restaurants and beach clubs, but also secluded bays that you almost have for you alone.
Because Le Marche is so compact, you can combine all this beauty in one day. Walk through medieval streets in the morning and taste culture from the distant past, and relax on the beach in the afternoon. Or take a beautiful hike in the mountains and take a well deserved dip in the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Ancona, culture and city vibes
The capital of the Marche is Ancona, a charming port city where you can stroll along the lively boulevard and eat fresh fish in one of the local restaurants. The heart of the cosy historic center of the city is “Piazza del Plebiscito”, in the weekend a cozy atmosphere reigns here.
Admire Roman ruins and Renaissance palaces and look around in the nice shops and boutiques. Plan a visit to this city during your holiday in the Marches region, enjoy an aperitif on the square and end the day with a typical Italian dinner in the harbour.
The most beautiful beaches of Le Marche
At the foot of the Conero peninsula – south of Ancona – you will find enchantingly beautiful beaches, such as those of Sirolo and Numana. These are two picturesque fishing villages where you can still taste the Italian atmosphere and where fortunately not many tourists come yet.
The old medieval town of Sirolo is surrounded by the regional park of Conero and overlooks the Adriatic coastline. Walk through the typical romantic alleys of the historic centre and admire the many beautiful views. Really believe me, you will be amazed how beautiful it is here 🙂
The beautiful bay of Sirolo with crystal clear water has a number of beautiful white sandy beaches including Sassi Neri (which owes its name to the dark rocks on the seabed) and St. Michele, both of which can only be reached on foot.
Fishing village Numana, the secret of the Italians
Numana is located south of Sirolo and has a beautiful wide sandy beach overlooking the Monte Conero. From Numana a boat leaves daily to the beach of ‘Le due Sorelle’ (see picture below), named after the two rock formations in the sea that are reminiscent of two praying sisters.
This bay is only accessible by boat or after a walk from Monte Conero (572m high mountain) over a forest path. This strenuous trip to the beach is rewarded with a crystal clear sea, an unspoiled piece of beach and an overwhelming nature.
City of turtles
Did you know that Numana is also called “Città delle Tartarughe” (city of turtles)? Sick turtles are treated here in the clinic in Riccione, and are released on the beach at Le due Sorelle (see picture above).
Sirolo, pearl of the Adriatic Sea
Another picture spot is the beach of Urbani located on a small bay under the cozy village of Sirolo. Equipped with several fish restaurants it is a nice spot to stay. Urbani beach is also the starting point of a number of beautiful walks.
Because of its sheltered location it is already wonderful to stay here in the preseason and because the water slopes very gradually, this beach is also suitable for a day of sand with the little ones.
Hilly inland, Le Marche
If you still want to take the car after a few relaxing hours in the sun, then definitely drive into the inland. Walking through picturesque villages between the rolling hills you imagine yourself all the way back in time of the Middle Ages.
And if you are lucky you can join a long table of a local party “Sagra” with delicious food and good wine. An excellent opportunity to taste fantastic regional specialties, but also to dive into the local culture.
Did you know that?
Le Marche is also known for its clothing outlets of many well-known Italian brands, so also for shopping you’re in the right place!
Road trip through Italy
In June of this year I travelled together with boyfriend and our 11 month old baby girl for 2 weeks by car through Italy. We started our journey all the way south, after we arrived in Bari by night boat from Dubrovnik.
Curious about our adventure through Croatia and the other special places we encountered? Read my other blogs here:
- Croatia Road Trip Inerary with a babyÂ
- Puglia, discover the South of ItalyÂ
- Rent you own Villa in Tuscany