Things to do in Le Marche

Looking for things to do in Le Marche? Here are just a few of our recommendations.

1. Walking - expect magnificent views in this unspoilt region of Italy whilst out walking, renowned for its beauty, there are walks for every level, from peaks of the Apennines & Sibilini mountain ranges to long flat stretches of sandy beaches. With its diverse landscape, you'll be able to enjoy a long trek and sure to discover hidden treasures of a historical kind, deep ravines, lush valleys and definitely some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. For a challenging but rewarding mountain climb the trek to the summit of Monte Sibilla, 3,000ft above sea level, a 10km ascent and takes around 4 hours from its starting point of Refugio Sibbilla, this exhilarating hike comes across one or two exposed ridges where you will need a head for heights but the panoramic views over this mountain range are certainly worth the effort. On this journey, pop your head into the famous Sibyls cave near the summit where the you will hear tales of enchanted witches.

2. Sights & landmarks - there's no shortage of things to see do and experience in this region from its breath-taking scenery of its mountains and coastline to its abundance of authentic historical landmarks. If its sea views you are searching for, there has to be a visit to the Conero Coast, not only one of Italy's most stunning but excitingly one of its least known. The stretch hides many private coves only reachable by foot or boat and also the charming fishing village of Numana with its pastel houses along its steep streets to the hamlet of Sirolo and wonderful panoramic view over the sea. We also greatly enjoyed a visit to the Sea Turtle Sanctuary in Numana where you can book a boat ride to watch the turtles on the local beach where they are released back in to the wild.

3. Sport & activities - with so much to do in this region you will be spoilt for choice and not just in the summer months. In winter in Sarnano there is a ski resort at Sassoletto. Here you will find an excellent spot particular for beginners of 10m chair/drag lifts and 9 pistes with some great off-piste and a snow park for the more experienced skier or snowboarders. If its more of a warmer experience you enjoy for your activities then the outdoor activity centre Gaia avventura nel Parco, organised activities include, rafting, archery, trekking and an adventure park.

4. History, arts & museums - the history of this region goes further back than Roman times and it is also said to be the birthplace of the renaissance and exceptional art treasures, many of which are now housed in the area's museums. For history a visit to Urbino's Palazzo Ducale is a must as you can not only see some magnificent works of art here by Raphael but also a splendid archaeological collection of Roman artifacts and not forgetting its stunning setting in the enchanting city of Urbino. For something lower key and for the music lovers out there you can take a trip to Rossini's birthplace in Pesaro which holds an ever-expanding collection of memorabilia.

5. Wine tasting - with Le Marche being a relatively unknown region outside of Italy it is not surprising that its wines are also undiscovered. Regardless of this however and now more recently, the regions wines are starting to appear worldwide and become more readily available outside the area. On the white wine front the most well-known grape of Le Marche is Verdicchio and they would say regarded highly in Italy as one of its supreme vinos. The regions finest reds are the lesser known Piceno and Conero but despite this the Montepulciano and Sangiovese are the ones they widely grow. For an independent wine tour to a family run business known for its excellent Verdiccio since the 1930s, we would recommend a visit to Azienda Vitivincola Marani. Your host Luca will give you a wonderfully proud tour of his family's vineyard, its history, the wine making process and then of course sampling the excellent offering they have.

6. Food & drink - Le Marche is home to some great gastronomic traditions. The food here is widely seasonal and the locals get the most out of their products by pretty much appearing in every dish. The most popular selection to see on the menu whether you are by the coast or inland would be steamy fish soups and plump meat stuffed olives. Rabbit and lamb are the most popular meats and usually accompanied by the popular pappardelle pasta. Ristorante da Silvio in Sirolo offers an amazing Al Fresco dining experience. Enjoy its breath-taking views whilst sampling the local "catch of the day" cooked and served to perfection. Also, Le Marche are having a local liqueur revival and have brought back in to fashion a drink called Mistra, an aniseed digestive generally served at the end of the meal and with coffee.

7. Boats & sailing tours - there's an abundance of boat tours and trips along the region's extensive coastline. Le Marche is a great and cost-effective place to hire a boat, from self-drive motorboats to skippered yachts, it's a perfect way to enjoy a lovely day on the water and experience the regions beaches and rich and rugged coastline. It's also the only way to reach some of the pretty beaches on the Conero peninsular but if hiring your own boat is not for you then catch the ferry to the picturesque Conero beach from Numana.

8. Beaches - Le Marche is proud to boast it currently has 15 blue flag beaches, each being completely different to the next giving a very diverse choice to decide on. The largest beach resort is Pesaro but for a more picturesque sunning and swimming experience you need to head south past Ancona and on to the Conero Riviera. This stretch of coast is truly beautiful with little beaches sheltering below the stunning backdrop of the cliffs of Monte Conero. Some of this area's beaches are accessible by car but many of the more secluded spots you have to walk or catch a boat to. For a sunbathe and swim with a livelier surrounding, head towards San Benedetto del Tronto with it s 6 kilometres of sandy beach and 5000 palm trees. It may be a little sleepier than its neighbour Rimini further north, which we think is a plus point, but it still has more than enough to keep you and the children entertained.

9. Events & festivals - Le Marche is probably best known locally for its many re-enactments of historical events in several of its towns and villages throughout the year. These are almost always in costume and can be very diverse from Pagan festivals to the more colourful of the region's carnivals. One of its most popular in August is the Feste del Covo in the small village of Campocavallo. This annual feast combines rural and religious traditions and art and is centred around a large float which is made entirely of wheatsheaves. For opera lovers the open-air opera in the Sferisterio arena is not to be missed annually during July and August.