Le Marche is the third region with Tuscany and Umbria, that makes up central Italy.
It is pronounced "markay", and translates into English as the Marches.

Le Marche lies on the eastern side of central Italy, on the Adriatic Sea, with sunny, sandy beaches and cosy inlets surrounded by rugged, rocky gorges.

Inland Le Marche is filled with natural beauty;
the deep and mysterious caves;
the high mountain country of the Apennines;
the protected areas of national parks;
and the gentle rolling hills of the harmonious agricultural landscape.

The Adriatic Coast has been a mecca for "sun n' sand" holiday makers for decades; but in Le Marche's inland, perhaps more so than anywhere else in central Italy, you will find places where time really has stood still.

A taste of the "real" Italy, untouched by the invasion of mass tourism.







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When to go

Spring, Summer and Autumn are the ideal seasons to tour Le Marche: the landscape is clothed in spring green, or enveloped in the sweet summer heat.
In autumn the colours are breathtaking as the land clothes itself with orange and red: the first tints of autumn.
Rain during these seasons tends towards brief showers rather than endless drizzle.

Main towns

Of the region's five principal towns, Urbino is a jewel of the renaissance, where little has changed from the days when Duke Federico of Montefeltro set up his celebrated court here in the second half of the 15th Century.

Ascoli Piceno lies at the southern end of Le Marche, and its marble-paved main square is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy.

The capital of Le Marche, Ancona, is a city where you can truly enjoy the salty charm of this bustling sea port. It is also Le Marche's main ferry port with ferries to Croatia, Greece and Turkey.

Pesaro is both an appealing seaside resort and a thriving commercial town: great shopping, fine beaches and fabulous seafood.

The last of the region's main centres is Macerata, a dignified town, famous for its annual outdoor opera festival and the majestic Sferisterio Theatre.