Discover le Marche

Authentic Italy

Discover the beauty, history and culture of one of Italy’s most enchanting regions, Le Marche: the best of Italy wrapped up in one region

Le Marche is one of Italy’s most unspoilt and picturesque regions. Easily accessible by plane, train and car, this enchanting area is nestled between the dramatic Sibillini mountains and the coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Situated in the East of Italy, Le Marche offers all the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Tuscany, but without the crowds.

Here, you can discover an authentic way of life, where the seasons lead the daily rhythms of the people and local industry. With its endless coastlines of clean, quiet beaches, breathtaking mountain ranges and charming historic towns, Le Marche ticks all the boxes for those seeking an authentic Italian escape.

LE MARCHE ART & CULTURE

Galleria Nazionale delle Marche in Urbino

For art enthusiasts, visit the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche in Urbino, which holds some of the greatest masterpieces by the Renaissance painters. Other interesting museums can be found in Pesaro, Fano, Fermo, Ascoli Piceno and Ancona.

Le Marche Art & Culture

The Opera in Le Marche

The Opera culture is huge in Italy and many towns in Le Marche hold music festivals throughout the summer. There are also many cultural, historical and religious festivals during the year, such as Saint Emidio in Ascoli Piceno.
The Sferisterio opera festival is held in Macerata every Summer. The Sferisterio is an impressive, al-fresco arena, designed to look like a Roman theatre. It was built in the 1820s, originally as a sports stadium and today it plays host to popular events and can hold an audience of over 3,000 guests.

Local History & Heritage

Day trips to local hill top villages

Experience genuine day-to-day life in Le Marche by exploring some of the region’s hidden towns and mysterious hilltop villages. The buildings are mostly unchanged since medieval times, as are, many of Le Marche’s traditions and. Some suggestions as follows:

Ascoli Piceno, an ancient town known for its beautiful Piazza del Popolo, Macerata, the home to one of the Italy’s oldest universities, and popular for its opera, Sarnano, a picture postcard Italian village, Le Marche is also known for shoemaking and produces around 90% of all Italian shoes. Look out for traditional shoe-maker for a tailormade treat.

Other ideas for days out in Le Marche include: Offida, Camerino,  Fermo, Matelica, Cingoli and San Ginesio.

Local History & Heritage

Day trips to local hill top villages

Experience genuine day-to-day life in Le Marche by exploring some of the region’s hidden towns and mysterious hilltop villages. The buildings are mostly unchanged since medieval times, as are, many of Le Marche’s traditions and. Some suggestions as follows:

Ascoli Piceno, an ancient town known for its beautiful Piazza del Popolo, Macerata, the home to one of the Italy’s oldest universities, and popular for its opera, Sarnano, a picture postcard Italian village, Le Marche is also known for shoemaking and produces around 90% of all Italian shoes. Look out for traditional shoe-maker for a tailormade treat.

Other ideas for days out in Le Marche include: Offida, Camerino,  Fermo, Matelica, Cingoli and San Ginesio.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Nature & Adventure

Le Marche’s natural environment is truly unspoilt, with nearly 90,000 hectares of land covered by two national parks, four regional parks and six natural reserves. Guests can try out all manner of waters-ports from kayaking, windsurfing and canoeing to diving. In the winter, enjoy the skiing at the Sassotetto ski resort and for adrenaline junkies why not try paragliding or white-water rafting.

AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Monte Sibilini National Park

The Sibillini Mountains are some of the most breathtaking in the Apennines and include 10 peaks scaling over 2,000m in height. The National Park offers nature trails suitable for all levels of fitness.  Hike through forests and over mountains and visit the many waterfalls and caves tucked away in Le Marche. There are many different tracks both long and short, for both road and mountain biking. Why not hike over the Sibillini mountains or explore the region’s off-track wilderness on horseback.

Areas of outstanding natural beauty

Riviera del Conero

Le Marche’s coastline covers nearly 200 km and offers one of the highest number of Blue Flag beaches on mainland Italy. Visit the Riviera del Conero and its clear blue seas where some of the beaches are only accessible by boat. Or visit the Riviera del Palme, which covers the area from Pedaso through to Cupra Marittima, Grottamare and San Benedetto del Tronto.

LE MARCHE FOOD & CULTURE

The local cuisines

Le Marche’s delicious seasonal cuisine is based around local produce which is available throughout the year. Here, many fresh ingredients and seasonal foods are gathered from the countryside or farmed locally and organically. Game, nuts, seeds, herbs and mushrooms are often gathered or foraged by both restaurant chefs and home-cooks.  Le Marche dishes are simple yet mouth-watering. Try the Brodetto (fish soup) which is the most typical dish of the area or the Le Marche version of Lasagna – Vincisgrassi.

Activities & Excursions

Truffle Hunting

Learn the ancient skill of truffle hunting in the beautiful countryside of Le Marche. Discover how to unearth these elusive gourmet treasures and savour the enticing aromas and delicious flavours of fresh local truffles. Sign up for a truffle hunting experience and accompany a local truffle hunter and his highly trained truffle hound who will guide you around the woodlands and meadows of Le Marche searching for this gourmet treat. After a rewarding and hopefully successful truffle hunt, enjoy the fruits of your labour at a local osteria where you can sample your very own truffles.

ACtivities & Excursions

Wine Tasting

There are many excellent wine producers in the Le Marche region and several within easy reach of Villa Olivo. Best known for its white wine Verdicchio, you can find some very good red wines too, such as Rosso Conero or Rosso Piceno, made from the Montepulciano grape. Today, Le Marche has 15 DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) classified wines.

We recommend visiting some of the smaller, boutique wineries such as Le Cana for a tasting and light lunch.

Activities & Excursions

Golf

For Golf Lovers you can enjoy a round or two at Conero Golf Club which is situated within the glorious Conero Natural Reserve with on the slopes of the Conero, with beautiful views of nearby Loreto, Recanati, Osimo and Camerano.

Shopping & Dining

Luxurious Leather

Le Marche is famous worldwide for its superlative manufacturing of luxury leather goods, especially, shoes, bags and hats. Family run business are also dotted around the region offering the opportunity to purchase quality leather goods or even have bespoke items tailormade.

Head to Montegranaro near Fermo which has been a shoemaking mecca since the 18th century. Here you will find boutiques and outlets for high-end brands including Dino Bigioni, and Zeis Excelsa shoes.  The tiny village of Torre San is home to designer Rocco Pistolesi, famous for the brand’s characteristic snake skin and crocodile leather. If you are on a mission to find some investment pieces or luxury gifts head to Monte San Pietangeli which has stores including Nero Giardini, also check out  Filottrano which tailors suits for the likes of Genny, Lardini, Tamantini and Sartoria Luca Paolorossi. Finally, stop of at Civitanova for some serious heels by Cesare Paciotti, Santoni or Strategia and don’t’ forget to pass by Sant ‘Elpidio a Mare to visit the headquarters and outlet store of the world-famous brand Tod’s and outlet stores of Prada and Miu Miu only 20 minutes drive from Villa Olivo.

Shopping & Dining

Luxurious Leather

Le Marche is famous worldwide for its superlative manufacturing of luxury leather goods, especially, shoes, bags and hats. Family run business are also dotted around the region offering the opportunity to purchase quality leather goods or even have bespoke items tailormade.

Head to Montegranaro near Fermo which has been a shoemaking mecca since the 18th century. Here you will find boutiques and outlets for high-end brands including Dino Bigioni, and Zeis Excelsa shoes.  The tiny village of Torre San is home to designer Rocco Pistolesi, famous for the brand’s characteristic snake skin and crocodile leather. If you are on a mission to find some investment pieces or luxury gifts head to Monte San Pietangeli which has stores including Nero Giardini, also check out  Filottrano which tailors suits for the likes of Genny, Lardini, Tamantini and Sartoria Luca Paolorossi. Finally, stop of at Civitanova for some serious heels by Cesare Paciotti, Santoni or Strategia and don’t’ forget to pass by Sant ‘Elpidio a Mare to visit the headquarters and outlet store of the world-famous brand Tod’s and outlet stores of Prada and Miu Miu only 20 minutes drive from Villa Olivo.

Shopping & Dining

Michelin Star Dining

Enjoy an Italian escape filled with the flavours of the region where seasonal ingredients dictate the style of cooking and its unique flavours. Le Marche offers no-end of gourmet and epicurean experiences, from handfuls of local trattorias serving simple rustic dishes through to more refined Michelin starred dining where reservation is a must. Across the region you will find no less than 9 Michelin starred restaurants, these are:
Al Mandracchio, Sot'Ajarchi, Da Emilia, Clandestino Susci Bar, L'Arnia del Cuciniere, Giacchetti, La Torre, Rocco & Uliassi.

One must-visit restaurant for die-hard foodies is Uliassi in Senigallia, Ancona which has recently received its 3rd Michelin star. A first-class destination for a special occasion, Uliassi is perfectly placed on the seafront between the beach and the port with exceptional sea views. Led by Chef Mauro Uliassi working with his family and team of skilled chefs he presents exquisite, seasonal dishes which take their influences not only from the sea but also from the land of Le Marche. Well worth the drive both for the location and the outstanding cuisine.

Shopping & Dining

Michelin Star Dining

Enjoy an Italian escape filled with the flavours of the region where seasonal ingredients dictate the style of cooking and its unique flavours. Le Marche offers no-end of gourmet and epicurean experiences, from handfuls of local trattorias serving simple rustic dishes through to more refined Michelin starred dining where reservation is a must. Across the region you will find no less than 9 Michelin starred restaurants, these are:
Al Mandracchio, Sot'Ajarchi, Da Emilia, Clandestino Susci Bar, L'Arnia del Cuciniere, Giacchetti, La Torre, Rocco & Uliassi.

One must-visit restaurant for die-hard foodies is Uliassi in Senigallia, Ancona which has recently received its 3rd Michelin star. A first-class destination for a special occasion, Uliassi is perfectly placed on the seafront between the beach and the port with exceptional sea views. Led by Chef Mauro Uliassi working with his family and team of skilled chefs he presents exquisite, seasonal dishes which take their influences not only from the sea but also from the land of Le Marche. Well worth the drive both for the location and the outstanding cuisine.

Areas of Outstanding natural Beauty

Furlo

For spectacular natural scenery explore the area around Furlo.  Discover the Furlo Gorge which is now a nature reserve but was once a pivotal point along the trade route from Rome to Rimini. It is often assumed that the Romans built this famous through road, but it was actually the Etruscans who originally paved the way through this rugged and beautiful landscape.

Stop by the Abbey of Saint Vincent which was built to honour the flowering of the Benedictine spirit.

A nature reserve in the truest sense the flora and fauna of this enchanting area are being actively protected and preserved and it is believed that there are growing numbers wolves being sighted in the Furlo region, an original inhabitant of the Apennines.

Areas of Outstanding natural Beauty

Furlo

For spectacular natural scenery explore the area around Furlo.  Discover the Furlo Gorge which is now a nature reserve but was once a pivotal point along the trade route from Rome to Rimini. It is often assumed that the Romans built this famous through road, but it was actually the Etruscans who originally paved the way through this rugged and beautiful landscape.

Stop by the Abbey of Saint Vincent which was built to honour the flowering of the Benedictine spirit.

A nature reserve in the truest sense the flora and fauna of this enchanting area are being actively protected and preserved and it is believed that there are growing numbers wolves being sighted in the Furlo region, an original inhabitant of the Apennines.

History & Heritage

Loreto

Loreto is an important hilltop town to the south of Ancona, and home to one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Italy.  The main attraction for visitors to Loreto - pilgrims or otherwise - is the imposing basilica and fortress complex which also includes the museum and the Holy House of the Virgin Mary.

Well worth a full day trip as Loreto as the city offers a myriad of museums, galleries and architectural wonders and is positively steeped in history and culture.

AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

San Marino

A perfectly-petit independent state located on the Italian Peninsula, San Marino is a beautiful country within a country. Founded in the 4th century AD, San Marino prides itself on being one of the world’s smallest, oldest and wealthiest independent states in the world. This tiny country is home to UNESCO world heritage sites including Mount Titano (San Marino’s highest point), San Marino City and Borgo Maggiore. A stunning and unique day-trip destination, San Marino boasts a wide range of museums and galleries such as the San Francesco Museum (16th century paintings), Museum of Ancient Arms, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Wax Museum, Museum of Curious Objects and the Ferrari and Abarth Museum. A tax-free haven San Marino is perfect for those looking to pick-up a few luxury goodies from the various boutiques and fashion outlets.

AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

San Marino

A perfectly-petit independent state located on the Italian Peninsula, San Marino is a beautiful country within a country. Founded in the 4th century AD, San Marino prides itself on being one of the world’s smallest, oldest and wealthiest independent states in the world. This tiny country is home to UNESCO world heritage sites including Mount Titano (San Marino’s highest point), San Marino City and Borgo Maggiore. A stunning and unique day-trip destination, San Marino boasts a wide range of museums and galleries such as the San Francesco Museum (16th century paintings), Museum of Ancient Arms, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Wax Museum, Museum of Curious Objects and the Ferrari and Abarth Museum. A tax-free haven San Marino is perfect for those looking to pick-up a few luxury goodies from the various boutiques and fashion outlets.

Activities & Excursions

Gradara

For a day trip filled with heritage and history, head to the magnificent hillside village of Gradara in in the province of Pesaro-Urbino.

The Rocca (fortress) di Gradara and its fortified borgo represent one of the best-preserved Medieval structures in Italy. An imposing and magnificent feat of architecture. Gradara has had many identities over the years and between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the fort predominantly acted as a theatre for the battles between the Papal States and the Casate Marchigiane and Romagnole. Over the centuries, many noble families have fought over the lands and properties around Gradara with dynasties such as the Borgias, the Della Roveres and the Medici having all played a part in its colourful history. Gradara also owes its fame to the history books that note that the “Malatesta Fort” is the location where Paolo and Francesca met their tragic fate, as recounted so passionately in Canto V of Dante's Inferno.

Activities & Excursions

Gradara

For a day trip filled with heritage and history, head to the magnificent hillside village of Gradara in in the province of Pesaro-Urbino.

The Rocca (fortress) di Gradara and its fortified borgo represent one of the best-preserved Medieval structures in Italy. An imposing and magnificent feat of architecture. Gradara has had many identities over the years and between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the fort predominantly acted as a theatre for the battles between the Papal States and the Casate Marchigiane and Romagnole. Over the centuries, many noble families have fought over the lands and properties around Gradara with dynasties such as the Borgias, the Della Roveres and the Medici having all played a part in its colourful history. Gradara also owes its fame to the history books that note that the “Malatesta Fort” is the location where Paolo and Francesca met their tragic fate, as recounted so passionately in Canto V of Dante's Inferno.

OUR EXPERIENCES

For more details get in touch. Need something else? We're happy to help,

    I consent to Villa Olivo collecting my details through this form.

    Villo Olivo 
    Contrada Castelletta No 2
    Civitanova Alta
    Marche, 62012
    Italy

    +44 (0)7525 123736

    +33 (0) 6 84 55 99 55

    For Booking Enquiries please contact:
    reservations@villaolivomarche.com

    For information about our experiences or to speak with the Concierge Team contact:
    experiences@villaolivomarche.com


    Loading...
    %d bloggers like this: