Rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see. Endless vineyards, a paradise for food lovers, and picturesque villages. The region of Le Marche is tucked away between the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Its landscapes are reminiscent of Tuscany, but with far fewer tourists and tourism that is still in its early stages. Le Marche is one of Italy’s least-discovered regions, and its unspoilt landscapes and authentic character make it all the more worth visiting.
Invited by BIM Tronto. Project funded by the Marche Region 2014-2020 Complementary Operational Programme under the National Strategy for Inner Areas ‘Ascoli Piceno’ (Lead partner: Unione Montana del Tronto e Valfluvione)
Between mountains, rolling hills and the coast
Although Le Marche remains relatively unknown and attracts few tourists for now, it is an incredibly diverse region of Italy. From the rugged peaks of the Apennines to rolling hills covered in vineyards, olive groves and sunflowers, the landscape has plenty to offer. And as if that weren’t enough, the region also boasts a beautiful coastline with turquoise waters, idyllic coves and charming seaside towns.
What makes Le Marche so special is its diversity. You can spend the morning wandering through a medieval village, enjoy lunch featuring local specialities on a sunny terrace, and end the day with a sunset walk through the hills. Everything is relatively close together. What’s more, life here still feels wonderfully authentic. Instead of crowded squares and long queues at the most famous attractions, you’ll find small local markets, traditional trattorias and villages where everyday Italian life follows its own rhythm. That’s precisely what makes Le Marche such a wonderful destination for anyone looking to discover Italy from a different perspective.
I first discovered Le Marche last year, when idyllic beaches and charming coastal villages were the highlights of my trip. This time, I ventured inland and discovered the region’s rural side -the Piceno region-. It’s a place where life moves just a little more slowly and enjoying the moment is what matters most. Here, you don’t just get to savour the flavours of Italy, with fresh, local ingredients lovingly prepared, but also experience a genuine appreciation for the good life.
The most beautiful villages in Piceno, the heart of Le Marche
Le Marche is home to some stunning villages that have retained their pure, authentic character. Think medieval streets, colourful squares, traditional crafts and panoramic views across rolling hills. From well-known historic towns to tiny hidden gems tucked away in the countryside, there’s plenty to explore. Last year, I mainly visited towns and villages along the coast, with Ancona and Corinaldo among my favourites. In this article, I’m focusing on the inland area of Le Marche, where the following villages should definitely be on your itinerary.
1. Montedinove
Let’s start with my personal favourite! Montedinove sits high on a hill and offers beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with the Apennine Mountains visible on clear days. Its historic centre is small and peaceful, with old buildings, narrow streets and a typically Italian village atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to slow down, enjoy the views and experience the authentic side of inland Le Marche. For me, this was by far the most beautiful and charming village!
2. Poggio Canoso
Poggio Canoso is a tiny medieval hamlet in the municipality of Rotella, hidden among the hills of the southern countryside. Its history dates back at least to around the year 1000, when the village is believed to have originated as a fortified settlement or castle. Some elements are even older than the later fortifications. For example, the inner arch of the old entrance gate dates back to the 11th or 12th century. The village is also home to the Ecomuseo del Monte Ascensione, which highlights the region’s natural environment and rural way of life.
3. Offida
Offida is a charming hilltop village known for its traditional lace-making, inviting squares and authentic atmosphere. Wander around Piazza del Popolo, browse the small artisan shops and visit the impressive Church of Santa Maria della Rocca, perched on a rocky outcrop. You’ll also find the beautiful Teatro Serpente Aureo here! What makes Offida particularly special is that centuries-old crafts are still part of everyday life.
Tip: Go wine tasting at the Enoteca Regionale delle Marche, also known as Spaziovino. We also discovered how olive all’ascolana are made: delicious olives stuffed with a savoury filling and deep-fried to perfection. They’re a local speciality you shouldn’t miss!
4. Castignano
Castignano is a charming medieval village in the south of Le Marche, perched on a hill surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and rolling farmland. As soon as you step into its historic centre, you’ll notice its peaceful, authentic atmosphere.One particularly interesting feature of the area is its centuries-old winemaking tradition. The surrounding countryside is known for producing Rosso Piceno and other local wines.
Tip: Corradetti la Bottega is a local producer of anisetta, a traditional Italian anise-flavoured liqueur. This sweet drink is made with anise and is a true speciality of Le Marche. It’s definitely worth tasting if you want to discover the region’s local flavours!
5. Cossignano
Cossignano is a small hilltop village in the province of Ascoli Piceno, surrounded by the characteristic landscapes of Le Marche: rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves. Its compact historic centre is largely enclosed by ancient town walls, with the oldest sections dating back to the late 13th century. Cossignano is also a lovely place to discover the region’s local produce. The surrounding area is known for its quality wines and olive oil.
6. Montemonaco
Montemonaco is a small mountain village situated at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, offering magnificent views of the Monti Sibillini. It’s an excellent base for mountain hikes and exploring the surrounding national park.
Must-see attractions and activities in inland Le Marche
The inland region of Le Marche is a paradise for anyone who loves nature, adventure and authentic Italian traditions. You’ll find impressive caves, mountainous landscapes, medieval villages and vast forests. The region also changes beautifully with the seasons. In autumn, the hills turn golden brown, chestnuts appear on the forest floor, and local cuisine celebrates truffles, mushrooms and other seasonal ingredients. Here are the sights and activities you shouldn’t miss when exploring inland Le Marche.
1. Go chestnut picking in autumn
One of the loveliest ways to experience rural life in Le Marche is to visit in autumn. The forests turn golden yellow and rusty brown, temperatures are pleasant for hiking, and local markets are filled with seasonal produce. It’s also chestnut-harvesting season. Around the Monti Sibillini, you may come across chestnut trees during a forest walk and, where permitted, collect chestnuts yourself. Just make sure you’re only gathering them in places where it’s allowed, as not all forests are open to public harvesting. Montemonaco is a wonderful destination at this time of year. This small mountain village traditionally hosts the Sagra Mercato della Castagna, an event dedicated entirely to chestnuts. It’s a great opportunity to soak up the local autumn atmosphere and sample roasted chestnuts and other regional specialities.
2. Explore the great outdoors in the Monti Sibillini
Monti Sibillini National Park is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Le Marche. The protected area covers approximately 70,000 hectares and stretches across the regions of Marche and Umbria. You’ll find rugged mountain peaks, deep valleys, forests and vast alpine meadows. There are countless hiking opportunities, ranging from relaxed walks through the countryside to more challenging mountain treks. One particularly special place is the Gole dell’Infernaccio, a spectacular gorge with steep rock walls, wooded slopes and a hiking trail that follows the river. The area around Monte Sibilla is equally fascinating, with legends telling of a mysterious prophetess who once lived in these mountains. Another beautiful destination is Lago di Fiastra, a lake nestled among the mountains. You can admire the views, explore the surrounding area on foot and discover various natural landscapes.
If you’re looking for a little more adventure, plan a hike to the Lame Rosse, striking reddish-brown rock formations sculpted by erosion. In some places, the landscape resembles a miniature version of the American canyonlands. The Monti Sibillini perfectly illustrate the diversity of Le Marche, from gentle rolling hills to rugged mountains where you can hike for hours.
3. Discover the magical Piano Grande plateau
The Piano Grande plateau, near Castelluccio di Norcia, is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Monti Sibillini. Situated at an altitude of around 1,250 metres, this vast plain is surrounded by imposing mountain peaks. In May and June, the landscape typically transforms into a colourful carpet of wildflowers. Known as the fioritura, this natural spectacle attracts photographers and nature lovers from far and wide. In autumn, the plateau takes on a completely different character, with earthy colours and a peaceful mountain atmosphere. Even outside the flowering season, it’s a wonderful place for a road trip, photography or a hike through the mountains. Keep in mind that Castelluccio di Norcia is located in the neighbouring region of Umbria, just across the regional border.
4. Walk along the shores of Lago di Fiastra
Nestled among the mountains, Lago di Fiastra is a picturesque lake surrounded by green slopes and forests. Its turquoise waters create a beautiful contrast with the surrounding landscape, making it a wonderful destination for anyone looking to combine nature and relaxation. You can walk along the water, enjoy panoramic views and explore the area further via the hiking trails in the natural park. The lake is also an excellent starting point for visiting other natural areas nearby.
5. Taste the flavours of inland Le Marche
No visit to inland Le Marche is complete without taking the time to enjoy a good meal. The local cuisine follows the seasons and makes the most of ingredients from the surrounding forests, fields and orchards. In autumn, chestnuts, mushrooms and truffles take centre stage. Fresh pasta, local cheeses, olive oil and regional wines also deserve a place at the table. Look for a small trattoria or agriturismo where dishes are prepared using local ingredients and you can sample traditional regional recipes. Here are a few places we’d definitely recommend:
- Agriturismo Fiorenire: My personal favourite! Everything here revolves around pure flavours, fresh ingredients and dishes prepared with love. Many of the products come directly from the organic farm itself, from olive oil and wine to vegetables and other seasonal produce. You can taste the passion for local cuisine in every dish. The views across the rolling hills are absolutely beautiful, too.
- Agriturismo Il Gigante: From farm to table! If you want to experience authentic rural life in Le Marche, Agriturismo Il Gigante is well worth a visit. This is exactly what makes the agriturismo concept so special: enjoying food made with products sourced as close as possible to where they’re produced.
- Tenuti Recchi Franceschini Winery: This is a place where wine, gastronomy and the pleasures of rural life come together. The estate is nestled among the rolling hills of Le Marche, surrounded by vineyards that give the landscape its quintessential Italian character. We enjoyed a delicious lunch here, with local produce and regional flavours taking centre stage. Naturally, a tasting of their own wines was also part of the experience.
Partners who collaborate with the winery can also enjoy a complimentary stay at this beautiful estate!
6.Explore the impressive Grotte di Frasassi
One of the most spectacular natural wonders of Le Marche lies underground. This place is not located in the Piceno region, but it’s definitely worth visiting when travelling through Le Marche! The Grotte di Frasassi are an enormous cave system featuring impressive chambers, sparkling limestone formations and towering stalagmites and stalactites. The cave complex was discovered in 1971 and opened to visitors a few years later. Of the many kilometres of explored underground passages, a section can be visited on a guided tour. One of the highlights is the immense Grotta Grande del Vento, so enormous that, according to the local tourist board, Milan Cathedral could easily fit inside it.
Tip: Book your tickets in advance, especially during busy holiday periods. It can get quite chilly inside, so make sure to bring a jumper or jacket!
How to get to Le Marche
Le Marche is located on Italy’s east coast, along the Adriatic Sea, and is surprisingly easy to reach from Belgium.
By plane: Ryanair operates direct flights from Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) to both Ancona (approximately 1 hour 50 minutes) and Pescara (approximately 2 hours). Flight days vary by season and may change even within the same season. You can find affordable flights on Trip.com or compare prices on Kayak.
By car: Driving from Belgium to Le Marche takes approximately 16–20 hours. It’s quite a long journey, but a great option if you’re planning a road trip through Italy!
Getting around Le Marche
If you’re heading inland, having your own car or renting a car is essential. Keep in mind that rural roads can be winding, which means journeys may take longer than the distances on the map suggest. Along the coast, between the larger towns and seaside resorts, travelling by train is an easy option.
Where to stay in Le Marche?
Cittadella Dei Sibillini: If you’d like to stay surrounded by nature, La Cittadella dei Sibillini is an excellent choice. This countryside accommodation is perched on a scenic hill at an altitude of around 800 metres, close to the mountain village of Montemonaco. You’ll be surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Monti Sibillini, making it a wonderful base for scenic forest walks. There’s even a swimming pool with mountain views!
Agriturismo Fiorenire: For me, this is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Le Marche. This charming agriturismo is set in a historic country house among the rolling hills of Castignano. You can stay in rooms or apartments, relax by the pool and sample local produce. Breakfast is an absolute feast! Its peaceful location also makes it a great base for visiting villages such as Offida and Montedinove, or taking a day trip to Ascoli Piceno. It’s the perfect place to slow down and unwind.
Agriturismo Il Gigante: A small-scale accommodation with a personal touch. What makes this place special is its connection to agriculture and its own cheese production. Products made from sheep’s milk, particularly ricotta and pecorino, play an important role here. The farm-to-table concept really comes to life at this agriturismo.
Interamnia Boutique Hotel: This intimate boutique hotel is located in a renovated historic building on Piazza Santa Caterina, right in the heart of the old village of Comunanza. The combination of historic character and contemporary design gives the hotel a distinctive atmosphere. Its central location makes it easy to explore Comunanza on foot and experience everyday village life.
Le Marche is home to all kinds of beautiful and unique places to stay, from charming agriturismos nestled among rolling hills to inviting boutique hotels in historic villages. The best place to stay largely depends on what you’d like to explore. My tip? Browse Booking.com and look for accommodation that suits the part of the region you want to discover. You’re sure to find a lovely base from which to explore this surprising corner of Italy.
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