How Italy’s Marche Region is Meeting the Travel Moment

Le Marche, Italy Countryside
Photo credit: Nazzareno Contiero

Every January I receive emails from travel industry publications with their predictions for travel trends in the coming year. Reading through them this year, I thought that the Marche should have been on everyone’s list as the trendiest destination of 2025. Of course it was not. Which is great. Because one huge reason the Marche is so special is because it is not teeming with tourists. Here is why the Marche is a travel trendsetter.

Dove Le Marche
Graphic from Simone Riccardi

“Detour Destinations” are off the beaten path, are lesser known, are less crowded, and less expensive. They offer an authentic local experience, and are not overtouristed. The Marche region is on the east side of the Italian peninsula bordered by the Apennine mountains on the west and the Adriatic sea on the east, with gorgeous rolling hills and hilltop towns in between.

Ancona, our regional capital, with an international airport and sea port, is the largest city in the Marche with 100,000 inhabitants. Marche is made up of many medieval villages and cities steeped in history with walls and castles. We are a large region with mostly B&Bs and vacation rentals. There are not many large hotels, and not one Marriott.

In many places you might be the only tourist. If you visit a winery, it is probably the owner giving you a tour. In a restaurant, chances are, you’ll meet a family member who owns it. Guided tours are small. The Marche has a long history of craftsmanship and local artisans are happy to share their knowledge. You may be invited to dance with a folkloric group in the piazza.

“Slow Travel” is more of a habit than a trend but it’s also the only way one can travel in the Marche. There is not much that is fast about the Marche. This is, after all, where the shops still close from 1-4 PM every day.

It’s impossible to perform hit-and-run tourism here. Our major sites are spread out and there are so many to see that I suggest travelers stay at least one week, if not two, to begin to discover the Marche’s secrets.

Wine in Glasses

“Wine and Food Tourism” is expected to increase. We have some amazing grape varieties that grow only here. We have talented wine makers who practice largely organic methods to produce unforgettable and special wines. And we have a delicious and varied culinary tradition that relies on the sea, the hills, and the mountains. Some Italian regions are known for one or two special dishes. We have dozens here!

Our vacation rental, Casa Pace e Gioia, is located in the Rosso Piceno region, which produces a lovely red wine made since the 10th century BCE using a blend of Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes. And we are also in Ribona territory. Ribona, which in the local dialect means “twice good,” is made from a native grape, Maceratino, that grows only here.

Twenty minutes away, in Serrapatrona, another rare native grape, Vernaccia nera, is used to make a red wine in three different styles. Cultivated on only 163 acres by a handful of producers, Vernaccia can be a dry sparking, a sweet sparkling, or a still wine. Each November over two weekends, the wineries open their doors for tours and tastings and the lovely village of Serrapetrona has a festival.

Verdicchio is the white wine the Marche is most famous for and it is cultivated in two regions, Jesi and Matelica. We recommend a tasting at each to compare for yourselves the difference!

For food, the Marche has something for everyone. With mountains and the sea, we are known for our fish stew Brodotto; our better than lasagna, Vincisgrassi; our stuffed and fried Olive Ascolane; our spreadable sausage Ciauscolo; our “cooked wine” Vino Cotto; and myriad other delicious traditions that honor the heritage of this largely agricultural area.

“Calmcations or Quietcations” are for people looking to relax in silence, tranquility, and peace. To escape from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy simple pleasures, fresh air, and nature. In the Marche one can hike or bicycle in the quiet of the Sibillini mountains, stroll a path at an old abbey church, watch fireflies, look for shooting stars, swim behind a hidden waterfall, bird watch, and admire a carpet of wildflowers, just to name a few.

The pool and grounds at Casa Pace e Gioia

“Joy of Missing Out (JOMO)” is a holiday to reconnect with family and friends in a vacation rental home and reduce stress and anxiety from complicated travel itineraries. Check in to one location, unwind and unplug (if you want), and spend time with your loved ones. The Marche has a variety of vacation rental homes and I would like to promote ours, Casa Pace e Gioia. We can stock the refrigerator for your arrival and have a meal ready to reheat, or arrange for a private chef. We can make plans, arrangements, and reservations so you don’t have to.

Fresh Olive Oil

“Shoulder Season Travel” is predicted to rise, as a way to save money and have a more intimate experience. My favorite months here in the Marche are September, October and May. In the fall, we have the grape and olive harvests. Our guests can watch the olive harvest and visit the olive press and see our oil being made. Fall food festivals abound! May brings the poppies and wildflowers and the promise of spring when the food festivals start.

Lastly, the 2025 Jubilee will largely impact Rome, where they expect 30 million visitors this year. We are a three hour drive from Rome but our local Basilica di San Nicola in Tolentino is one of 7 churches in our province where the faithful who visit can receive the Jubilee indulgence.

Who knows what this year’s travel future holds, but we hope to see you in the Marche!

7 Perfect Summer Days in the Marche

Casa Pace e Gioia aerial view. 7 perfect summer days in the Marche.
Casa Pace e Gioia

At Casa Pace e Gioia we are lucky because there are so many things to do in our area, all year round. So we put together our version of an ideal summer week at Casa Pace e Gioia that introduces you to the Marche’s nearby hidden gems, and also gives you time to relax in the quiet countryside, without hurry. Because when returning home, no one wants to feel like they need to recover from their vacation. Presenting our 7 Perfect Summer Days in the Marche…

Day 1:

Arrive and relax with a glass of wine, wander the grounds and take in the views. 

If it’s lunchtime, try Osteria San Nicola, il Santo Bevitore, or Alimentari Fioretti in the historic center of Tolentino, a 15 minute drive. 

In the afternoon after the shops reopen, head to nearby Colmurano and pick up award-winning wines directly at the Saputi family’s cantina. They’ll treat you to a quick tasting if you’d like to try before you buy. Then head to the renowned bakery I Sette Artigiani, for breads and sweets. Up the main street through town you’ll find an excellent butcher, a small but well-stocked grocery store, and a large fruit and vegetable market with delicious olives. 

There should be enough time for a swim or to relax in the hanging chairs before your Private Chef is ready to serve your Welcome Dinner! You’ll dine under the loggia with views of the sun setting over the valley and depending on the month, fireflies. Your private chef will prepare traditional local foods, paired with wine, and explain the provenance. They’ll also clean up everything, so no mess for you to deal with. 

Marco Candi with Laura Dezi at a wine tasting

Day 2:

You’ll spend the day on a Wine and Food Tour with Marco’s Way

Marco will pick you up at 9 AM for an unforgettable introduction to our local foods and wines. You’ll visit 2-3 small family owned wineries that use native grapes to make a stunning variety of exceptional wines. He will also take you to a local olive oil producer for a tour and tasting. You’ll lunch very well at a winery or a local typical restaurant. Marco is a native Marchigiano who has a wealth of history and information about the area which will further enrich your tour.

Once home, if you have any room, find a casual dinner nearby, like Il Muretto, Pizzeria Best Of, or L’Approdo.

First Century Frescoes in the Temple at Urbs Salvia
First Century Frescoes in the Temple at Urbs Salvia

Day 3: 

Tour the nearby First-century Roman ruins of Urbs Salvia with a guide to put it all into context for you. Preserved by a landslide, the ruins are now excavated and scattered among the 40 hectare archeological park, where they continue to unearth more discoveries. The upper part in Urbisaglia includes the aqueduct reservoir, within the city walls, which shows how the Romans engineered a safe water supply. Descending the hill, you’ll see the theater, the amphitheater, and the temple with first-century frescoes. 

Also in Urbisaglia, La Rocca is a 12–15th century castle overlooking Piazza Garibaldi. It has amazing views of the countryside from its four towers. Enjoy a gelato, caffè, or an aperitivo at our favorite bar in the piazza that faces the church behind La Rocca. 

Lunch in Urbisaglia under the loggia at Le Logge, a favorite restaurant of many. The Tombolini family is welcoming and Chef Andrea offers creative interpretations of traditional local dishes. 

Enjoy the afternoon at home in the pool.

For dinner tonight you’re headed to Il Sigillo in the lovely medieval town of Camporotondo di Fiastrone. Il Sigillo is an intimate family owned restaurant with stone walls and a relaxing ambiance. Stefano, who runs the front of the house, has curated an excellent wine list and is an expert at pairing them with the delicious homemade dishes that his sister and mother make. Save room for Cinzia’s special desserts. 

A walking path at the Abbadia di Fiastra Natural Reserve
A walking path at the Abbadia di Fiastra Natural Reserve

Day 4:

Sleep in and get a good night’s rest after what might have been a late evening. Hang out in the pool, play bocce or ping pong. 

At lunchtime, drive to the nearby Abbadia di Fiastra Natural Reserve. Eat on the patio at Ristorante da Rosa, and pick from many traditional local dishes and seasonal specials. Their homemade ravioli is particularly outstanding, and their homemade desserts are fabulous. 

Walk off lunch along the walking trails throughout the park, including one designed without obstacles for the visually impaired and incorporates the senses of hearing, touch, and smell. Another trail traverses past a woodland area and is the last example of the historical forests that once covered Le Marche. 

Visit the park’s namesake Abbey Church, founded in 1142 and one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in Italy. The cloisters are particularly beautiful. The Farm Museum, the Archaeological Collection, and the Wine Museum provide a fascinating history to this unique area. 

Dine in the historic city center in Tolentino at il Santo Bevitore, known for their creative seafood dishes and excellent wines to pair with them. If you haven’t already, stroll down the block to admire our notable clocktower and continue on to the nearby Basilica of San Nicola and its peaceful cloister. 

Lame Rosse, Sibillini National Park
Lame Rosse

Day 5:

Today you’re driving to the  Sibillini National Park to reach the trailhead of the hike to the Lame Rosse.  The famous“Red Blades” are unusual and amazing rock pinnacles and towers caused by erosion and held together by clay and silts. In the mornings they glow red, but they are spectacular any time of the day. The 7 kilometer hike takes about 3 hours round trip and begins with a walk over the Fiastra Lake and the dam that created it. 

When you’ve finished your hike, lunch at nearby Rifugio di Tribbio which has a peaceful position in the mountains and fantastic local dishes. 

After lunch, drive up the narrow road to the ruins of the Malagotti castle and the church of San Paolo. From the summit, admire the panoramic view of the Fiastra Lake and wander among the ruins, scattered with wildflowers and frequented by birds. 

Take a scenic route back and head towards Bolognola, Sassotetto, and Sarnano to experience more of the park. You may encounter sheep in the road and see cows grazing in the fields. Wild orchids, other wildflowers, and flowering trees often line the roadway. 

The medieval fortified town of Sarnano is named one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Park in the piazza and walk through the gate to wander the concentric circles of this attractive brick town. 

From Sarnano, it’s an easy drive on SP78 to return home.

After a long day hiking, for dinner, take it easy and have a pizza night. Il Muretto in Colmurano is only 5 minutes away and has excellent pizzas. They also have take out if you prefer to eat at home.  

Beach on the Conero Coast.
Beach on the Conero Coast. Photo courtesy of Turismo Marche

Day 6:

After hiking the mountains, relax at the beach

The closest beach is 30 minutes away at Civitanova Marche where both the North and South beaches have Blue Flag status for cleanliness and quality. Select one of our recommended beach chalets and rent chaise loungers and umbrellas for the day, several chalets also have beach sports and kids activities. 

Alternatively, the Mount Conero coast beaches south of Ancona are just an hour away.  Under tall cliffs dotted with villages, these suggestive beaches boast a beautiful panorama. Stand up paddling, canoe rentals, windsurfing, and kitesurfing are offered. You can also rent an inflatable boat and see the famous “Due Sorelle” rock formation and spend your day on a beach accessible only by boat. 

No matter what area you choose, have lunch on the beach barefoot or at a nearby waterfront restaurant where you’re certain to find fresh Adriatic seafood on the menu. 

If you make it back to the house in time for dinner, I suggest Terra Nostra, in nearby San Ginesio, where you can eat inspired local dishes outside with a view of the mountains and the setting sun. 

poolside ping pong
Poolside ping pong

Day 7: 

It’s your last day. So you’re enjoying it fully, at home in the pool, playing lawn games or ping pong. If you don’t have leftovers for lunch, head to Norcineria. It’s very close by, casual, they have outdoor dining, a playground for kids, and delicious antipasti, pastas, sandwiches, meat dishes and more. 

For your last dinner, if you have not yet been, definitely try Ristorante Pizzeria L’Antico Approdo. It’s one of our favorites. It’s also nearby, casual, family-friendly, with indoor and outdoor seating, and a broad menu that give you a chance to try your favorite Marchigiano dish one last time. 

hanging chairs
Hanging Chairs

Day 8:

Checkout isn’t until 11 o’clock and we sometimes have complimentary late check outs available, just ask! Have some breakfast and pack calmly. There’s time for a morning coffee (and/or Prosecco) from the hanging chairs and one last swim before you leave. 

Reserve your perfect week here.

Contact me and I’ll create a custom itinerary for you.

A 14 day itinerary is coming soon!

Local dishes to try in the Marche

Cinghiale with Polenta
What to eat in the Marche
Cinghiale with Polenta

In the Marche we are lucky because we have the largest variety of traditional local foods in all of Italy. You could stay two weeks and try a different dish every day. 

We have our beautiful geography to thank. The Sibillini mountains to our west provide truffles, sheep, cheeses, cattle, chestnuts, and boar. Countryside foothills abound with wheat, vegetables, olives, and fresh produce. Area farms raise pigs, chickens, ducks, and rabbits. And the Adriatic to our east supplies not only our area, but all Italy with an abundant variety of fresh fish and seafood. 

Our location also reflects our food heritage. Being just over the mountains from Rome, and connected by the ancient Via Salaria, we have Roman influences. Greeks and North Africans landed on the coastline and settled, imparting some of their culinary customs. So there really is something for everyone, no matter what your food preference is. 

15 of our favorite “Must-Try” Traditional Marchigiani foods

Vincisgrassi at Il Sigillio
Local dishes in the Marche
Vincisgrassi at Il Sigillo, Camporotondo

Vincisgrassi is a multi-layered lasagna that originated in Macerata. Everyone makes it a little differently, and some use vino cotto in the pasta dough. The meat and cheeses used can vary but often include veal, prosciutto, chicken livers and giblets. Historically it was made at special occasions but it’s often a menu item, and surprisingly light considering the many layers.

Ciauscolo, or ciabuscolo is a pork sausage made with highly ground meat and often white wine or vino cotto. It is lightly smoked and dried in a cool place for a couple of months. Eaten raw as an antipasto, it is often spread on bread. It’s also delicious as an ingredient in filled pasta or polenta. 

Brodetto is a fish stew famous along the coast. It is thought to have been invented in Athens and spread throughout the Mediterranean by the Greeks. Each town makes their own version and asserts it as the best. I have 5 different recipes for it in one Marche cookbook. Every preparation calls for an assortment of fish, often as many as 13 types. Scorfano, or scorpion fish, is almost always included in a traditional Marchigiano Brodetto

Olive Ascolane, fried olives
Typical food in the Marche
What to eat in Marche
Olive all’Ascolana at L’Antico Approdo

Olive all’Ascolana, or fried stuffed olives are ubiquitous at restaurants and as street food, and originated in the Ascoli Piceno province just south of Casa Pace e Gioia. Perfect as an appetizer, local Ascolane olives are pitted, stuffed with a meat mixture, breaded and fried. The filling can vary but typically includes a meat mixture with nutmeg. Vegetarian options exist and the Montelupone artichoke stuffed and fried olives are fabulous! 

Cinghiale con le Pappardelle or wild boar with pappardelle, can be found in other Italian regions but what distinguishes a Marchigiano dish is wild fennel, which grows abundantly in our area and complements the flavor of the boar. The boar is marinated at least overnight, if not for days, prior to making the sauce. 

Bistecca di Scottona Marchigiana, a grilled steak of a young, prized Marchigiana cow which has IGP status, a symbol of high quality. The Marchigiana is a powerful white cow with muscles that have an excellent proportion of fat to create a succulent marbled meat. Until the 1950s they were also used as working animals. 

Coniglio in Porchetta, what to eat in the Marche
Coniglio in Porchetta at Il Santo Bevitore, Tolentino

Coniglio in Porchetta, or Rabbit with Wild Fennel is a local traditional dish for both the rabbit and the wild fennel, two Marchigiani trademarks. Preparations vary, and sometimes the rabbit is stuffed, but the ingredients always include pork, wild fennel, and garlic. 

Porchetta Roasted pork, not to be confused with Coniglio in Porchetta, above. Is roasted pork usually served as street-food style sandwiches, is popular throughout Italy, but is distinguished in the Marche again by the presence of wild fennel. Historically, the Marchigiani prepared a porchetta for the festival celebrating the wheat threshing. 

Cicoria, or chicory is on almost every menu in our region. Indeed, it grows wild in between our grapevines. These slightly bitter leafy greens are usually boiled, then tossed in a pan with olive oil, chili pepper, garlic, and salt. It’s a must-try, at least once. 

Cappelletti in Brodo di Cappone, 
What to eat in the marche
Cappelletti in Brodo di Cappone at L’Antico Approdo

Cappelletti in Brodo di Cappone is a homemade pasta stuffed with a mixture of cooked veal, chicken, pork, mortadella, and parmesan cheese, then folded to resemble a hat (cappelletti). They are served in a delicious capon broth. In the past, this was served only at Christmas but nowadays is available in the fall-spring seasons. 

Agnello allo Scottadito is seasoned lamb roasted over a hot grill and served so hot it will “burn your fingers” (scottadito). It’s often included in a “mixed grill” dish. This is Matt’s all-time favorite. 

Pecorino dei Monti Sibillini is one of our many fantastic local cheeses. This one in particular is in the Slow Food Presidium and is slightly aged. Cheeses are often featured on antipasti platters or as a dessert. You can also find it at weekly markets and the grocery store in Colmurano. 

Chickpea soup, zuppa di ceci, what to eat in Marche
Chickpea Soup

Chickpea soup (zuppa di ceci) was often consumed by local farm families because chickpeas were cultivated locally and they could be stored for a year. It’s often featured on menus and is really delicious. Sometimes prosciutto is added but usually it’s a vegetarian dish. 

Gnocchi with Duck Ragu is typically slow cooked in a sauce of red wine, tomatoes, and herbs until the duck meat falls from the bones. Fresh potato gnocchi are folded into the sauce. It’s especially popular around our nearby area, especially the Abbadia di Fiastra. 

Carbonara al Tartufo, Carbonara with Truffles, what to eat in marche
Carbonara al Tartufo

Truffles with anything. The Marche is internationally underrated for our truffles but we have both white and black varieties, which makes our truffle season longer. If fresh truffles are available you will see them on menus (tartufo). My favorite is truffles shaved on top of carbonara. 

Buon appetito!