ItalyField Guide
Marche

Region

Marche

The Adriatic side of central Italy — Urbino, Ascoli Piceno, the Sibillini mountains, and a long sandy coast. Overshadowed by Tuscany and Umbria next door, and the better for it.

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The verdict

The Marche is the quiet central-Italy region that sits between the Apennines and the Adriatic. Urbino for the Renaissance, Ascoli Piceno for the piazzas, the Sibillini for hiking, and the coast for a low-key beach. It's the region to choose when you want central Italy without Tuscany's crowds or Umbria's pilgrims — and it's cheaper than both.

Why go

Urbino's Renaissance, the Sibillini mountains, and an uncrowded Adriatic coast — central Italy without the crowds.

Skip if

You want the famous central-Italy destinations; the Marche is the quieter, less famous version.

Where to go in Marche

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Numana
01

Town · Marche

Numana

The best base for the Conero Riviera — a cliffside old village, a pine-backed beach, and the blue Adriatic. Worth a couple of nights if you want the Marche coast without the Rimini crowds.

Urbino
02

Town · Marche

Urbino

The most important Renaissance city most travelers skip. The Ducal Palace is the masterpiece; the birthplace of Raphael is the bonus. Worth a night if you love Renaissance art and architecture.

Ascoli Piceno
03

Town · Marche

Ascoli Piceno

The most beautiful town in the Marche you haven't heard of — a center of travertine towers, two great piazzas, and the olive all'ascolana. Worth a night.

Things to do in Marche

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