Tartufo, Vino di Bianchello del Metauro and Sangiovese, enjoyed to the music of Pavarotti and Rossini. The racing legacy of Valentino Rossi and the unmistakable sound of Benelli motorcycles. The artistic heritage of Raffaello in Urbino. The pure nature of the Apennines, from trails crossed by the Cavallo del Catria, through the dramatic Gola del Furlo, all the way to the famous coastline at Sirolo. Craftsmanship rooted in tradition, from Molaroni Ceramica to Santoni shoes. All of this shaped by Roman history and timeless villages such as Mondavio and Gradara.
This is why Le Marche is worth discovering.
Breathtaking nature
From soft rolling hills draped in vineyards and olive groves to the dramatic silhouettes of the Apennine mountains, Northern Le Marche is a true haven for nature lovers. Wander along scenic hiking trails, cycle through quiet country roads, or simply pause to take in the shifting panorama of golden fields, stone farmhouses, and green valleys. Every season transforms the landscape: spring blossoms, summer sunflowers, autumn’s warm-colored vines, and winter peaks dusted with snow.
A short drive from these peaceful hills, the Adriatic Sea opens up with long sandy beaches and secluded coves. Whether you enjoy lively seaside towns with beach clubs and gelato stands or prefer tranquil bays where you can relax in complete calm, the coastline of Le Marche never disappoints. Swim, sunbathe, or set out by boat to explore the turquoise waters and white limestone cliffs of the stunning Conero Riviera.
Food and wine
Le Marche is world-famous for its truffles: it is the only place on earth where all truffle varieties naturally occur, from prized white truffles to black summer and winter truffles. This unique biodiversity makes dishes like tagliatelle al tartufo not just delicious, but unforgettable.
Enjoy fresh seafood straight from the Adriatic, handmade pastas, and rustic mountain specialties featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal vegetables. Pair your meals with Le Marche’s celebrated wines, such as the crisp Verdicchio, the elegant Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, or the bold Rosso Conero.
Le Marche hosts several annual truffle festivals, and the town of Acqualagna is considered one of the world’s truffle capitals.
Shopping
Northern Le Marche is a paradise not only for nature lovers and food enthusiasts, but also for those who appreciate quality shopping and authentic Italian craftsmanship. The region is home to some of Italy’s finest designer outlets and artisan boutiques, offering everything from luxury fashion to handmade leather goods, often at exceptional prices.
One of the highlights is Unionmoda, one of the most renowned fashion outlets in central Italy. Located just a short drive away, it brings together premium Italian brands under one roof, with constantly changing collections and true outlet reductions. From elegant coats and shoes to accessories and seasonal finds, Unionmoda is a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian style.
Beyond Unionmoda, Le Marche is dotted with factory outlets from major luxury brands. You’ll find the home region of iconic shoemakers such as Tod’s, Hogan, and Santoni, many of which offer dedicated outlet stores where craftsmanship meets unbeatable value. Small workshops and local artisans also open their doors to visitors, showcasing handmade leather goods, ceramics, and textiles that reflect the region’s deep-rooted tradition of quality.
Whether you’re searching for designer pieces, beautifully crafted shoes, or unique handmade items, shopping in Le Marche combines elegance, authenticity, and the pleasure of discovering treasures directly at the source.
Ancient wonders and mountain magic
Just beyond the serene hills of Northern Le Marche lie two of the region’s most extraordinary natural treasures: the Frasassi Caves and the Sibillini Mountains. Together, they reveal a side of Le Marche where geology, legend, and untouched nature come together in spectacular harmony.
Venture underground into the Grotte di Frasassi, one of Europe’s most impressive cave systems. Formed over millions of years, these vast caverns open into cathedral-sized chambers filled with towering stalactites, shimmering stone formations, and silence so deep it feels otherworldly. The first chamber alone is so immense it could hold an entire Gothic cathedral — a reminder of nature’s unimaginable scale. Discovering Frasassi is like stepping into a hidden world carved from stone and time.
A short drive further west, the landscape rises into the rugged beauty of the Monti Sibillini. Here, dramatic peaks, glacial lakes, wildflower meadows, and sweeping valleys invite endless exploration. The mountains are wrapped in centuries-old legends: travelers once sought the mythical cave of the Sibyl, a prophetic enchantress said to dwell in these very peaks. Today, the Sibillini remain a place of mystery and wonder — perfect for hiking, cycling, or simply breathing in the pure mountain air.
From the subterranean silence of Frasassi to the sunlit ridges of the Sibillini, Northern Le Marche offers natural experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
Roman history
Running through the heart of Le Marche is one of Italy’s most storied ancient roads: the Via Flaminia. Built in 220 BC by the Roman consul Gaius Flaminius, this route once connected Rome to the Adriatic coast, carrying merchants, soldiers, and travelers across rolling hills and mountain passes.
In Le Marche, the Via Flaminia still shapes the landscape. You can trace its path through historic towns, medieval bridges, and quiet valleys where the stones and contours echo two thousand years of movement. Many local villages — including those near Colli al Metauro — grew and flourished thanks to this vital artery of the Roman world.
Fun fact: remnants of the original Roman paving stones and engineering works can still be found along sections of the route, making the Via Flaminia one of the best-preserved ancient roads in central Italy.
Whether you explore it by car, on foot, or simply admire its influence on the region’s history, the Via Flaminia reminds you that in Le Marche, the past is always just beneath your feet.
Craftmanship
Le Marche isn’t only rich in food and wine — it’s also a region with a deep tradition of craftsmanship. One of its most famous ambassadors is Santoni, the luxury shoemaker born in the small town of Corridonia. Here, in the heart of Le Marche, generations of artisans have perfected the art of hand-stitched leatherwork.
Santoni’s shoes are still crafted using traditional techniques, where every pair can pass through dozens of skilled hands. Rich leathers, meticulous detailing, and slow, precise workmanship reflect the region’s long-standing culture of quality over quantity.
Le Marche is known as Italy’s “shoemaking valley,” home to many of the country’s most prestigious footwear ateliers — but Santoni remains one of its crown jewels, representing the perfect blend of Italian elegance, heritage, and innovation.
Your Perfect Escape
Northern Le Marche offers the best of Italy; nature, sea, history, and cuisine, without the crowds. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a taste of the good life, this enchanting region has it all. Come and discover a place where beauty feels natural, hospitality feels genuine, and every moment becomes a cherished memory.
Escape the ordinary. Experience Northern Le Marche.