Insider tip: Le Marche: Authentic living away from mass tourism

Italy as it used to be – but even better. If you're tired of busy places, tourist restaurants and beaches full of people, you should know about the Le Marche region. Between the Apennines and the Adriatic Sea lies one of Italy's most unspoilt regions – a great place for anyone looking for a peaceful, authentic and enjoyable holiday experience. In Le Marche, you can spend your Italian holiday just as you've always secretly wanted to: close to nature, relaxed, with plenty of culture and, above all, far away from mass tourism.

With the right holiday home in the middle of the region, your stay in this special area will be a real experience. No matter if you pick a lovely country house, a cool villa with a pool, or a snug agriturismo, you'll feel like a local, not a tourist.

Where is the Marche region? And why isn't it more well-known?

The Marche region is in the middle of Italy. It is next to Tuscany and Umbria to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the east. It stretches along about 100 kilometres of coastline and goes deep into the green heart of the Apennine Mountains. The region has a lot of different types of geography, which makes it a unique holiday area where everyone can find something they like. It has mountains, hills, a coastline and old towns.

Despite being in the middle of Italy, not many people know about the region. Unlike Tuscany, Lake Garda or the Amalfi Coast, it has so far been untouched by mass tourism. This is exactly what makes it so appealing: in the Marche region, you will find an authentic Italian lifestyle, traditional food, charming villages, empty beaches – and above all, plenty of peace and quiet.

What makes a holiday in Le Marche so special?

Le Marche is a small area where you can find lots of different things to see and do. It is only a few hours' drive from the Monti Sibillini mountains to the Adriatic Sea, so you can enjoy a swim in the turquoise waters after hiking in the mountains. This mix of nature, culture, food and relaxation is rare even in Italy.

The most beautiful experiences in nature.

Nature lovers will be thrilled by the rolling hills, dramatic mountain ranges and untouched river valleys. The Monti Sibillini National Park is perfect for long hikes and exploring. Cyclists and horse riders will also find it great here.

The coast is made up of sand, rocks and blue water.

The Adriatic coast is very diverse. The Conero coast has white rocks and hidden bays, while further north there are well-kept sandy beaches and charming seaside towns like Numana and Sirolo.

Experience culture and history for yourself

The region has a lot of interesting cultural things to see and do. Urbino, where Raphael was born, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important centre of the Renaissance. Every year, Macerata hosts an open-air opera festival in its Roman amphitheatre. Even small towns have Romanesque churches, monasteries and museums that are well looked after.

Cuisine with character: eating like at Nonna's

The Marche region also has a lot to offer in terms of food. Here, cooking is still traditional, with local ingredients that are in season and simple. The food is delicious and full of flavour, whether it's truffles, olive oil, handmade pasta or freshly caught fish. The region's best wines include Verdicchio from Jesi, Rosso Conero and Lacrima di Morro d'Alba.

Authentic living: holiday home or agriturismo?

A holiday home in the Marche region is more than just a place to stay – it is a place to arrive at. Whether it's a farmhouse with a natural stone exterior that's been restored, a modern villa with an infinity pool, or a cosy apartment in the historic town centre, each property has its own story to tell.

Many of the houses are built into the hills, offering great views of vineyards or the sea, and have private pools, terraces and big gardens. It's perfect for families, couples or groups who want to travel independently without giving up comfort.

Agriturismo – farm holidays – is a special type of accommodation. There, you can try food from the area, help collect olives or just see what life is like in the countryside in Italy.

Personal tips for special places

The Conero coast is a place that visitors love. It has a white rocky coastline, fishing villages and blue water. Nature lovers will feel at home in the Monti Sibillini National Park, which has wild gorges, plateaus and rare animal species.

If you love culture, you'll love Urbino, a lively university town with a rich history. Macerata is famous for its music festivals and relaxed way of life. The towns of Cupramontana and Jesi are great places to try different wines. Senigallia and Fano are popular with families because of their beaches and food.

Who is the Marche region suitable for?

The region is perfect for anyone who wants to relax. Whether you are a slow traveller, a family, a couple or a connoisseur, you will find what you are looking for here. Le Marche is also a great place for dog owners, with lots of walking trails and big holiday homes.

Getting there and best time to travel

Getting there is easy. You can easily reach the Marche region by car via the motorway from northern Italy. It's also easy to get to by plane, for example from the airports in Ancona, Perugia or Rome. It's best to hire a car locally, as many of the most beautiful places are away from the main roads.

If you want to experience nature, the best months to travel are May, June or September. Then it is quiet, the countryside is full of flowers, and the weather is nice. July and August are the best months for a beach holiday, and there are lots of festivals and outdoor events during this time. Every autumn, the area is popular with tourists. They come to see the grape harvest, truffle festivals and the golden colours of the landscape.

Conclusion: Italy's best-kept travel secret

The Marche region is not a destination for those in a hurry – but for people who like to

cooking for themselves and just enjoying the moment. Come and see Italy as it was before tourism hit the country.

When you go there, you'll want to go back. It's not just because the landscape is beautiful, but also because you feel like you've truly arrived. Book your dream holiday home in the Marche region now: Visit ItalicaRentals.com for more information.