Surrounded by regions such as Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio, as well as the Adriatic Sea, the region of Marche is a mostly hilly area with a 173km long coast. Quaint towns and villages, lush green countryside and unspoiled beaches make up this mountainous area, which is perfect for many activities and breaks away from the crowds of other Italian regions. Holidaying at a Marche villa is one of the best ways to explore this beautiful part of Italy at your own pace. With accommodation available for everyone, from individuals to families and groups of friends, a break in this central area of Italy is a great choice. Whether you want an action-packed vigorous break filled with outdoor activities or you simply want to relax amongst breathtaking scenery, Marche villa holidays are perfect for enjoying a getaway at your own pace.
The weather in Marche is mostly Mediterranean with warm to hot summers and cool but generally mild winters. Summer is the best time to visit if you enjoy hotter weather and in this part of Italy the weather is mainly dry from late May to September except for the odd storm that can occur after particularly hot spells. As with many areas of Italy, Marche villa holidays are exceptionally enjoyable in the delightful spring and autumn seasons. The weather is usually not as hot at these times but they are still warm and pleasant. The landscape is also particularly beautiful in autumn as vibrant shades of orange, red, auburn and yellow adorn the countryside. Many people choose to hire a Marche villa during the winter season to take advantage of the snow that falls atop mountains and hills. On mountains that reach an altitude of 1500m or more, the ski season can last up to three months.
The bustling medieval town of Sarnano is considered as one of Italy’s most beautiful towns and it is home to a number of things visitors can enjoy during
Marche villa holidays. Cobbled streets, ancient churches and picturesque piazzas dominate the landscape along with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to keep visitors busy. The town is situated at the foot of the Sibillini Mountains and as such lends itself as a great winter and summer destination. In winter guests at
Marche villas can enjoy skiing and other winter sports such as snowboarding, whilst in summer the mountains are ideal for hiking and walking. After a day’s activities you can relax in the town’s health spa or take some time to explore the perfectly preserved medieval centre.
Although most of the landscape surrounding Marche villas is hilly and mountainous, it does have a wonderful coast which runs along the Adriatic Sea. The Conero Riviera, as it is popularly known, is set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Conero and boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Resorts such as Sirolo, Numana and Portonovo are extremely popular areas to visit on the Riviera in summer with many people enjoying Marche villa holidays. The Marche region has more Blue Flag beaches than many other areas of Italy due to their impressive cleanliness, facilities and beautiful waters. The town of Senigallia also boasts some delightful beaches on the coast that are adorned with extremely fine sand and it has been nicknamed spiagga di velluto, which means velvet beach.
Many people base their Marche villa holidays nearby to Ancona, the capital city of the Ancona province and one of the most popular places in the region. Inside the city you will find a number of attractions such as the Romanesque church San Ciriaco, which was consecrated in 1128 and has a fine Gothic façade. The church of Santa Maria della Piazza is another religious building in the city with impressive architecture, particularly the elaborate façade. During a holiday at a Marche villa you may also want to pay a visit to the Arch of Trajan, an 18m high Roman monument or the Pinacoteca Civica Francesco Podesti which houses a selection of modern and historic paintings. The nearby archeological museum has a remarkable collection of pre-Roman and Roman artefacts, including two Roman beds with decorations carved out of ivory.
During a Marche villa holiday there are many incredible places for you to visit. The walled city of Urbino is a World Heritage Site and is especially notable due to its Renaissance attractions. Urbino was also the birthplace of renowned Renaissance artist Rafael and the city is located on a picturesque sloping hillside. Elsewhere in the region, numerous castles are dotted amongst the landscape giving visitors an insight into the majestic past. The castle of Offagna is a dominating structure that houses a collection of antique weapons whilst the Gradara castle is another monument you might like to visit from your Marche villa, the complex houses a series of rooms decorated with frescoes and antiques, a church and a medieval village. Like other areas of Italy the Marche region is the home of some delicious wines. The Enoteca di Jesi is a monument to local wine production and has over 500 wines collected from the region.
