Where to Stay in Marche

The seaport city of Ancona is one of the main ports on the Adriatic Sea, providing ferry connections to and from Croatia, Greece, Turkey, and Albania. As most people begin their exploration of Marche here, it makes sense to spend at least a couple of nights in Ancona even if you don’t make it a base for your entire trip. It’s within easy reach of popular destinations, including the Conero Riviera with its beautiful beaches and the UNESCO-listed hilltop town of Urbino. Ancona has its own picturesque beaches too, along with an interesting history to explore, dating back to around 387 BC when it was founded by Greek settlers. If you stay in the historical center, you’ll be steps from many monuments and attractions, from Piazza del Plebiscito with its many bars, restaurants, and great people-watching to the 16th-century fortress and San Ciriaco Cathedral with its impressive mix of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles.

One of the most beautiful towns in Marche, hilltop Urbino is also one of the best places for art and culture lovers to stay. It was one of Italy’s cultural capitals in the 15th century, a time when some of the most renowned architects and artists gathered here. From the layout of the streets to the architecture, it’s like walking into another era, yet it’s also a vibrant university town that balances the old and new. In addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible legacy of Renaissance culture, there are many art galleries, unique shops, wine bars, and restaurants. The main reason to stay here is to immerse yourself in history, 500 years back in time, with Urbino known as the “cradle of the Renaissance” alongside Florence. It’s also an uncrowded, hidden gem with affordable places to stay as well as offering some magnificent villa hotels right in the historic center.

The capital city of the province of the same name, Ascoli Piceno offers timeless charm that predates even Rome as well as hosting the country’s second-largest medieval reenactment event, La Quintana, which takes place annually in July and August. Ascoli Piceno is also a treasure trove when it comes to fine wine and cuisine, making it one of the best for foodies and oenophiles. Just northeast of the city, Piceno wine country is renowned for its world-class wines while offering unique experiences like tasting menus perfectly paired with the area’s wines by a chef and sommelier. From tagliatelle with truffles to pizza, with Ascoli Piceno boasting the most award-winning pizzerias in Marche, there is an abundance of delicious food and drink to discover here. The city celebrates its culinary heritage with the Ascolive Festival in August, dedicated to Olive all' Ascolana, the region’s signature fried olives stuffed with beef, chicken, pork, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.

One of the main ports on the Adriatic as well as being home to an international airport, most tourists visiting Marche begin their travels here. It’s worth spending a couple of days in with plenty of delights of its own, as well as being a good base for exploring other destinations in the region. As it’s an off-the-beaten-path city, you won’t find many big tourist crowds here but it does offer a little bit of everything from beautiful beach resorts to rich history. Founded by Greek settlers from Syracuse in the 4 th century BC, its name comes from the Greek word Αγκων, which means "elbow,” referring to the shape of the harbor. It hosts a great archaeology museum, Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche, which sits within a former private villa overlooking the Adriatic. The impressive collection includes prehistoric and Roman-era artifacts. Ancona’s cathedral sits atop Guasco Hill and includes one of the oldest domes in Italy.

Located along the Adriatic Coast, Pesaro is a popular summer destination that’s ideal for those who want to spend lots of time at the beach, sunbathing and swimming, but it also offers historical sites with a well-preserved medieval village laid out in traditional Roman style. Founded as a Roman colony in 184 BC, it was an important trading center along the ancient road leading from Rome to the Adriatic Sea, Via Flaminia. During the Renaissance, the city was chosen as the capital of the royal dukedom by the ruling families, which is why it’s home to so many grand palaces and elegant villas. Italian families often choose Pesaro as their favored vacation spot as the sea is more accessible here as compared to other resort towns, with a waterfront promenade and many free, sandy public beaches. Like many Italian seaside resorts, its historic area is slightly inland, connected to the Adriatic by seaside villas and hotels.

The “City of a Hundred Towers,” Ascoli Piceno was once one of Italy’s most important centers. It’s rich in ancient architecture, including palaces and churches, and there are several centuries-old bell towers. You’ll see traces of the Renaissance era throughout, including its beautiful Piazza del Popolo, the main square. This is also one of the top spots for foodies and oenophiles, famous for its Ascoli olives, found in local dishes at nearly every restaurant. It’s something that’s celebrated during the Ascolive Festival which is dedicated to the region’s signature dish, Olive all' Ascolana, fried stuffed olives. Ascoli Piceno also boasts the highest concentration of award-winning pizzerias in the region, and dishes like tagliatelle with truffles are popular too. Just outside the city, Piceno wine country is a great place for tasting and touring, with plenty of world-class wines to sample and restaurants serving tasting menus with each dish paired with the perfect glass.