Exploring Le Marche
We are so happy you’ll be with us on our special day! If you have some extra time, we encourage you to explore Laura’s hometown, Montecarotto, and the surrounding villages. The local food is incredible, and you won’t want to miss visiting one of the nearby wineries. Whether you prefer the peaceful coast or a beautiful mountain hike, we’ve put together some of our favorite spots for you to explore.
Have a wonderful time!
Montecarotto
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Marche region, Montecarotto is not only a picturesque village but also the birthplace of Laura. Known for its serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, Montecarotto has well-preserved medieval architecture, including historic buildings and ancient city walls. The town is celebrated for its scenic landscape and local wines, especially Verdicchio, produced in the surrounding countryside.
While Montecarotto is a small village, counting just over 2000 inhabitants it has some interesting sights to discover. We recommend taking a stroll through the typical narrow streets or alongside the historic Castle Walls. You can take a peek at the Municipal Theatre, a typical Italian theatre from the 1800’s. On the other side of the street you can plan a visit the Clock Tower to view the intricate clockwork from up close and reach the top to get a 360-degree view over the valley and, on a clear day, the sea.
If you’re more of a “gastronomic tourist” you’re in good hands at the Cadabò for some typical local food (mostly meat) or Erard, known for its dishes with fish. For a delicious pizza we recommend Colle Dell’O or Pizzeria del Viale for a quick slice. For the best wine in Montecarotto we suggest Sabbionare or CasalFarneto for a taste of Le Marche’s famous Verdicchio wine.
For more information you can visit Montecarotto’s tourism website https://www.visitmontecarotto.it/
Historic Towns and Cities
Closeby Montecarotto, Jesi is a town with well-preserved medieval architecture, offering a pleasant atmosphere with its historic city walls, piazzas, and the Federico II Museum Museo Stupor Mundi. It balances its rich history with modern conveniences, making it a nice place to visit. Second, as the regional capital, Ancona has a lively port, historical landmarks like the Arch of Trajan, and a scenic waterfront. The city mixes history with modern services, creating a welcoming environment for visitors.
Also within half an hour of Montecarotto is Corinaldo, a small, medieval town with well-preserved walls and charming narrow streets. The views from its fortifications offer a peaceful look at the surrounding countryside. As well as Loretello, one of the 9 castles of Arcevia, is a quiet village with medieval roots, offering cobblestone streets and lovely views of the surrounding hills, making it a peaceful spot to explore.
Near the location of our reception you can find Cingoli, know as “the balcony of Marche”. On a sunny day it is said you can see the whole of the region (and maybe even the mountaintops of Croatia). Nearby you can find Lago di Cingoli, which offers some good places to have a relaxing beer near the water.
Depending on what you like, Fabriano is a town that is mainly known for its history in paper production, giving you the chance to explore this artisanal process. Close to Fabriano, also Cacciano is worth a visit, mainly known for its murals.
We also recommend paying a visit the majestic castle of Gradara and Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its Renaissance architecture and historic center. The city features the Ducal Palace and the University of Urbino, reflecting its cultural and historical significance. Its well-preserved landmarks give it a timeless feel.
For the beach-lovers among us, the closest place to enjoy the sea is Senigallia. Besides a nice seaside it offers a lively city center. After a day at the beach you can stroll past the famous Rotonda (which inspired the famous song Una rotonda sul mare) and head into the city center for an aperitivo, lunch or dinner.
For more picturesque seaside towns we recommend heading to Conero Regional Park, offering stunning natural beauty and a more tranquil experience. Here, both Portonovo and Sirolo are excellent options to enjoy the clear, turquoise waters and scenic cliffs that make it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing. If you choose to explore Conero Regional Park, we recommend taking Passo del Lupo, a small hike giving you stunning views of the coast and Le Due Sorelle.
If you’re coming from, or heading to, Bologna it’s definitely worth visiting Monte San Bartolo Park. It faces the Adriatic Sea with a spectacular cliff and it reaches its maximum altitudes on the hills of San Bartolo, Castellaro, and in the villages of Casteldimezzo and Fiorenzuola di Focara.
The Sea
Nature
Le Marche is full of beautiful places, and sometimes the best way to find them is simply by exploring. Even a casual drive through the region can lead to stunning landscapes, hidden villages, and unexpected sights.
Some of the highlights we recommend are Grotte di Frasassi, one of Italy’s most well-known cave systems, featuring large chambers and impressive rock formations formed over thousands of years. A guided tour takes you through its most striking areas, offering a fascinating look at this natural wonder. Nearby, the Tempio del Valadier is a small neoclassical temple built inside a cave. Commissioned in the 19th century, it was meant as a place of retreat and still offers a peaceful spot with beautiful views of the surrounding valley.
A bit further from Montecarotto, you can visit Lago di Fiastra and Lame Rosse, known for its unique red rock formations, shaped by wind and water over time, making it a great spot for a hike through Grand Canyon like scenery. Another beautiful place to visit is La Gola del Furlo, a ravine with steep cliffs and a peaceful river, perfect for a walk or simply taking in the landscape.
If you have a bit more time on your hands, and you’d like some challenging hikes, we recommend Monti Sibillini National Park, which offers beautiful mountain landscapes. In particular, we think Gola dell'Infernaccio and Laghi di Pilato are worth a visit!
Food & Wine
The Marche region is a hidden gem of Italian cuisine, offering a rich variety of traditional dishes and local specialties. For pasta lovers, Passatelli is a comforting pasta made from breadcrumbs, eggs, and cheese, originally served in a flavourful broth. Vincisgrassi is a must-try—a baked lasagna layered with minced meat, tomato sauce and béchamel, a true symbol of Marche’s culinary tradition. Also Pasta al fumé at Maciste is a smoked delicacy beloved in the region. Fun fact, the inventor is a prize-winning bodybuilder! Crescia, a delicious flatbread similar to focaccia, that is perfect for pairing with local cheeses and cured meats. Don’t miss Olive all’Ascolana, crispy fried olives stuffed with a savory meat filling, or Ciauscolo, a soft and spreadable salami with a rich flavor. And last not least, Porchetta, a fennel-seasoned roasted pork with crispy crackling skin.
For wine you’re in the “Land of Verdicchio”. Verdicchio wines are loved for their sweet aromatics. For red wine you can try the Rosso Conero, a wine which grows and ripens on the hills of the Conero Riviera. Our favourite wineries, besides the ones already mentioned, are Sant’Amico and Vignaamato. If you prefer beer, make sure to pay a visit to Jack Rabbit in Jesi, known for its creative and high-quality brews.
For more things to do, see or taste you can visit Marche’s tourist websites: letsmarche.it, destinazionemarche.it or raccontidimarche.it