Marche is often called "the undiscovered Tuscany" but that undersells it. The region has its own distinct identity: a chain of medieval hilltop towns cascading down to a long Adriatic coastline, backed by the Sibillini mountains. Unlike Tuscany or Liguria, Marche sees remarkably few international tourists, meaning prices are lower, crowds are thinner, and the culture you encounter is genuinely local.
A Renaissance jewel perched on a hill, Urbino is the birthplace of Raphael and home to the Palazzo Ducale, one of Italy's finest Renaissance palaces. The town is a living university city rather than a museum, so it has a lively atmosphere without feeling staged. The surrounding countryside of rolling green hills is stunning in every direction. Note that Urbino is not on the rail network; it is reached by bus from Pesaro (about 40 minutes).
Getting there: No rail station. Bus from Pesaro (~40 min); Pesaro has direct IC/Frecce service on the Bologna--Ancona line.
One of Italy's most beautiful piazzas, Piazza del Popolo, anchors this travertine-built medieval city. Ascoli feels genuinely undiscovered by mass tourism. It is the birthplace of olive ascolane (stuffed fried olives) and has a strong local food culture. The surrounding Tronto valley and Sibillini foothills are excellent for day trips. Reachable by train on the Adriatic line with a connection inland from San Benedetto del Tronto.
Getting there: Regional train from San Benedetto del Tronto (~30 min), where you change from IC/Frecce services on the Adriatic line.
A tiny hilltop town in the southern Marche known for its lace-making tradition, a beautiful Romanesque church (Santa Maria della Rocca), and panoramic views over vineyards. Offida is in the heart of the Rosso Piceno wine country. Not on the rail network but easily reached from Ascoli Piceno or San Benedetto del Tronto.
Getting there: No rail station. Bus from San Benedetto del Tronto or Ascoli Piceno (~30 min each), or by car.
A lesser-known provincial capital with a striking hilltop cathedral, underground Roman cisterns, and sweeping coastal views from the Girfalco fortress. Fermo has an authentic small-city atmosphere and serves as a good base for exploring southern Marche. Reachable by train (station at Porto San Giorgio/Fermo on the coastal line).
Getting there: Porto San Giorgio/Fermo station is on the Adriatic IC line; from there bus or taxi ~15 min up to Fermo's hilltop centre.
A cultured seaside city that was the Italian Capital of Culture in 2024. Birthplace of Rossini, it hosts an annual opera festival in August. The long sandy beach is pleasant without being overrun, and the historic centre has good restaurants and a relaxed feel. Pesaro is well connected by train on the main Bologna-Ancona line.
Getting there: Direct IC/Frecce station on the Bologna--Ancona line (~1 h from Bologna).
The regional capital is not a classic beauty, but the old town on the headland has character, the cathedral perch offers sweeping Adriatic views, and it is the main rail hub for the region. The nearby Conero Riviera (see Beaches below) is the real draw. Ancona is a stop on the main Adriatic rail line and is reachable by fast trains from Bologna and Milan.
Getting there: Major IC/Frecce station with direct services from Bologna (~2 h), Milan (~3 h), and Rome (~3.5 h).
Marche is one of Italy's most rewarding food regions, with dishes that remain stubbornly local.
Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi is the star white -- crisp, mineral, and one of Italy's best-value quality whites. Rosso Conero (Montepulciano grape) and Rosso Piceno are the key reds. The Offida DOCG area produces interesting Pecorino (the grape, not the cheese) whites.
The Marche coastline stretches over 170 km along the Adriatic. Most beaches are long, sandy, and gently shelving, with the dramatic exception of the Conero coast.
The highlight. Monte Conero is a limestone headland just south of Ancona where the otherwise flat coast erupts into cliffs and coves. The best beaches:
Adriatic sea temperatures in late June typically range from 22-24 degrees C, rising through July. Comfortable for swimming from mid-June onward. The Adriatic is generally calmer and warmer than the Tyrrhenian side at this time of year.
The main Adriatic rail line (Bologna - Rimini - Pesaro - Fano - Senigallia - Ancona - and south to Pescara/Bari) runs along the coast and is well covered by both regional trains and Frecce (high-speed) services. Key journey times:
All these are Interrail-eligible Trenitalia services. Seat reservations are required on Frecce trains (typically 10 EUR).
3-5 days is ideal for Marche as part of a longer Interrail itinerary.
The region rewards a slower pace. Evenings in the piazzas, a long lunch with vincisgrassi and Verdicchio, a morning at a near-empty Conero cove -- this is the kind of travel Marche does best.