10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Le Marche This Summer

Overshadowed by its neighbors Umbria and Tuscany, Le Marche is one of the most underrated regions in central Italy. However, there’s more to the area than meets the eye. From photography opportunities and music events to beach hopping and sightseeing, Culture Trip invites you to discover the charms of one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

To enjoy the endless sunflower fields

Sunflowers are everywhere in Le Marche during the summer months – specifically from mid-June to early August. They can also be found near Camerano, Porto Potenza Picena, and Avacelli. Why not rent a car and drive around to find the best spots for taking photos?

To attend music concerts by famous Italian artists

To take in the breathtaking view of Riviera del Conero

The most dominant feature of the Riviera del Conero is Mount Conero, which is 572 meters high. A former fishing village called Numana has one of the most mesmerizing views of the Riviera. Numana itself is a charming seaside getaway, with many picturesque streets perfect for evening wanders.

To try gelato in some of the best gelaterias

Have you ever wondered what some flowers taste like? You can find out in a cool and tasty way at Bar Gelateria Morelli located in Numana. Opened since 1927, the gelateria is a local’s favorite. One of its most famous flavors is camomilla, melissa e passiflora (chamomile, lemon balm, and passion flower). There are other refreshing flavors such as melon, lemon, mint, and pistachio – all are perfect for a hot summer day.

To enjoy the off-the-beaten-track beaches

Some of the most famous beaches in the region are in Sirolo, Numana, and Portonovo. Hidden away in Sirolo, one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches of Le Marche is San Michele. The beach is situated at the foot of Mount Conero, and it can be reached on foot through steep hiking paths or by bus from Sirolo Town Hall.

To indulge in fancy aperitivos

Around aperitivo time (between 6–9pm), people will dress up, and have a quick pre-dinner drink in one of the many bars overlooking the wonderful sea view. The elegant and sophisticated evening vibes of Sirolo remind us of the Island of Capri in Campania.

To explore the birthplace of the great Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi

Born in 1798 in Recanati, Giacomo Leopardi was a radical thinker of the 19th century, known for his emotional poems such as The Infinite and Saturday in the Village. Walking around Recanati today, visitors can read his poems in archaic Italian as they are printed and hung around the town. A good option would be to take a guided tour of Recanati to follow in Leopardi’s footsteps.

To learn more about the making of accordions

Located in the Province of Ancona, Castelfidardo is known as the capital of accordion makers. The history of the accordion began with the works of Paolo Soprani in 1863 in Castelfidardo. A visit to the International Accordion Museum in this town is a must for accordion fans.

To go outlet shopping for the most well-known Italian designer brands

Why would you go fashion shopping in Le Marche? Not many people know that a lot of factory outlets by Italian designers are located in this region. Le Marche shopping outlets feature brands such as Tods, Armani, and Prada. The region of Le Marche is also famous for shoe making. More importantly, there are big discounts, usually between 30% to 50%, sometimes even more.

To marvel at the Holy House and the Black Madonna statue in Loreto

Legend has it that the Holy House of Nazareth (or Santa Casa in Italian), placed inside the Basilica of Loreto, was the house of Lady Mary. It was allegedly brought to Loreto in 1295 by angels from the Holy Land. Inside the Holy House is the magnificent statue of the Black Madonna, which is a modern duplicate, as the original was destroyed in a fire almost a century ago.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.