Le Marche Villas

Dining in Le Marche reflects the region’s geography, combining Adriatic seafood with hearty dishes from the hills and mountains. One of the best-known specialities is vincisgrassi, a rich baked pasta traditionally layered with béchamel and a meat-based ragù. Around Ascoli Piceno, look for olive all’ascolana — large local olives stuffed with seasoned meat, breaded and fried until crisp.

Wine is just as important to the regional table. Verdicchio is Le Marche’s signature white grape, particularly around Castelli di Jesi and Matelica, while Rosso Piceno is produced largely from Montepulciano and Sangiovese in the central and southern parts of the region. Both pair naturally with the seafood, pasta and meat dishes found across Le Marche.

For special meals, the current Michelin Guide includes Uliassi in Senigallia, Madonnina del Pescatore in Marzocca, Andreina in Loreto and Osteria Ophis in Offida.

By air

Ancona International Airport (AOI) is the main airport within Le Marche and should usually be the starting point when comparing flights. Its current network includes domestic and international connections, although some routes operate seasonally.

If your villa is in northern Le Marche, airports such as Rimini or Bologna may provide more convenient alternatives depending on flight schedules. For southern Le Marche, particularly around Ascoli Piceno and Fermo, Pescara may be worth comparing.

By ferry

The Port of Ancona sits on the Adriatic coast and is a major passenger gateway for Le Marche. Regular ferry routes connect Ancona with Croatia, Albania and Greece, including Split, Zadar, Durrës, Igoumenitsa and Patras.

By train

The Adriatic rail line connects major coastal destinations including Ancona and provides onward connections towards cities such as Bologna and Rome. Rail is useful for travelling between larger towns, although many countryside villas and smaller hilltop villages require an onward taxi or car journey.

By car

A private car hire is the most flexible way to explore Le Marche, particularly if you are staying in a countryside villa. Beaches, vineyards, hilltop villages and mountain areas are spread throughout the region, so having your own transport makes it much easier to combine coastal days with inland sightseeing.

Getting around locally

Local buses connect many towns and cities, but services can be less practical for rural villa stays. Walking and cycling are excellent once you reach individual towns, coastal areas and countryside routes, while a car remains the easiest option for travelling between them.

The best time to visit Le Marche for most travellers is from April to June or September to October, when temperatures are generally comfortable for exploring hill towns, vineyards and countryside without the busiest summer crowds. Spring brings green landscapes and excellent walking conditions, while early autumn is ideal for food, wine and harvest-season experiences. These months are also the best time to visit Italy in general, opening up the opportunity for a fun and dynamic multi-trip Italian getaway!

For an Adriatic beach holiday, June to September is the strongest period, with July and August bringing the warmest weather and liveliest coastal atmosphere. The region of Le Marche also works well outside summer for culture, hiking and food-focused stays, so choose the season that best suits your travel interests.