For a region so diverse, it’s hard to narrow the highlights into one #blackbooktravels post. The fact alone that le Marche, meaning “borders”, is the only Italian region to have its name in the plural, suggests the plurality of its landscapes, united in one single region. Although we’ve done our very best, know that we’re barely touching the surface and we’ve kept it limited to the gems you’ll find somewhat close to @casaolivi.
On the east, where the land meets topaz blue, the craggy seascape of the Conero Riviera is a pearl of the Adriatic, in which you’ll find nestled crystal-clear beaches: the beautiful bay of Portonovo, where the evergreen oaks that smother the mountains come down to the sea to create a picture-perfect panorama, and “mosciolo”, unique wild-grown mussels, is the must-try local speciality dish; the prettiest and most iconic dazzling white Conero beach of Due Sorelle, or “two sisters”, with its bright Caribbean colours and its magnificent twin rocks that emerge from the sea side-by-side; the enchanting seaside towns at the foot of the steep slopes of Monte Conero, Numana and Sirolo, from which you can catch a boat and spend the day at sea.
On your way out to the coast, and slightly back inland, check out the hilltop pilgrimage town of Loreto, with the unmistakable dome of its splendid basilica which can be seen for miles around; or the breathtaking views of infinite rolling hills from the vantage point of the monumental town of Osimo. On the doorstep of the accommodation lies the small town of Treia, with its enchanting cobbled streets and rich red buildings, and the hidden ancient watchtower ruins of La Roccaccia. Of course, we can’t go without mentioning the Sibillini National Park with its overflowing nature, mountain peaks and floral-filled hillsides. A wonderful drive through the valleys and the foothills of Sibilini will lead you to Lago di Fiastra, the largest hydroelectric reservoir of the region and Alpine-like in its stillness and serenity. No matter where you go, you can’t help but feel the magic of Le Marche.
Some may wonder how Le Marche remains under-the-radar when it’s so exquisitely beautiful. It’s hard to imagine how its Marchigiani natives aren’t shouting from the mountaintops, in awe and wonder of the splendour of their home. But the secret of the region’s beauty is precisely that it remains a secret, an unspoiled world where there are roads yet to discover, paths still to be taken, and sights upon which no pair of eyes have laid before. It’s simply waiting for you to have the courage to come and piece them together, to create your own Le Marche roadmap, and to follow a route that may never have been travelled before. Remember, there are no wrong turns.
Where to stay? 🛌
One place that must be a landmark on your Le Marche map design is the special holiday home of @casaolivi . Set in olive groves atop a hill a few miles from Treia, it’s a stunning transformation from a 300-year-old traditional farmhouse into a modern luxurious escape; one that’s so exquisite that it would be worthy of an exclusively-dedicated travel post. Renovated and reimagined to perfection, its minimal interiors, open-plan design, with a white and earth colour scheme, met within the rustic setting of rural architecture invite you in to a haven of soothing peace and serenity. A dreamy infinity pool seated on the edge of paradise offers uninterrupted 360 degree views out into countryside and stretch out as far as the coastline. Have the villa’s chef, or invite Michelin-starred chefs to cook the best of the region’s specialty cuisine, rent a Defender to head out on truffle-hunting exhibitions, or wine-tasting trips in the nearby areas, or have an in-house yoga teacher come and give your morning mood a touch of zen. It might just be the ultimate chic getaway we’ve ever laid eyes on, in a region where you’re already away from it all!
