Urbino, Pesaro & north

Renaissance hills and the Adriatic

The north of Le Marche runs from the Adriatic beaches around Pesaro up into the rolling Montefeltro hills, close to the borders of Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany and San Marino. It is a quiet, unhurried part of Italy, with walled hill towns, farmland and an easy drive between the coast and the countryside.

Urbino is the jewel of the area. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built around the Ducal Palace of Federico da Montefeltro, which now houses the national gallery of the Marche. The painter Raphael was born here, and his family home can be visited. As a university town, it stays lively all year.

Pesaro, Fano and the castle villages

Pesaro is a relaxed seaside town with a long sandy beach, a pleasant historic centre and strong links to the composer Rossini, who was born here and whose music is celebrated at a summer opera festival. Fano, just down the coast, has a Roman arch of Augustus and a beach that suits families.

Inland, Gradara is a walled medieval village with a castle tied to the story of Paolo and Francesca from Dante. The fortress of San Leo stands on a dramatic rock, and the Furlo Gorge cuts through the hills along the old Roman road, the Via Flaminia. Urbania and Fossombrone are pleasant smaller towns to explore.

Food, wine and travel

Look for crescia, the local flatbread, Casciotta d'Urbino cheese and, in season, truffles from nearby Acqualagna. Fresh fish and brodetto fish stew are served on the coast, and Bianchello del Metauro is the local white wine.

Ancona and Rimini are the nearest airports, with Bologna a longer drive. Summer is the season for the beaches, while spring and autumn suit walking and touring the hill towns. The area suits families who want sea and countryside, and couples looking for culture without the crowds.

Discover more of Le Marche, or browse the villas listed below to find your base in the north of the region.