Hikes in Marche

Also part of the Sibillini Mountains National Park is the beautiful Lake of Fiastra, from which several excursions depart, for example the one that leads to the Piani di Ragnolo, which in spring is tinged with many different colors, and the one that leads to the discovery of the famous Red Blades, the "canyon of Marche," and the Grotta dei Frati, an almost 47-meter-deep cavern that once housed, as its name suggests, monks.

Another destination that enchants hikers in the national park is the Infernaccio Gorge. Easily accessible to all, this natural gorge is of great interest not only for its natural environment, but also for the presence of the small church of San Leonardo al Volubrio and a small natural stone arch called the Temple of the Sibyl.

Le Marche is not just the Sibillini Mountains and the Laga Mountains. There are many other beautiful, albeit lower, peaks where you can hike in peace, including:

• Monte Gemmo
• Mount Primo
• Mount Cesito
• Mount Camorlo
• Mount Pennine
• Mount Strega

Deserving special mention is Mount San Vicino, which has a shape that changes depending on the direction from which you look at it. Being in an isolated position, it is visible from far away. On its slopes lies a magical place: the Canfaito beech forest, home to the oldest beech tree in the Marche region.

There is no shortage of mountains in the area of the Gola della Rossa e di Frasassi Regional Natural Park either. It is, however, above all, a natural oasis under the banner of rock: in addition to the very famous Frasassi Caves, among the largest in Europe, there are many others, for example the one, overlooking the Gola della Rossa, that hides a hidden treasure, namely the Valadier Temple.

Speaking of gorges, the Furlo Gorge, located within a nature reserve in the province of Pesaro and Urbino, is also worth a visit. From here you can climb up Mount Furlo to the panoramic terrace, which is truly breathtaking. With a bit of luck, it is also possible to see some golden eagles flying!

For those who want to have a special experience, there are the Sassi Simone and Simoncello, the two reliefs-symbols of the interregional nature park of the same name, located in the far north of the Marche region. The hike, about four hours long, is not difficult, and, from the flat tops of the two "sassi," you can enjoy spectacular views of the entire area. An excellent destination for hiking enthusiasts is also nearby Mount Carpegna.

Walking in the midst of nature suspended between the blue of the sky and the blue of the sea? Yes, in the Marche region you can do that, too, thanks to two nature parks. The Monte Conero Regional Nature Park, located in the province of Ancona, leaves you breathless with sheer cliffs overlooking the sea and beautiful beaches that welcome locals and tourists in summer, but also Mediterranean-type forests. Here there are unmissable viewpoints, ancient caves and a former convent. The Monte San Bartolo Regional Nature Park, located in the hilly area of the province of Pesaro and Urbino, also boasts numerous caves, a wealth of flora and fauna and offers spectacular views.

A must-see for anyone visiting Le Marche is theAbbey of Chiaravalle di Fiastra, the most important monastic building in the region. And the good fortune is that the Abbadia di Fiastra Nature Reserve extends around it, so it's a perfect opportunity to combine a cultural visit with a walk following one of the reserve's paths, which wind through the forest (the so-called "selva"), between cultivated fields in the hills and along the Fiastra River. One of them also leads to the Urbs Salvia Archaeological Park, with the remains of buildings from Roman times.