Top 10 tips for exploring Le Marche
Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs and her family moved from the UK to Italy in 2007, to found their luxury fractional ownership business, Appassionata. They chose to settle in the central region of Le Marche, within easy reach of both the magnificent Sibillini Mountains and the glittering Adriatic Sea.
With ancient buildings, world-class cuisine and soaring summer temperatures, Le Marche is fast becoming a popular Italian holiday destination, with the Guardian recently describing it as ‘a gorgeous and affordable region to explore.’ As someone who is familiar with the hidden gems of the area, as well as its obvious treasures, Dawn shares her top ten tips for getting the most out of the region.
1. A trip into the mountains is a must. In the summer months the views are incredible and in the winter, skiing and snowboarding are available in the Sibillini National Park for those of a more active nature.
2. The medieval hilltop town of Montefiore dell’Aso is a key place to visit for anyone wanting to experience the true essence of ancient Italy. The Portale Della Pinnova and the Church of St Francis, with its 14th century frescoes and beautiful cloisters, are essential viewing.
3. Food festivals abound in Le Marche throughout the summer months and it would be a crime to visit the area without participating in one. The Cupramontana grape festival in the heart of Verdicchio wine country in September is always good fun.
4. Tracking down and visiting the local artisans in whichever part of Le Marche you are in should definitely be a priority. One of my favourite local artisan’s makes beautiful woven leather handbags, working from a tiny workshop alongside his elderly parents. Seeking out local artisans ensures you will source some beautiful and unique products and see the best that Italian craftsmanship has to offer.
5. Horse riding in Le Marche is a great way to enjoy the stunning countryside. I’m lucky enough to have my own horses, but for those just visiting the area there are a number of ranches and riding schools where horses can be hired. For those who prefer an engine power, quad biking is also very popular.
6. If the weather is unkind, a trip to the Grotte di Frasassi is the perfect rainy day activity. It’s Italy’s largest cave complex and features Europe’s biggest single cavern – the Grotta Grande del Vento. The tour prices are very reasonable and there are some amazing stalagmites and stalactites to be seen.
7. For those looking to enjoy some of Italy’s famous tastes, wine and olive oil tours and tasting sessions are held regularly. The Azienda Agricola Mognon winery tour in Castel Colonna includes a generous number of tastings, as well as a trip to the nearby olive oil producer Frantoio Montedoro. Of course at Appassionata our fractional owners are able to share in the wine and olive oil produced on our own estate!
8. Attending the Macerata open-air festival during the summer months is essential for all opera lovers. The amphitheatre is spectacular and listening to the famous arias surrounded by candlelight, with the stars overhead, is a truly magical experience.
9. Of course no trip to Le Marche would be complete without sampling the traditional dishes of Le Marche. The nearby town of Pedaso is the mussel capital of Italy, locally made salami’s and cheese’s, organic fruit and vegetables are the highlight of Le Marche’s cuisine. I love long evening meals spent at Re Squarchiò in Petritoli, with views of the town’s 15th century arches.
10. Finally, visiting one of Le Marche’s 29 Blue Flag beaches is a great way to relax and bask in the sun. Pedaso, Cupra Marittima and Grottamare are three of my particular favourites.
For the owners of Appassionata’s Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi, all this and more is opened up to them for five weeks of every year, when they stay in their luxurious Italian second home near Montefiore dell’Aso. Although Casa Giacomo is fully sold, a couple of fractions of Casa Leopardi are still available, for the special price of £185,000. Those looking to explore Le Marche in the near future can also take advantage of Appassionata’s offer of two years of free maintenance fees (worth over £7,500) for purchases completed before September 2013.
For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775, visit www.appassionata.com or take a video tour of Casa Leopardi.