Activities

Experience the Marche actively

From the Adriatic coast to the Apennines – the region offers cycle paths, hiking trails, vineyards, beaches and river adventures for every taste.

Cycling

Cycling

Adriatic Cycle Route & Hill Routes
0 km (Start direkt)
Spring – Autumn⏱️ 2–6 hours Easy to Medium

The Ciclovia Adriatica runs directly along the coast – from Marotta via Fano to Senigallia on a paved cycle path with sea views. For hill lovers, the vineyards around San Costanzo and Mondolfo offer wonderful panoramic routes. E-bikes are easy to hire in Fano and Senigallia.

  • Coastal cycle path Marotta–Fano–Senigallia (approx. 30 km, flat)
  • Hill route San Costanzo–Mondolfo–Mondavio (approx. 25 km)
  • E-bike hire in Fano (city centre) and Senigallia
  • Combine with a beach break in Marotta or Fano
Our tip: Start early in the morning – the coastal route is very busy in summer afternoons. Bicycles can also be hired directly in San Costanzo (ask us!).
Hiking

Hiking

Hills, gorges & nature reserves
ca. 15–40 km
Year-round (spring/autumn ideal)⏱️ 2–6 hours Easy to Difficult

The hills of the Marche offer beautiful walking trails through vineyards, medieval villages and nature reserves. Particularly recommended: the Parco Naturale del Monte San Bartolo north of Pesaro with cliffs and sea views, and the Gola del Furlo – a breathtaking rock gorge of the Candigliano river, only 35 km away.

  • Parco del Monte San Bartolo (Pesaro, 20 km) – cliffs & sea views
  • Gola del Furlo (35 km) – nature reserve with Roman road Via Flaminia
  • Hill walk San Costanzo–Mondavio through vineyards
  • Monte Catria (80 km) – Apennine summit with panorama
Our tip: The Gola del Furlo is a must! Combine the hike with lunch at one of the rustic restaurants in Furlo or Acqualagna (truffle region!).
Beach & Sea

Beach & Sea

Marotta · Fano · Senigallia · Conero
ca. 10–80 km
May – September⏱️ Half day to full day For everyone

The Adriatic coast is only 10 km away! Marotta offers quiet, family-friendly beaches with clean water. Fano has a beautiful promenade and historic old town. Senigallia is famous for its velvety soft sand ("spiaggia di velluto"). For nature lovers: the Parco del Conero (80 km) with white cliffs and turquoise water is an absolute highlight.

  • Marotta (10 km) – quiet, family-friendly, clean water
  • Fano (13 km) – promenade, old town, beach clubs with sunbeds
  • Senigallia (25 km) – "Velvet beach", Lido, summer concerts
  • Parco del Conero (80 km) – cliffs, natural beaches, snorkelling
Our tip: For a quiet beach day we recommend Marotta on weekdays. At weekends and in August it is busier – better to go early in the morning or visit the Conero.
Canoe & Kayak

Canoe & Kayak

Marmitte dei Giganti · Gola del Furlo
ca. 35 km
April – October⏱️ 1.5–3 hours Easy to Medium

The "Marmitte dei Giganti" near Fossombrone are a natural wonder: giant rock basins carved out by water in the Metauro river. Guided canoe tours lead through this unique rocky landscape. Even more spectacular: the Gola del Furlo, where the Candigliano river flows through a narrow rock gorge – APD Pro-Metauro offers guided kayak tours.

  • Marmitte dei Giganti (Fossombrone, 35 km) – canoe through rock basins
  • Gola del Furlo (35 km) – kayak through spectacular gorge
  • APD Pro-Metauro – guided tours, equipment included
  • Combine with hiking and lunch in Fossombrone
Our tip: Book in advance – tours fill up quickly especially in July/August! Contact: APD Pro-Metauro (www.pro-metauro.it) or Happy River (Marmitte dei Giganti).
Motocross

Motocross

Cross Club Cavallara · Mondavio
ca. 6 km
Year-round (limited in summer)⏱️ Half day Intermediate to Advanced

Right on the doorstep in Cavallara (Mondavio) lies one of the most well-known motocross sand tracks in the Marche: the Cross Club Cavallara. The track is known for its soft sand and varied jumps and corners. Open on Saturdays and Sundays – ideal for a spontaneous trip with the motorbike.

  • Sand track – soft surface, ideal for all motorbikes
  • Saturday open 14:00–19:00
  • Sunday 9:00–12:30 & 14:00–19:00 (July/Aug: no Sunday afternoon)
  • Only approx. 6 km from Borgo Vecchio
  • Contact: +39 339 733 1916
Our tip: Right next door – just drop in spontaneously! For race events it's worth checking the Cross Club Cavallara Facebook page. Contact: [email protected] or +39 339 733 1916.
Gradara

Gradara

Medieval fortress · Love story of Paolo & Francesca
ca. 35 km
Year-round⏱️ 2–3 hours For everyone🎟 Adults 8 €, children (0–18) free

Gradara Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Italy and the most visited monument in the Marche. This is where the tragic love story of Paolo and Francesca took place, immortalised by Dante in his Divine Comedy. A 300-metre panoramic walk along the ancient city walls offers breathtaking views. The historical museum displays ancient armour and artefacts.

  • Most visited monument in the Marche
  • 12th-century tower & panoramic walk (300 m)
  • Love story of Paolo & Francesca (Dante)
  • Historical museum with armour
  • Children under 18: free entry
Our tip: Visit Gradara early in the morning or late afternoon – that's when the medieval atmosphere is most intense and the tourist crowds haven't arrived yet. In summer there are evening events at the castle.
Urbino

Urbino

UNESCO World Heritage · Cradle of the Renaissance
ca. 47 km
Year-round⏱️ Half day to full day For everyone🎟 Palazzo Ducale: Adults 10 €, children under 18 free

Urbino is the "Cradle of the Renaissance" – one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The majestic Palazzo Ducale houses the National Gallery of the Marche with works by Raphael, Piero della Francesca and Titian. The entire sandstone old town is a living museum. Birthplace of Raphael Sanzio – his birthplace can still be visited today.

  • UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998
  • Palazzo Ducale – National Gallery with Raphael & Titian
  • Birthplace of Raphael Sanzio
  • Cathedral and Albornoz Fortress
  • Children under 18: free entry
Our tip: Visit Urbino on a weekday – it gets very busy at weekends. On the first Sunday of the month, entry to the Palazzo Ducale is free! Park outside the city walls and take the lift into the old town.
Grotte di Frasassi

Grotte di Frasassi

Spectacular cave system · Stalactites & stalagmites
ca. 70 km
Year-round (except Jan.)⏱️ approx. 1.5 hours (tour) Easy (guided tour)🎟 Adults 20 €, reduced 18 €, children (6–14) 14 €, under 6 free

The Grotte di Frasassi are one of the most spectacular cave systems in Europe – with enormous underground chambers so large that Milan Cathedral would fit inside. The stalactite and stalagmite formations are breathtaking. Guided tours of approx. 1.5 hours lead through the illuminated passages. In summer a jacket is recommended – the cave is a constant 14 °C.

  • One of the largest cave halls in Europe (Sala della Bora)
  • Constant 14 °C – ideal even in summer
  • Guided tours available in German
  • Children from 6 years: reduced admission
  • Can be combined with a visit to the Abbey of San Vittore
Our tip: Book online in advance – tours are limited and sell out quickly in high season! Bring a jacket (14 °C in the cave). Combine the visit with lunch in Genga.
Parco Zoo Falconara

Parco Zoo Falconara

Zoo with 200 animals · Conservation · Ideal for families
ca. 45 km
March – November⏱️ 3–4 hours For everyone (from 3 years)🎟 Adults 16 €, children (3–10) 13 €, under 3 free

Parco Zoo Falconara is home to around 200 animals from 40 different species and is strongly committed to international conservation. The well-maintained grounds offer educational activities and an immersive nature experience for children and families. Particularly popular: giraffe feeding and the petting zoo. Open from March to November.

  • 200 animals from 40 species – giraffes, lions, zebras & more
  • Giraffe feeding & petting zoo
  • Educational activities for school children
  • International conservation programme
  • Children under 3: free entry
Our tip: Allow at least 3 hours. Giraffe feeding takes place at set times – check the website for the current schedule. Can be combined with a beach visit in Falconara Marittima.
Pesaro Avventura

Pesaro Avventura

Adventure park · 18 courses · Treehouse village · Children from 3 years
ca. 20 km
March – October⏱️ 2–4 hours Easy to Advanced (depending on course)🎟 From 15 € (depending on course), children from 3 years

Pesaro Avventura is the newest adventure park in the Marche – in the middle of a beautiful pine forest in the heart of Pesaro, just 2 minutes from the historic centre. 18 courses with different difficulty levels for children, teenagers and adults. A treehouse village with 6 treehouses, an inclusive playground and a western area for the little ones make the park the ideal family outing.

  • 18 courses – from easy (from 3 yrs) to advanced
  • Treehouse village with 6 treehouses
  • Inclusive playground for all children
  • Western area for toddlers
  • Smart safety systems – no clipping required
Our tip: Perfect for families with children from 3 years! Reservation recommended, especially at weekends. Combine the visit with a walk through the historic centre of Pesaro or a beach visit.
Sport Park Fano

Sport Park Fano

Bowling · Go-Kart · Mini Golf · Trampolines
ca. 15 km
Year-round⏱️ 2–4 hours For all ages

The Sport Park in Fano is the largest leisure centre in the region – perfect for a family outing or an evening with friends. The facilities include bowling, go-karts, mini golf, trampolines, climbing wall, table tennis, 90s arcade games and a restaurant with bar. 90% of visitors recommend it (686 Google reviews).

  • Bowling – multiple lanes, suitable for beginners too
  • Go-Kart – racing fun for children and adults
  • Mini Golf – ideal for the whole family
  • Trampolines & Climbing Wall – action for kids
  • Restaurant & Bar – burgers with home-made sauce
Our tip: Ideal for a rainy day or a sociable evening! Especially popular with families with children. Reservation recommended for bowling, especially at weekends.
Borgo Vecchio