Cycling holiday in the Marche region

Guided bike tours in the Marche region

A cycling holiday through the numerous landscapes and villages of Le Marche is a great way to freely explore this fantastic region. From small villages and country lanes, to the incredible routes in the Sibillini Mountains, to family cycling routes along the sea front, this region has something to suit all cycling and touring enthusiasts.

Also, you don’t have to worry if you don’t have any knowledge of the region, as there are plenty of experienced local cycling guides in all the main towns who not only know the Marche, but also know the best roads and terrain to make your holiday memorable.

So while you’re exploring this magnificent region from the saddle, why not stay in one of our many villas? That way, you can ride all day discovering beautiful villages and breathtaking scenery, and arrive at the property just in time for a dip in the pool!

 

 

The Furlo gorge by bike

The undisputed protagonist of this route is undoubtedly the Furlo Gorge, a State Nature Reserve crossed by the Candilgiano river, which over the centuries has crept between the rocky walls, creating a small canyon. This area is full of beautiful landscapes and extraordinarily rich fauna and flora, including species such as wolves and golden eagles.

Before admiring this wonderful area, however, why not start your bike tour from Fossombrone, a delightful town that lies halfway between the mountains and the sea? From here it is possible to continue the route inland and arrive – after passing the Furlo Gorge – at Acqualagna, also known as the “truffle capital”: this town is just the right place to get off the bike and take a break, enjoying the local specialities.

Alternatively, why not extend the route a bit and head for the beautiful Urbino? A Renaissance town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of the painter Raphael, Urbino is certainly not lacking in historical and artistic beauty.

 

Visiting Valle del Cesano by mountain bike

The Valle del Cesano is located in the heart of the Marche region and takes its name from the Cesano river, which rises from Monte Catria and flows into the Adriatic Sea. This beautiful hilly territory is full of enchanting small villages, unique gastronomic delights, and spectacular nature, which can really be admired at its best during a cycling trip.

In fact, there are numerous itineraries that can be cycled, although given the difficulty of these routes and the steepness of this hilly area, the best option would be to use a mountain bike.

Leaving Orciano, you soon arrive in Mondavio, a beautiful medieval village, which contains numerous historical and cultural attractions, such as the Rocca Roveresca, and numerous small restaurants where you can enjoy typical local dishes. Continuing the ride, you can carry on to San Lorenzo in Campo, or make a small diversion to the beautiful village of Corinaldo, known for its history, and its traditional “Festa dei Folli”.

And to conclude this route, why not end it in the medieval town of Pergola? Here you can refresh yourself, while admiring the beautiful stone buildings, and then get back in the saddle for the return journey.

 

 

Fano – Pesaro route by bike with your family

Are you dreaming of a cycling holiday with your children through the beautiful territories of the Province of Pesaro-Urbino, but you don’t want to cover routes that are too difficult? No problem, in this province there are numerous cycling paths that can be used by the whole family and are also suitable for children.

One of these is the cycle path that stretches from the town of Fano to Pesaro, which runs all the way along the Adriatic Sea.

It is possible to leave from either city, but our advice would be to start from Fano, passing first through the historic centre (a restricted traffic zone), and admire the historical and cultural wonders that the city offers, such as the famous Arch of Augustus, or the Malatesta Palace, home to the Civic Museum.

Then, following the Fano seafront, the cycle path stretches for 13 kilometres until it reaches the city of Pesaro. This city, known as the ‘city of the bicycle’, cannot but have an extensive network of cycle paths covering the entire area. This network of cycle paths, also known as the “Bicipolitana“, connects all the neighbourhoods and outlying areas with the historic centre and the promenade, creating an easy and safe route through the city, and one that can also be easily cycled with children.

One of the most interesting routes from a naturalistic point of view is undoubtedly the cycle path along the River Foglia, about 3,500 metres long.

 

Routes in the Sibillini mountains by moutain bike

The Natural Park of the Sibillini mountains is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most beautiful and fascinating territories of the entire region in terms of landscape. This marvellous territory stretches across three different regions (Marche, Umbria and Abruzzo), and presents unique landscapes that have been the source of legends and traditions for centuries, and still fascinate travellers with their beauty.

There are numerous routes to take in the Sibillini Mountains, however, for the more athletic or mountain bike enthusiasts, a route not to be missed is the Great Sibillini Ring. This is a circular route of about 124 km, covering nine stops: Visso, Cupi, Fiastra – where you can admire the beautiful artificial lake – and then Monastero, Rubbiano, Garulla di Amandola, Colle a Montegallo, Colle Le Cese and finally Campi Vecchio.

Two absolutely essential excursions include Monte Vettore (between Colle Montegallo and Colle Le Cese), which at 2,478 metres is the highest peak in the Sibillini Mountains, and the Castelluccio di Norcia plain (between Colle Le Cese and Campi Vecchio), where colourful flowers bloom in spring.

The route – as already mentioned – comprises nine stages, and is best covered by mountain bike, since almost 60% of it is on forest tracks and mule paths, and the remaining 40% on secondary asphalt roads with no traffic.

 

 

 

The scenic route of San Bartolo by bike

For an unforgettable holiday, a trip by bike to one of the Province’s most spectacular areas is an absolute must: we are takling about the San Bartolo Nature Park, where nature, sport and culture come together.

Very well-known and appreciated by locals, the cycling route in this area – “La Panoramica nel San Bartolo” – runs for 25 kilometres through cultivated hills, punctuated by scrub, vines, willows and oak trees, and has a magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea on one side.

This cycling route has a very low traffic volume and is loved for its breathtaking landscapes, among which it is impossible not to mention the famous “Roof of the World” (whose real name would be the “Montagnola”), a plateau known for its wonderful panoramic views.

Another stop not to be missed is the beautiful Villa Caprile, once a marvellous seventeenth-century mansion, and now home to the agricultural institute and containing magnificent botanical gardens.

And if you have some time on your hands, why not make a small diversion to Gradara? This marvellous medieval village is still rich in historical and cultural elements, such as the beautiful Malatesta fortress, built in 1150, which was ruled by numerous noble families in its time.

 

The Conero by mountain bike

The Monte Conero area is, undoubtedly, the best known area in the Marche, particularly for its crystal-clear beaches and unspoilt nature.

A great way to visit the area is certainly by bicycle: this way you can fully immerse yourself in nature and stop to visit the towns of Numana and Portonovo in complete tranquillity, perhaps even taking a break to refresh yourself and taste the local gastronomic specialities.

There are many possible routes around Monte Conero, each presenting a different part of the territory. However, for all these itineraries, we advise you to use a mountain bike and to be at least a little trained, as many routes have steep climbs and poorly prepared paths.

One stop not to be missed is Portonovo, a small village perched on a hill, with a direct view of the Adriatic Sea. Here you can admire the absolutely breathtaking panorama that can be seen from every corner of the village, refresh yourself and enjoy some local specialities (such as a nice glass of the famous Rosso Conero), and, if you still have time, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters that are characteristic of the area.

From here you can cycle to the villages of Numana and Sirolo – little gems on the Adriatic Sea – and then back to Ancona via a loop route, passing Camerano.

 

 

 

 

Cycling from San Benedetto to Cupra Marittima with children

With a length of 16 kilometres, the cycle path along the Riviera delle Palme is one of the most interesting infrastructures in the area, and is a truly suitable cycle route for everyone, including families with children.

The route can be travelled in any direction, but our advice is to start in San Benedetto del Tronto, stop off in Grottammare to visit this medieval town and its many churches, and finally arrive in Cupra Marittima, where there are countless attractions that will appeal to children.

San Benedetto del Tronto is a charming town with many traditions and countless wonders to discover, from its beautiful beaches and blue flag sea, to its many interesting museums and historical remains, to the culinary tradition of brodetto alla sanbenedettese.
The section separating this town from Grottammare is really beautiful, lined with tall palm trees and with a view of the sea to your right, where there is also a series of bars and fish restaurants.

The stretch between Grottammare and Cupra is just as spectacular, although less shady than the previous one, so it is advisable not to do it during the hottest hours of the day, especially if you have children.

 

Cycling holiday along the wine trails in the Marche region

The Marche region is particularly well known for its production and distribution of excellent wines, from the Vedicchio di Jesi, to the famous Pecorino and Passerina di Offida, to the rich red of Morro d’Alba.

So why not combine a passion for sport and food and wine and take one of the many wine routes by bike?

There are so many routes that can be taken in this case, but we recommend one in particular: the itinerary of climbs and descents through the green hills of the Ancona hinterland, passing castles and medieval fortifications.

The route can start in the town of Jesi and continue inland among the fourteen castles that surround the town: this is the land of the famous Verdicchio wine, and if you take this route in the autumn months, you should definitely make a diversion to Cupramontana, where the Wine Festival is celebrated every October.

Alternatively, you can drive up to Morro d’Alba, a small village between Jesi and Senigallia, known both for its beauty and, above all, for its renowned red wine “Lacrima di Morro d’Alba”.

 

 

 

The best routes for racing bikes in the Marche region

Of course, our tips for racing bike enthusiasts, who want to train and, at the same time, visit this spectacular region, are a must!

There are numerous routes that can be taken in this area, including: a panoramic tour from Gabicce Monte to Fano, which can be extended as far as Senigallia, for those who enjoy long journeys.

For those who love nature and routes with a sea view, a recommended route would be from Ancona to Sirolo, passing through the Monte Conero Regional Park. In this case, you would be riding on asphalt roads with a minimal incline, and can therefore also be cycled by amateur cyclists.

Another itinerary on an easy asphalt road is the Loreto – Porto San Elpidio route.  In this itinerary it is possible to start from either direction, but an absolutely essential stop is a visit to the city of Loreto, which is undoubtedly considered one of the cultural and artistic jewels of the Marche region, not to mention the fact that it is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Italy, if not the whole of Europe.

There are also numerous other itineraries for road bikes, both more difficult and easier, which can satisfy the needs of all cyclists wishing to visit this wonderful region.

 

Some of our villas in the Marche region: