Nature in Le Marche

Nature

Le Marche is a true paradise for nature lovers. With nearly 90,000 hectares of national parks and protected areas, all connected by a vast network of hiking, cycling and horse-riding trails, there’s plenty to explore. Perfect for those who want to enjoy peace, space and greenery during their holiday.

Nature parks and caves in Le Marche

Monti Sibillini National Park
Le Marche offers a wide variety of landscapes. Just an hour’s drive from the coast lies the impressive Sibillini Mountains – part of the Apennine range.
Near the border with Umbria, you’ll find the Piano Grande, a high plain measuring 5 by 8 kilometres at 1250 metres above sea level. In spring, the blooming lentil fields transform the area into a colourful sea of flowers, with the village of Castelluccio at its centre.
Nearby is the highest peak of the range, the Monte Vettore, home to the mysterious Lago di Pilato – the only natural lake in Le Marche. A rare species of freshwater crab lives here, so swimming is strictly prohibited.
More info about the Monti Sibillini National Park 

Monte Conero National Park
Prefer coastal nature? Head to the Monte Conero National Park near Ancona – a striking 500-metre hill rising above the flat coastal landscape. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, thanks to the many bird species that live here.
More info about the Conero National Park

Grotte di Frasassi
A little further from southern Le Marche, but absolutely worth the trip: the world-famous Frasassi Caves. These stunning limestone caves are among the largest in Europe. Discovered in 1948 and open to the public since 1974, they offer a truly spectacular underground experience.
A guided tour leads you through a maze of chambers and tunnels, filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. The caves are still being explored by speleologists in search of hidden wonders. Located about 60 km inland from Ancona, the Frasassi Caves offer guided tours in multiple languages.
More info about the Frasassi Caves​​​

Hidden among the highest peaks of the Monti Sibillini lies Lago di Pilato – the only natural lake in Le Marche, home to a rare species of freshwater crab.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.

Le Marche offers a varied and stunning natural landscape. Just an hour from the coast lies the Sibillini mountain range, where you'll find the Piano Grande at 1250 metres, with the village of Castelluccio at its heart. Photo: Viva la Casa.

The Frasassi Caves are among the largest limestone caves in Europe and are located about 60 km inland from Ancona.
Photo: Destinazione Marche.

Monte Conero – a striking coastal nature reserve near Ancona, with a 500-metre hill rising from the flat coastal landscape.
Photo: Viva la Casa.