Holiday in Villa Rosa: the ideal base for the Marche region

Villa Rosa as a base

Villa Rosa blends calm and luxury on the Adriatic coast — olive trees, spectacular sunsets and a garden that invites you to a book and a glass of wine.

Day trips in the Marche

Visit Urbino (UNESCO), Ascoli Piceno with its travertine squares, and the hills around Fermo. Each town has its own character and stories.

The outdoors in the Sibillini

For nature lovers: hiking and cycling routes in Monti Sibillini National Park, with crystal-clear lakes and medieval hilltop villages.

Diving into the Marche's Cultural Heart

While the Marche region is celebrated for its landscapes, its towns are living museums, each offering a unique window into Italy's rich past. A visit to Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a journey back to the Renaissance. The magnificent Palazzo Ducale is the town's centrepiece, a testament to the vision of Duke Federico da Montefeltro. Within its walls, the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche houses masterpieces by artists like Piero della Francesca and Raphael, who was born in Urbino; his childhood home is also open to visitors. Spend an afternoon wandering through its steep, cobbled lanes, and you'll feel the intellectual and artistic spirit that once made this small hill town one of Italy’s most important courts. Further south, Ascoli Piceno is a town sculpted from luminous travertine stone. Its main square, the Piazza del Popolo, is often cited as one of Italy's most beautiful. Here, life unfolds beneath elegant Renaissance porticoes. Take a seat at a historic café, sample the city’s famous 'olive all'ascolana' (stuffed and fried olives), and simply watch the world go by. Beyond the main square, discover hidden courtyards, Roman bridges, and the imposing Forte Malatesta. Ascoli Piceno provides a slower, more authentic experience, where the grandeur of history meets the gentle rhythm of provincial life. Meanwhile, the provincial capital of Fermo rewards those who venture to its hilltop perch with breathtaking views across the rolling hills to the Adriatic Sea. Its impressive Roman Cisterns, a vast and remarkably preserved underground reservoir system, offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient engineering. Above ground, the Piazza del Popolo and the magnificent Duomo on Girifalco Hill are the town's focal points.

Exploring the Wild Soul of the Sibillini Mountains

The Monti Sibillini National Park is the green heart of the Marche, a realm of myth, magic, and untamed nature. For those staying in Villa Rosa, it offers a dramatic contrast to the coastal serenity. The park's landscapes are incredibly varied, ranging from deep, dramatic gorges like the Gola dell'Infernaccio to the vast, high-altitude plains of Castelluccio. In late spring and early summer, these plains are transformed into a breathtaking mosaic of colour during the 'Fiorita', when countless species of wildflowers, including poppies, cornflowers, and lentils, burst into bloom. A key destination for hikers is Lago di Pilato, a glacial lake nestled beneath the peak of Monte Vettore, steeped in legends of sorcerers and ancient rituals. The trek to reach it is demanding but offers unparalleled rewards. For less strenuous days, the park is criss-crossed with trails suitable for all abilities, perfect for leisurely walks, bird watching – look out for golden eagles soaring overhead – or mountain biking. Dotted throughout the mountains are ancient, stone-built villages like Visso and Amandola, which seem frozen in time. These hamlets serve as gateways to the park and are wonderful places to experience the hearty mountain cuisine of the Marche, which features lentils, truffles, and cured meats.

Journeying from Villa Rosa into the Marche

Your apartment at Via Procida 1 in Villa Rosa is an excellent starting point for discovering the Marche's diverse attractions. The most flexible way to explore the region's inland towns and mountainous terrain is by car. The A14 (Autostrada Adriatica) motorway runs parallel to the coast and provides the quickest route to the turn-offs for major destinations like Ascoli Piceno and Fermo. For a more leisurely drive with views of the coastline and countryside, the SS16 Adriatica national road offers a scenic alternative. A car is almost essential for a trip into the Monti Sibillini National Park, allowing you the freedom to explore remote trailheads and picturesque villages at your own pace. For those who prefer public transport, the coastal railway line is a convenient option for travelling between seaside towns. Nearby stations connect Villa Rosa with larger hubs such as San Benedetto del Tronto. From these main stations, you can often find connecting regional trains or bus services that venture inland towards historic centres like Ascoli Piceno. However, it's worth noting that bus timetables to more remote areas can be infrequent, particularly on weekends, so planning your journey in advance is crucial.

When to Visit: The Marche Through the Seasons

The Marche is a year-round destination, with each season offering a distinct character and appeal. Spring, from April to June, is arguably the most beautiful time. The countryside is lush and green, temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing in Urbino and Ascoli Piceno, and the mountains come alive with wildflowers, culminating in the spectacular 'Fiorita' on the plains of Castelluccio. This is the perfect season for hikers, cyclists, and nature photographers. Summer brings the heat, making your base at La Prima Spiaggia on the beach all the more inviting. You can easily combine relaxing beach days with cooler excursions into the high altitudes of the Sibillini Mountains. The long evenings are filled with 'sagre' – local food festivals celebrating everything from truffles to wine – offering a truly authentic taste of Italian culture. Autumn, particularly in September and October, is a food lover's paradise. This is the time of the grape and olive harvests, and the air is filled with the scent of woodsmoke and roasting chestnuts. The landscape is painted in warm, golden hues, and the milder temperatures are ideal for exploring both the hills and the cities without the summer crowds. Winter is a time of quiet contemplation. The tourist trail is much calmer, allowing for a more intimate experience of the region's art and history. While the coast is quiet, the higher peaks of the Sibillini are often dusted with snow, creating a starkly beautiful landscape and offering possibilities for winter sports on a smaller, more local scale.

Book your stay

Want to experience this from an apartment right on the beach? Check live availability and book on the La Prima Spiaggia homepage.

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