MARCHES HOTELS

STRETCHING BETWEEN THE ADRIATIC AND THE APPENNINES, the Marches (Le Marche to the locals) has everything from mountain ski resorts to bronzing beaches. Much-touted as the new Tuscany, it has some jewel-box towns loaded with history and nature reserves in the stunning Monte Sibillini range where you can spot wolves, deer and eagles.

Come in winter to ski at Sassotetta and Ussita, or bring a bikini to take your pick of golden sands – both quiet and crowded – in summer. As it’s barely an hour from mountain to coast, you can do both in a day. See the gigantic stalactites and underground lakes in the Frasassi caves or pick a concert at the outdoor Macerata summer music festival, where opera fans listen to Strauss, Bizet and Puccini in an impressive arena that was once a ball game court.

Star of the show in the Marches’ cluster of medieval towns is Urbino, bursting with medieval art treasures. The ducal palace built for Duke Federico in the 15th is a stunner and a fine example of Renaissance opulence. Other wonderful hilltop drinks include Ascoli Piceno, with its vast marble paved piazza and the holy town of Loreto. Jousting matches are held here in summer, when hundreds of costumed riders take to the streets in the town’s Quintana festival.