True, the Adriatic coast has been a mecca for "sun n' sand" holiday makers for decades. But inland, perhaps more so than anywhere else in central Italy, you will find places where time really has stood still. Compared to its  central Italian sisters, here culture comes in more easily digestible proportions but quality, as at Urbino, is often of the very best.
 

Many visitors who come to Le Marche are looking for a taste of the "real" Italy, unsullied by mass tourism, yet welcoming to foreigners - if that's what you want, you won't be disappointed.
 

Of the region's principal towns, Urbino is one of our favourites. This jewel of a renaissance city remains little changed from the days when Duke Federico of Montefeltro set up his celebrated court here in the second half of the 15th Century.

The provincial capital of Ascoli Piceno lies at the southern end of Le Marche. This old town is well worth at least an overnight stay. Its marble-paved main square is one of the most beautiful in Italy.

The administrative capital of Le Marche is Ancona, a city with less obvious attractions for the tourist. You may find you enjoy the salty charm of this bustling sea port. It's also one of Italy's principal ferry ports with boats to Croatia, Greece and Turkey.

Another of the region's provincial capitals, Pesaro is both an appealing seaside resort and a thriving commercial town. Good shops, fine beaches and great fish.

Another of the region's main centres is Macerata, a dignified town, famous for its annual outdoor opera festival and capital of the province of Macerata.

The alluring hilltown of Fermo is the capital of the newly-created province of Fermo and has a fine historic centre.

Many of the smaller inland towns are well worth visiting and most make a good base for touring. These include Jesi, Cingoli, Recanati, Cagli, Camerino, San Leo, Sarnano and Offida.

Of the many seaside resorts, the prettiest is Sirolo on the Conero peninsula. See the beach guide for details of having fun beside the seaside.
 

Here are the major sights that should not to be missed:

You'll find some of the most impressive mountain scenery to the south of the region amidst the Monti Sibillini, whose peaks are often covered with snow until the late spring.

The Frasassi caves are some of the most spectacular limestone caves you are every likely to visit.

Limestone again is the leading player at the Furlo Gorge, a dramatic natural pass through the mountains that has been in use since prehistoric times.

Most of Italy's Adriatic coastline is flat. Monte Conero, just south of Ancona, is a rare exception - a high limestone mountain that plunges into the sea and guards a handful of delightful little bathing resorts.

The best mountain views are in the north of the region, on the doorstep of Urbino, are around the giant Monte Catria. In spring they are carpeted with alpine flowers.