During a blistering heat wave in Rome the summer of 2003, we opted to forego the crowded beaches of Amalfi and Positano and headed to Marche instead. Although we considered ourselves seasoned travelers to Italy, we had not given Marche any attention. Due east of the Lazio region (home to Rome), it is a scenic drive on the A24 through the Abruzzo countryside and the Gran Sasso mountains, dead ending at the Adriatic Sea and Marche.
That trip brought us great relief from the heat as we took to the beaches. On subsequent trips we found ourselves drawn back again and again to Marche where the number of residents outnumber tourists. On one of those trips during the height of the pandemic in 2020 we found our home away from home, in Marche in a small village minutes from the beaches we had come to love so much.
About Marche Italy
Marche has plenty to boast about. UNESCO World Heritage Sites, diverse landscape from the wilds of the Apennines to over a 100 miles of coastline. The Conero Regional Park, a prestigious 19 Bandiera Blu Flag beaches, charming hilltop villages, vineyards and a slow food movement. Since purchasing Casa Castagna it has become our passion to share this beautiful region and our favorite discoveries with friends and guests.
From the States, Marche can be a challenging destination, possibly why it is still relatively unknown. Aeroporto delle Marche, located in Ancona is a dream airport to fly into but has very limited flight options and rental car services. I find flying direct to Rome, renting a car and driving to Marche an easier option as you will need a car anyway. Uber/Lyft options or consistent cab services in most areas are non-existent.
Casa Castagna – Italian Escape
Tucked away in the dreamy rolling hills of Italy’s Marche region, Casa Castagna is a beautifully restored farmhouse sitting on five lush acres — think medieval towns, vineyards, and the sparkling Adriatic just a short drive away. Whether you’re in the mood for beach days on the Italian Riviera, hiking in the mountains, museum hopping, shopping, or uncovering centuries of history, Marche has you covered. And when it’s time to kick back and relax, Casa Castagna is pure magic.
This spacious farmhouse is designed for gathering, reconnecting, and just being — with friends, family, or a good book (and a glass of local wine, obviously). You’ll find inviting living spaces, a sleek modern kitchen, and gorgeous, well-appointed bathrooms that might just make you want to move in permanently. Step outside, and you’re greeted by a garden that flows into an olive grove, leading the way to a sparkling pool with mountain views so pretty, you’ll want to pinch yourself.
Some Casa Castagna perks you’ll definitely brag about:
- Air conditioning in every room (Italy gets hot — you’ll thank them)
- Fast, upgraded WiFi throughout the house and by the pool (because pics or it didn’t happen)
- All the privacy you could dream of
- A local property manager to keep things running smoothly
- Concierge services to book the best beaches, restaurants, and activities
- Chef services (when available — imagine fresh pasta nights at “home”)
- An intimate wedding venue option for up to 25 guests, complete with photographer, floral design, and catering support
Spaces You’ll Love:
- Common Areas: Curl up in the cozy living room or gather everyone around the big kitchen table for unforgettable meals and late-night laughs.
- Outdoor Living: Lounge by the pool, wander through the gardens, sip under the loggia — your daily schedule just became relax, swim, repeat.
- Bedrooms: Each of the six bedrooms is named after a tree or plant you’ll find on the property, adding a sweet, natural touch to your stay.
- Floor Plans: Want to see the full layout before you book? Check it out and start picturing your Italian adventure.
Casa Castagna isn’t just a place to stay — it’s a place to breathe, gather, and create memories you’ll still be talking about years from now. And trust me, once you’re here, you won’t want to leave.
Exploring Marche Beaches
Using Casa Castagna as a base we can set out to any of these day trip destinations. The Marche coastline, also called the Italian Riviera, starts to the North in Pesaro and ends in the south in San Benedetto del Tronto. The beaches are as diverse as the food in each of these communities.
On our initial trip, we discovered Senigallia and it still remains one of our favorites. On a lovely 2 mile white sand beach and boardwalk can be found typical Italian beach clubs with adjoining ristorantes, snack bars and game courts. Dine with your feet in the sand at La Tartana, known for their fresh seafood pasta based on anchovies, extensive wine list and beach front views. Lounge chair and umbrella rentals typically run about 10 Euro per day.
After a day in the sun, use their shower facilities to freshen up. In the evening, make your way to historic city center Senigallia where you will find a lively nightlife scene, shopping, restaurants and the Rocca Roveresca Castle.
Traveling south along the Adriatic Sea stop in Portonovo and take in the jaw dropping Conero coastline with its distinctive white cliffs, rocky beaches and tree studded National Park. Hike in the park, lounge on the beach or dine seaside at Il Molo or Ristorante Emilia. There are several beach clubs for you to rent loungers and umbrellas. Make sure to bring water rock shoes as the beach and sea bed can be quite rocky.
Closer to our home in Monterubbiano we like the beach at Cupra Marittima and KoKo Beach Club and Ristorante. Enjoy a day at this Bandiera Blu Flag beach, awarded for its water quality and cleanliness. Make sure and have an aperitivo before heading up the hill to the antico village of Cupra Marittima. Arrive before sunset to take in the breathtaking views.
Dine at Pepe Nero where on a summer evening you will be served a 7 course meal on the patio overlooking the Adriatic Sea. A pre- fix dinner menu, the only decision you will need to make is your wine selection.
Things to do in Marche region
In addition to beach activities, plan on seeing some of the art infused cultural spots such as UNESCO World Heritage Site of Urbino, the Republic of San Marino and Loreto. I visited San Marino and Loreto as part of the cultural arm of an Italian immersion class at Scuoa Dante Alighieri in Recanati. I highly recommend this 2 or 4 week course to anyone looking to advance their Italian language skills.
There are plenty of charming villages to visit such as Petritoli, Torre di Palme, and Offida. Each known for a specialty food, craft or historical importance. One of the larger villages is Ascoli Piceno, a beautiful medieval town made entirely of travertine. It is the birthplace of the famous meat stuffed fried green olives called Olive all’Ascolana. Stop at the historic Cafe Meletti located on the picturesque Piazza del Popolo. Famous for their house made anise liquor, it also makes for a great gift for friends stateside.
Ascoli Piceno hosts an extensive antique/flea market on the 3rd weekend of each month. The market which is spread over 3 piazza’s is a true antique hunters paradise. I can always find a piece of furniture, painting or bric-a-brac for Casa Castagna.
Wine is exceptional and inexpensive. White wine such as Verdicchio, Pecorino (not the cheese) and Trebbiano. Reds such as red Rosso Conero and Lacrima di Morro d’Alba can be purchased for 7-12 Euro/bottle in markets and are served for 5-10 Euro per liter in restaurants. Over the hill from us is one of our favorite vineyards, Cossignani L.E. Tempo, Siblings Letizia and Edoardo Cossignani produce a brilliant sparkling fine wine, rose and Blanc de Blancs. Supremely knowledgeable and welcoming, a vineyard tour and tasting is a must.
Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash
Typical Marchigini food reflects the abundance of fresh ingredients available from the sea and countryside. There is a wide variety to satisfy all tastes. Some typical dishes include Vincisgrassi which is a version of lasagna incorporating puff pastry, chicken giblets and a red sauce. Maccheroncini di Campofilone, a thin dried egg pasta, is a centuries old mainstay in Marche’s pasta making tradition.
Visit the town and factory of Campofilone where in the beginning of August a Maccheroncini fair takes place. Typically topped with a meat ragù or black truffle you will find Maccheroncini on menus throughout Marche and often referred to as Spaghetti alla Marchigiana.
When visiting please keep in mind that the Marche lifestyle does not revolve around tourism. Stores close daily between 1:30pm – 4:00pm and restaurants don’t open until 8:00pm. Sundays are family days when generations gather together to take in long family style lunches. Many towns observe a one day per week complete shutdown of all stores and restaurants. Usually a Monday, Tuesday so make sure to check before visiting.
Lifelong southern California residents, there are similarities in landscape and feel between the two. Beautiful coastline running into gently rolling hills and farmlands. The Sibillini Mountains looming in the West, snow filled in the winter months and visible from the sea.
Climates are similar with the months May through September, absolutely gorgeous and my favorite time to visit. Typical days run in the 70’s in May and June climbing in July and August to the 80’s. Even the foliage feels familiar with gardens filled with oleanders, lavenders, roses and succulents.
To ensure our guests get the full Marche experience I arrange truffle hunts, wine tours, Chef dinners at the house as well as yoga classes by the pool. Marche is a true gem and whether you’re a nature lover, a food enthusiast or seeker of cultural treasures this is the place you will make memories that last a lifetime.
Guest post by Anya deLancellotti
Owner
Casa Castagna
