Autumn

Sirolo is a balcony town overlooking the Conero Riviera. Just set back from the coastline, its centre slopes gently towards the Adriatic Sea from which a green strip of pine forests and Mediterranean maquis separates it. The mediaeval village offers striking views, archaeological treasures and a memorable panoramic balcony, while the beaches are among the most beautiful in Le Marche. What to see in Sirolo The historical centre of Sirolo developed around the structure of an 11th-century castle, of which a defensive stronghold can still be discerned in the bell tower and the city walls. Its alleyways lead to the square of the Church of St Nicholas, from which there is a belvedere overlooking the coast. Below the cliff on which Sirolo rises, there are several beaches, accessible from the sea or by walking along paths through the Mediterranean maquis: the most famous is the beach of the two sisters, so called because of the two stacks that enclose it at one end. Equally beautiful are the beaches of San Michele and Sassi neri, partly equipped and partly free, which can be reached on foot from the Parco della Repubblica, and the Urbani beach, the largest, which can be reached from Via Bosco. In summer, the beaches are connected to the centre by shuttles. Many other coves and inlets dotted along the coastline, however, are only accessible by sea. After a day at the beach, towards evening, you can take a walk in the archaeological area The Pines on the site of a necropolis of the Picenian civilisation where the Tomb of the Queen of Sirolo with a chariot, a buggy and numerous ornamental objects. The exhibits are on display in the Antiquarium Statale in Numana, but its reconstruction can be seen in the visitor centre of the Conero park, located in the centre of Sirolo. The Conero Promontory Park The Monte Conero Regional Park protects the only rocky bastion on the Adriatic coast between Trieste and the Gargano. It was set up at the end of the 1980s thanks to the efforts of local citizens' committees and environmental associations to put a stop to speculation in an area of great natural and scenic value, a thin strip of land where many different landscapes coexist in just a few kilometres: the countryside, woods, cliffs and the sea. Today, it is possible to visit the Conero Park on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike along some 20 trails with the sea on the horizon: you can cross the promontory (8 kilometres) or follow shorter paths to discover the rock engravings (700 metres), the ring of Roman caves and the hidden quarry (2.3 kilometres), the brackish lakes of Portonovo (2.3 kilometres) or to see the stacks of the Two Sisters Beach (5.4 kilometres) from the cliff top. The underground city of Camerano Eight kilometres from Sirolo, don't miss the Camerano caves. They are called caves, but in reality it is an underground city excavated by man, no one knows exactly when or why, formed by a complex of tunnels that occupy the underground of the city between Piazza Roma and Via San Francesco in the area known as Rupe del Sassone, traditionally called the devil's holes. A plausible hypothesis is that these are the remains of an ancient underground aqueduct later extended in the Middle Ages and also used as a place of worship, as suggested by the ornamental motifs and religious symbols found there. During the bombing of World War II in July 1944, more than 2,000 locals took refuge there for 18 days. Today they are one of the most fascinating places to visit on the Conero.

Senigallia is a city where sea and history intertwine, leaving traces of themselves in the local architecture and customs. Its territory is a gentle flat expanse that caresses the sea on the coast and climbs soft hills inland. Its beach, known as 'di velluto', is home to the famous Rotonda a Mare, built in the 19th century for hydrotherapy purposes and now a venue for exhibitions and events. The element that, more than any other, recounts the city's medieval past is the Rocca Roveresca, commissioned by Giovanni della Rovere, lord of Senigallia, but the historical centre is rich in attractions and certainly worth visiting are the Palazzo del Duca, the Palazzetto Baviera, the Portici Ercolani and the Foro Annonario, where the city market is held and where shows and concerts are organized during the summer.

Numana: between the blue sea and the Rosso Conero Numana is a colourful fishing village on the Conero Riviera with large, easily accessible beaches. This village is in the Marche region and in its lively historic centre there is a fascinating Antiquarium museum, which documents the very ancient origins of the Picentes settlements on this coast. Excursions by boat or canoe can be organised from the little port of Numana, while the green hills invite you to discover the hinterland along the Rosso Conero wine route with its thousand scents. What to see in Numana A stroll through Numana invites you to discover a pleasant historic centre that runs along the Costarella, a gentle flight of steps that connects the village on the slope to the beaches and the sea. At the top of the promontory, above the harbour, you will see the Arco di Torre, what remains of the bell tower of a church or watch tower destroyed in an earthquake in 1930, next to which is a bronze monument dedicated to fishermen. The belvedere is where you will want to go on summer days to enjoy the breeze that is always blowing there and the view of the coast. Not to be missed is a visit to the Antiquarium, a small museum documenting a major archaeological discovery: the trousseau of the Tomb of the Queen of Sirolo (6th century B.C.) found in Sirolo in the I Pini archaeological area. In the Sanctuary of the Crucifix, you can admire a cedar wood crucifix, a Byzantine work from the 13th century. Also of interest is the Town Hall, housed in a building dating from 1773, which was the summer residence of the bishops of Ancona. For beaches, you can choose between the two bays close to the cliff (the Spiaggiola and the Spiaggia dei Frati), or the large beach south of the harbour that extends to the hamlet of Marcelli, with bathing facilities and toilets for families. Numana’s turtle cove For several years, the municipality of Numana has been collaborating with the Riccione Cetacea Foundation to ensure the rescue, care and rehabilitation of sea turtles. A “turtle cove” has been created in Numana: once the turtles have recovered from injuries or accidents, they are placed in a fenced-off area in the sea near the harbour. Here they continue to be observed and monitored by marine biologists and volunteers to assess if and when they are finally fit to return to the sea. The moment of releasing them into the wild is always filled with emotion. The Rosso Conero wine route Numana is surrounded by vineyards which make good starting points for exploring the Rosso Conero wine route. This winds its way from Ancona to Osimo, between the towns of Numana, Sirolo, Camerano, Offagna and Castelfidardo, between the cliffs and the countryside. Here, some twenty wineries produce Rosso Conero DOC and Rosso Conero Riserva DOCG, wines made from Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes that are influenced by the presence of the sea, the limestone soil of the promontory and the micro-climate of the coast. Full-bodied and fragrant, Rosso Conero wine is ideally paired with meat dishes. Find out more: www.turismonumana.it/en

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club Among the best-preserved walls in the Marche region are those of Corinaldo (14th-15th century), a medieval and Renaissance town surrounded by over a kilometer of fortifications, interspersed with gates, bastions, towers, and a crenellated spur attributed to Francesco di Giorgio Martini. On the western side, the historic center is characterized by narrow streets that gradually become more regular and spacious. Some of these are true monuments, such as Piaggia, which reaches the summit of the hill, where you can find the Pozzo della Polenta, associated with a curious anecdote. After a restoration in 2005, the Carlo Goldoni Theater reopened with a rich season of prose theater, amateur theater, concerts, dance performances, and shows for children. Originally, the theater had a device capable of raising or lowering the audience area depending on the needs. The former Augustinian Monastery houses the Civic Art Collection "Claudio Ridolfi", which includes works from the 16th to 18th centuries and a group of contemporary paintings by Nori de Nobili. Corinaldo is the birthplace of Santa Maria Goretti, and it is possible to visit her house and the diocesan sanctuary dedicated to her. In July, the Contesa del Pozzo della Polenta takes place, where over 300 reenactors revive a local legend. Every year, the costumes are renewed and then stored in the Hall of Costume and Popular Traditions. In the surrounding countryside, vineyards and olive groves are cultivated, producing typical products: Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi wine and extra virgin olive oil, mainly obtained from the Moraiolo, Leccino, Frantoio, and Raggia cultivars.

Perched on a panoramic hill, Arcevia rises majestically amidst the mountains overlooking the Umbro-Marchigiano Apennines in the distance. Mighty is its city wall, where mighty gates and medieval towers intersperse the patrol walkway, which is still practicable today. From here, in case of danger, it was possible to communicate with its nine castles scattered over the surrounding territory, small fortified villages of 14th-15th century layout, perfectly preserved to this day and worth visiting one by one. Within the historical centre of Arcevia, the most interesting buildings are the baroque collegiate church of San Medardo, the Misa theatre, an architectural jewel built inside the Palazzo dei Priori and the Church of Sant'Agata, and the San Francesco cultural centre.

It looks like a jewel enclosed within powerful walls, the village of Offida, which stands on a rocky spur carved out by the two branches of the Lama stream. Its past is still very present in the town's architecture, particularly in the medieval walls with their towers: of the fortress, however, only a section of wall and two cylindrical towers remain, residual traces of an ancient history. The soul of the village, however, is enclosed in a fascinating craft tradition, that of bobbin lace: a true art, bobbin lace in the village is dedicated to a museum, with a route designed for the visually impaired, located in the ancient De Castellotti - Paganelli palace, where the 'G. Allevi' archaeological museum, the 'Tradizioni Popolari' and the municipal art gallery are also located. Not to be missed is Santa Maria della Rocca, a Romanesque-Gothic temple standing on a cliff, inside which frescoes attributed to Vincenzo Pagani can be admired.

The South Tyrolean territory is rich in natural areas, precious landscapes whose delicate environmental balance must be preserved. Therefore, the region has established numerous parks. There are seven in all, in addition to the Stelvio National Park. The task of each of them is to protect the invaluable ecosystem and make it accessible to all.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly experience and all-round immersion in nature, you are in the right place. In fact, 25% of the Campania region is occupied by protected areas, which go well with environmental and sustainable tourism. We propose a tour of the four Parks of Campania. An evocative route that will know how to enchant you, giving you landscapes that are always different and full of charm.

The Pollino National Park extends from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Ionian Sea, covering an area of almost 200,000 hectares and is one of the GeoParks protected by UNESCO. It is located between Basilicata and Calabria. It is a heterogeneous structure, from the Piani di Campolongo, Novacco, and Lanzo, to Piani del Pollino, home to the Argentino and Abatemarco rivers, the Lao and Raganello gorges, and the streams of Peschiera and Frido. The whole area of Pollino is formed by the Massifs of Pollino and Orsomarso. The mountain range, which is part of thesouthern Apennines, can boast the highest peaks in southern Italy, covered with snow for a long period of the year, starting in November and ending in May, when the snow melts. The peaks of the Park reach an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level. The natural area consists of dolomitic rocks, limestone ramparts, fault walls, cliffs, very deep gorges, and also plateaus, meadows and high altitude pastures. One of the "green" symbols of the Park is certainly the Loricato Pine, called "living fossil" or "dinosaur of the trees" by many, due to the ability of this type of conifer to resist and thrive in difficult environments, at altitudes above 1000 metres, and in isolated areas, where other types of trees cannot survive.

The territory defined in December 1922 as the Gran Paradiso National Park extends around the homonymous massif (whose peak exceeds 4000 meters) and in the past was a densely populated area. The architecture of the villages is based on the idea of the alpine house, on the Piedmontese side with constructions entirely made of wood, while on the Aosta Valley side wood is flanked by stone. The maximum splendor of this area was reached in the middle of the 1800s, when members of the House of Savoy came up to these parts to reach the hunting posts. The decision to prohibit hunting when the Park first opened was fundamental to saving the ibexes - which are its symbol - from extinction. Today, this mountain Eden, divided into five valleys where rocky environments, prairies, woods and their borders alternate, is truly within everyone's reach: thanks to the project “an Accessible Paradise”, the tourist offering of the entire protected area is able to satisfy the needs, interests and expectations of a wider range of users.

Thanks to its 70,000 hectares, the Sibillini Mountains National Park (between Umbria and the Marche regions) is a true treasure trove of biodiversity due to the alternating presence of wetlands in the valleys, and thick forests and wonderful plateaus such as that of Castelluccio di Norcia, famous for the flowering of lentils. There are many charming villages nestled in a unique landscape that changes according to the seasons at the various altitudes. In fact, there are many peaks in this area that are beyond 2000 meters of altitude above sea level and among them there are Mount Sibilla Mountain, Mount Bove Mountain and the Redentore Peak.

Bathed by two seas, the Tyrrhenian to the west and the Ionian to the east, very different in terms of landscape, beaches and coastal colours, Basilicata enchants with its small, picturesque villages over 1,000 metres above sea level, woods and forests covering the mountains, a landscape characterised by unspoilt nature that goes hand in hand with a prestigious history: all in one, small region with attractions for all tastes.

The fifth edition of Wineland, the event dedicated to Calabrian food and wine excellence, returns to Crotone. From 26 to 28 December 2025, the city centre will be transformed into a large stage of taste, where you can discover and taste selected wines, typical products and delicacies of the local tradition. Three days to celebrate the richness of the territory, meet producers and sommeliers, and let yourself be captivated by the authentic flavours of Calabria. A unique opportunity to toast together to the beauty of the territory and the passion for good food and good wine.

In June, the weekends in Breme become tastier to celebrate the “Dolcissima”, a red onion which has been produced in Breme for generations and now bears the De.Co mark (municipal denomination of origin). This gastronomic event started out as a small local event and over the years has become a real reference point for gastronauts and chefs from Italy and beyond, in search of new inspiration. Each year, the festival aims to promote a small but precious product from the area's short supply chain. It does so by embracing the culinary tradition of the Lomellina Valley, with its generous recipes: the “dolcissima” is the queen of the menus prepared for the occasion and is paired with tripe, typical stews, grilled meats and the ever-present omelette, the true must of the festival!

It is 'the learned', because in 1088 it saw the birth of the first university in the western world, which still today attracts students from around the world. It is 'the red' because of the characteristic colour of its roofs, visible from the top of its medieval towers. And it is 'the fat' – you just try to resist the temptation of a sandwich stuffed with fresh mortadella or a dish of piping hot lasagna!

Of all the types of journey, opting for a route that follows the tasting stops has its reasons. Savouring the typical dishes of an area will accomplish a twofold mission: to satisfy the palate and get to know the traditions of the area. A food and wine itinerary in the Aosta Valley is this and much more. Mountain flavours, treasured traditions, the finest ingredients: the typical products of the Aosta Valley are worth the journey, and at the first taste you will understand why.

The chestnut finds its ideal habitat here thanks to the temperate climatic conditions, exposure to the sun and the chemical and physical composition of the soil: Marroni del Monfenera PGI chestnuts are the tastiest. We’re here on the slopes of Monfenera, in the foothills of Grappa and Montello in the province of Treviso, where miracles happen.

This traditional, prized vegetable comes to us directly from the tables of antiquity. The white asparagus of Cimadolmo PGI was once eaten by the Ancient Egyptians and Romans. Recent cultivation dates back a century and a half and is predominantly focused in Veneto. Only the young shoots, called turions, are boiled, becoming the main ingredient, or side dish of choice, in traditional dishes that are nothing short of exquisite.

There, everyone can make a tailor-made bike experience, either following the wake of the great champions, or choosing a not too testing ride, even with the whole family. The grand finale of Tirreno-Adriatico, the cycling race that runs across the Italian peninsula from sea to sea, unfolds in a scenery imbued with blooming and salty scents. The itinerary begins on the hills overlooking the sea and ends along the coast. A slower-running course in the first half, owning to the ups and downs that can test your quadriceps and lungs a faster-running route in the second half along the straight stretches that favour an upping pace. Here is a short guide to pick the fittest one for you.

A sort of an uncharted territory in regards to mass tourism, Molise, which lies between the regions of Abruzzo and Apulia, is a region that hosts numerous art treasures, breathtaking natural sceneries, and thousand-year-old traditions. A very characteristic aspect of Molise is its network of tratturi, the ancient grassy paths of transhumance from the pre-Roman Era up to only a few centuries ago, our ancestors traveled these trails, driving their animal herds from season to season. Livestock transhumance, the principal mainstay of the Southern peasant, was (and is still, in some cases) based on a very rigorous journey from the cool mountain pastures of Abruzzo in autumn, to the hot and humid Apulian Plateaus (where they reverse direction in summer).

These are the magnificent scenery of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato, where the great Italian wines of Piedmont, Barolo and Barbaresco, are produced. This jewel of Piedmont with its seductive landscapes has become part of the World Heritage List of Unesco.

Ancona is made up of sea and hills. It seems that in ancient Greek "ankón" meant "elbow", and here the landscape of the coast is really like an elbow drawn from the hill of the Cathedral and the hilly parks of Cardeto and Passetto. In the middle is the city, with the sea horizon facing Dalmatia, ships and cranes along the docks, grandiose historical buildings, mysterious sculptural reliefs, imposing signs of the ancient Roman civilization, and beaches on the slopes of the parks. Spending a day of leisure in the large port city of the central Adriatic means making discoveries. Choosing two wheels is advisable, but not with a push bike: we are in a city of unevenness, not all of us have the strength of a cycling champion in our legs. There is no shortage of places to rent a scooter. You can get to Ancona by motorway, by the very long Adriatic road 16 or by rail. If you want, there is also an airport. The ideal thing would be to arrive in the most natural way: by ship, because you would get the taste of the place in the most panoramic and naturally slow way. Follow the manoeuvres, watch the tyres throw, get in line to disembark and finally begin to discover.

The Tuscan countryside around Siena takes in spas as well as excellent food and wine with these five delightful cycling routes through picture postcard nature. The spectacular countryside around Siena, in Tuscany, offers slow rides immersed in nature with the bouquet of wines and truffles, natural spas and very old villages still pervaded by the presence of the ancient Etruscans. Here are five essential itineraries for a truly complete sensory experience. These enchanting landscapes will also welcome stages of the Giro d'Italia 2023.

A farmer on his way back from the fields, an ancient Roman on a road heading North, a never-forgotten champion holding the handlebar with all his might. What about you? Who are you dreaming to be? The hinterland in Le Marche plays the main role in the second to last stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, the coast-to-coast race in which the cycling top contenders face off. The itinerary we are describing in these lines, however, lends itself to the (perhaps down-scaled) effort of the cycling enthusiasts. The merit goes to its mild slopes, immersed in the woods or surrounded by sunflower fields, its artistic richness and its wide culinary offer. Who among you, once off the bike, can say ‘no’ to a dish of cold cuts paired with some Vernaccia?