The Marches is a lesser-known gem in Italy. Its landscape is characterised by 160km of coastline along the Adriatic, rolling hills, pastures full of pale hay, yellow sunflowers and green olive groves. For an area off the beaten track and pretty as a picture, a villa rental in The Marches is perfect.

Each city of The Marches has something unique. Urbino is in a remote corner of the peninsula, and only the most determined travellers tend to make it here. Those who do are rewarded with a breathtaking view as the skyline emerges.

Beach goers may enjoy the more crowded cities of Pesaro and Monte Conero but most of the gems lie inland. Hikers and the more adventurous types can stop by the Grotte di Frasassi, a hole discovered in 1971 that turned out to be the largest cave in Europe, while Macerata is a charming hill town, with a beautiful medieval centre, that hosts one of Italy's most famous opera festivals.

The food here is rooted in peasant cooking and local restaurants aim to create meals just like grandma used to make. For a long time, the wine of this area wasn't particularly well-known but with more and more high quality wines being produced today, this is changing. There really is much to be discovered in this region, from culture to food, adventures to history – just find a holiday rental in The Marches and begin your adventure.