A cycle tour circuit covering around 800 km and involving 29 towns, for the NoiMarcheBikeLife project (NMBL).
A journey that is so much more than a simple bike ride: it’s a dive into the history, nature and silence of the most authentic locations in the Marche region.
Strade di Marca is a permanent itinerary that invites you to slow down, to savour every kilometre, and to fall in love with the timeless charm of this extraordinary region.
This route crosses every province in the region, revealing their many different facets and colours: bright yellow fields filled with sunflowers, green rolling hills and nature parks, through to the deep blue sea, lakes and rivers.
A slow, scenic journey where every bend in the road reveals something new to look at, and every stage tells a story.
The complete NoiMarche-BikeLife route starts and ends in Civitanova Marche, a port city on the Adriatic Sea, but it is also possible to travel it in the opposite direction. From here you pedal north, crossing the charming village of Morrovalle, with its ancient Franciscan convent, and continue to Potenza Picena, where, in summer, the sunflower fields paint the landscape in intense yellow and you can enjoy a wonderful view of the Conero. The journey continues along the coast to Ancona, where Monte Conero dominates the landscape with its white cliffs that plunge into the Adriatic. The route passes through the narrow streets of the historic center, overlooking the sea, offering spectacular views. Ancona and the beaches of Portonovo conclude the experience with their unique charm. Monsano is also worth a stop, a Marche excellence awarded for sustainability in 2008 by the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. We set off again for Senigallia, known as the “Velvet Beach”, famous for the Summer Jamboree, an international festival celebrating the culture of the 1950s. We then continue to Fano, a city of great charm and rich in history, birthplace of Vitruvius, the famous Roman architect and engineer. From here we enter the heart of the Marche hinterland, and after a few kilometers we reach Genga, where the spectacular Frasassi Caves offer a unique naturalistic experience. At this point there are two options: take the train that connects Genga to Castelplanio, or tackle a road route, rather challenging but full of charm. Once we reach Cupramontana, the capital of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, we pedal between rows of vineyards and rolling hills until we reach Apiro, nestled at the foot of Monte San Vicino. The itinerary then continues towards Cingoli, the famous “Balcony of the Marche”, which offers breathtaking views of the entire region. From here, you descend towards Montefano, where the evocative wooden theater is worth a stop, and continue towards Appignano, home to skilled craftsmen known for their fine hand-crafted ceramics. You then reach Treia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, surrounded by woodland paths perfect for mountain bike enthusiasts. From Treia, you continue towards Matelica, famous for Verdicchio, passing through one of the highest villages in the Marche, Elcito, known as the “Tibet of the Marche”. You arrive in San Severino Marche, with its elegant square, and descend to Tolentino, where a stop at the Chiaravalle di Fiastra Abbey, immersed in a green oasis, is ideal for a relaxing break. The journey becomes more adventurous as you climb towards Lake Fiastra, a jewel nestled in the wild heart of the Marche. On the Sibillini Mountains, the dirt roads offer an authentic and intense cycling experience. Here the climbs reach almost 1,500 meters, touching the border between Umbria and Marche. From the lake, the climb takes you up to Sassotetto, where a stele commemorates Michele Scarponi, the champion who used to train here. The subsequent descent, full of hairpin bends and breathtaking landscapes, leads to Sarnano, a treasure chest of medieval history nestled at the foot of the mountains. From Sarnano, you continue towards Penna San Giovanni, a perched village that dominates the landscape with spectacular views of the majestic Sibillini and, in the distance, the blue of the Adriatic Sea. You then descend towards Falerone, where the Roman Theater bears witness to the grandeur of ancient times. From here, the route winds through gentle hills to Montegiorgio, a land linked to the tradition of the Mediterranean Diet, surrounded by its charming ghost villages: Alteta and Cerreto. The journey continues towards Mogliano, renowned for its ancient tradition of wickerwork. From here you reach Petriolo, where the characteristic white roads invite you to pedal immersed in nature, offering a perfect experience for those who love adventure on two wheels. You then continue to Corridonia, a fascinating village linked to the figure of Filippo Corridoni, which preserves its historical and cultural character intact. Descending towards the coast, you pedal to Montegranaro, where the ancient artisan workshops tell the story of the tradition of the shoemakers who transformed the city into a renowned international footwear center. From here, the medieval streets of Magliano di Tenna intertwine among the hills, leading to the charming village of Grottazzolina, elegantly overlooking the Sibillini Mountains. From Grottazzolina you pedal towards the Adriatic Sea, crossing the classic Marche hills dotted with fields and rows. Finally you reach San Benedetto del Tronto, the "City of Palms", with its iconic palm-lined seafront and an atmosphere that smells of vacation. From here, a ride along the coast on the Ciclovia Adriatica leads north, closing the great ring right where it all began: Civitanova Marche.