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For mountain walking in Italy, you must discover the Sibillini Mountains in Le Marche
The Sibillini National Park in the Appenines may be somewhere you have never heard of for mountain walking in Italy. Roberto has made several epic hikes with our guide Rodolfo and has been blown away by the wildlife, wild flowers, woodland, mountains and the most spectacular views. A photographer's paradise.
After you've read this blog, we hope you will know a little more and even be tempted to come and explore yourself. September to December or March to June are the perfect times to enjoy warm sunny days without the full heat of summer in this most unspoilt area of Le Marche.
The Sibillini Mountains have peaks of over 2000m
The Sibillini Mountains are part of the Appenine range which forms the 'spine' of Italy. The Sibillini Mountains National Park itself, which was established in 1993, extends from Umbria right through Le Marche and down into neighbouring region, Abruzzo, with most of the peaks being in Le Marche.
Most peaks are over 2,000 metres high with the tallest being Monte Vettore at 2,476 m. The moutains offer a variety of hikes for all abilities and ages so you don't have to walk to the top of every peak unless that's the type of challenge you like!
Whatever hike you choose, you will enjoy some of the best mountain walking in Italy. You will be blown away by the spectacular views, the lakes, wildlife such as Golden Eagle, Chamoix , Porcupine, and Wild Boar, as well as butterflies, wild flowers and orchids.
So much to discover ......
You will be amazed at the rich variety of places you can discover in the Sibillini Mountains. Here is just a small preview:
- a 17th century medieval fortress - one of the largest in Europe
- hidden gorges created by 50 metre high rock walls with crystal river water
- red-coloured rocks rich in iron oxide formed in the Ecocene Age
- mountain refuges for a break and sometimes something to eat!
- the Cave of St Francis, home to pilgrims who used to travel from Rome to Loreto in the Middle Ages
- hidden waterfalls
- an ancient shepherds village
- a wooded peninsula which plunges into the sea
- a glacial valley with two lakes full of prehistoric shrimp
There are over 25 hikes with Woodpecker Hiking to choose from with every one offering something unique.
Walk with a qualifed English-speaking guide
As you've read, there are so many different walks to discover in the Sibillini and we highly recommend that you walk with an experienced guide. They will make sure you don't get lost but will also share old legends about the mountains, point out wildlife, flora and fauna and really make sure that you get the most out of your hike.
We work with Rodolfo Nasini of Woodpecker Hiking, who has a range of Very Easy, Easy and Demanding Hikes to suit all abilities and ages. He will meet you at the starting point of the hike with the Sibillini Mountains about a 40 minute drive from Villa in the Vineyard. We can also take small groups to meet him in our hybrid Toyota and pick you up afterwards.
If you would like to know more about the different hikes on offer by Rodolfo, please email us
and we can send you more information.
Nikki Mattei of Villa in the Vineyard and sustainability marketing strategist declares a climate emergency
A holiday home with private pool in the rolling hills of Le Marche, Italy for an eco retreat - run on renewables set in 19 acres of sustainably managed land
Villa in the Vineyard achieved the Green Tourism Gold Award in December 2019 for the eco credentials imbedded in its business: renewables, organic products, zero miles food and wine
Run on renewables this newly constructed tradional-style home offers comfort and style for the conscious traveller
Lonely Planet has chosen Le Marche as the Number 2 region in the world to visit in 2020. Find out why.
Roberto and Nikki Mattei of Villa in the Vineyard took part in this annual event in Italy sewing seeds for the future on the organic farm Cooperativa Gino Girolomoni
For some of the best vineyards in Italy stay at Villa in the Vineyard in Le Marche. Here you will look out on the sustainably run vineyards and taste the wines at the winery up the road.
In Top 15 Family-Friendly Places to Stay in Italy by Alastair Sawday as featured in The Independent.