The Area

Il Roccolo is well placed for exploring the beautiful regions of Le Marche and Abruzzo, whether it is walking in the Monti della Laga or Sibillini National Parks, lazing on the beaches of the Adriatic or exploring the numerous hilltop towns and villages across the region. The hilltop towns are renowned for holding festivals throughout the summer months.

We are situated 10 minutes drive from Ascoli Piceno, reputed to be the most beautiful city in the Marche. It is a small city with plenty to see and numerous places to eat and drink. There are roman ruins, all eras of churches, museums, art, theatre and piazzas, including the Piazza del Popolo, arguably the most beautiful in Italy.

We are also half way up Monte Piselli on the edge of the Monti della Laga national park. It is 15 minutes drive up to the park edge and there are stunning walks in the area of various lengths and difficulty (we are more than happy to provide details and make reccomendations).  Up to an hour away is the Monti Sibillini national Park with its soaring peaks and deep gorges and the Gran Sasso national park. In both, it is said, there have been sitings of wolves and bears as well as smaller more common wildlife.

The coast is 30 minutes by car and offers a traditional Italian cafe/restaurant and umbrella type beach or long stretches of sand with few amenities - whichever you prefer. The bathing areas are protected by breakwaters allowing children to swim safely and several stretches of beach have the European bandiera blu for the high quality and cleanliness of the beach and water.

The area is famous as the region for Rosso Piceno wine, Olive Ascolane, olive oil and truffles, both black and white. An hour's drive will get you to Norcia, the centre of salami making or to Castelluccio di Norcia the heart of the lentil growing area. Both areas produce some pretty good cheeses too. Added to all of this, there are many great restaurants where you can try all of this local produce too.

And of course there is that classic Marche hilly countryside to drive through, or just sit and contemplate from one of the many spectacular hilltop towns.

 

Other areas of interest are the:
Grotte di Frasassi (The Frassasi Caves), one of the most grandiose and fascinating subterranean passageways and cave complexes in the world.
Fabriano Paper Factory.
Numerous churches and castles spread across Le Marche and Abruzzo.
 

A car is essential in order to fully explore and appreciate the surrounding areas.