Territory
Villages and Nature Near the Refuge
Villages, nature, and authentic beauty
Il Rifugio dei Marsi is the ideal starting point for exploring some of the most fascinating villages in Central Italy. From cities of art like Ascoli Piceno to towns perched in the Sibillini Mountains, every destination offers authentic experiences, breathtaking views, and local traditions to discover. Find out what to visit nearby and combine your glamping stay with a day of culture, nature, and flavors.
ASCOLI PICENO
The medieval provincial capital Ascoli Piceno (15 min) enchants with Piazza del Popolo, recognized as one of Italy's most harmonious squares. The historic center, rich in ancient palaces, is home to the Cathedral of Sant’Emidio and the Palazzo dei Capitani del Popolo, all crafted from the characteristic local white travertine. Do not miss the chance to taste the renowned olive ascolane in the city's bars and restaurants: an authentic gastronomic experience in the heart of the Marche region.
offida
A charming medieval village (40 min) perched on a panoramic hill, Offida is dominated by the scenic Church of Santa Maria della Rocca, which offers spectacular views over the valley. The narrow stone streets tell the story of the village's past; Offida is also famous for its traditional handmade lace and local wines. Strolling through the artisan workshops and tasting the famous Vin Santo offered by local producers provides unique cultural and gastronomic experiences.
Amandola
A picturesque village in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park (20 min), Amandola boasts a charming historic center with cobbled alleys and Renaissance-style palaces. Inside, you will find the Church of San Francesco and the Church of Santa Maria in Piazza, decorated with precious works of art. Amandola is also a starting point for trekking itineraries through woods and mountain ridges: the surrounding mountains offer breathtaking views ideal for lovers of nature and pristine landscapes.
Sarnano
A medieval village nestled in the Sibillini Mountains National Park (40 min), Sarnano preserves an intact historic center with cobbled alleys, stone squares, and picturesque views. Key sites include the Church of San Giovanni Battista, Palazzo del Popolo, and the Clock Tower, symbols of Marche's historical heritage. Also known for its ancient thermal baths, Sarnano is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and natural well-being. It is perfect to combine with a glamping stay or a night in a barrel, for those who desire gift experiences in authentic and rejuvenating environments.
Grottammare
A charming seaside village (50 min) on the Adriatic coast, Grottammare is known for its picturesque historic center perched above the beach. Between medieval alleys and ancient walls lies Piazza Kursaal, lively with seafront bars and restaurants, while the Church of Santa Lucia and the Castle preserve historical remains. With the tranquil atmosphere typical of the Marche region, Grottammare combines culture with seaside relaxation: long walks along the promenade or evenings spent outdoors discovering its traditions make for an unforgettable visit.
Torre di Palme
An enchanting medieval village overlooking the Adriatic (1 h), Torre di Palme is characterized by narrow cobbled alleys and typical stone houses. From the medieval Tower, you can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the surrounding hills and the sea, while the Church of San Giovanni Battista offers glimpses of art and history. Torre di Palme preserves an authentic atmosphere far from mass tourism, ideal for a relaxing walk to discover the landscape and local traditions.
Castel Trosino
Just 15 minutes from Rifugio dei Marsi, Castel Trosino is a small medieval jewel perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Tronto valley. Surrounded by pristine nature and ancient walls, the village preserves an authentic and silent atmosphere. Among its points of interest, the Church of San Giovanni Battista with its exquisite frescoes and the ancient panoramic Tower stand out. Ideal for a romantic stroll, Castel Trosino is perfect to combine with a glamping stay or a night in a barrel, for those looking for a unique getaway immersed in history and silence. night in a barrel to experience the magic of the Marche region amidst history, nature, and relaxing experiences.
acquasanta terme
A picturesque thermal village nestled in the Tronto Valley (15 min), Acquasanta Terme has been famous since ancient times for its healing hot springs. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, it is a perfect starting point for nature walks. Among the highlights is the Monastery of Valledacqua, an ancient hermitage set in a pristine valley that radiates an atmosphere of peace and spirituality. Don't miss the local festivals featuring chestnut-based dishes and products from the surrounding mountains.
Castignano
Located about 50 minutes from Rifugio dei Marsi, Castignano is a fascinating medieval village nestled among the Ascoli hills. Its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses and views over the valley make it an ideal destination for those seeking authenticity and quiet. Among the places to visit are the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Castle, which tell the long history of the town. Known for its agricultural traditions, in particular the production of oil and wine, Castignano pairs perfectly with a relaxing stay, such as a night in a barrel or an experience of glamping in the Marche region.
Sentina Nature Reserve
This protected area on the coast (30 min) is a true natural paradise: about 170 hectares of marshes, lagoons, and dunes dot the Adriatic coastline. The Sentina Reserve, of great environmental value, is home to numerous species of migratory birds and rich vegetation typical of wetlands. Thanks to cycling-pedestrian paths and trails for birdwatching, it is an ideal destination for lovers of nature and wildlife observation, immersed in a wild yet accessible landscape.
montemonaco
In the heart of the Sibillini Mountains, 40 minutes from Rifugio dei Marsi, Montemonaco is a suggestive village surrounded by spectacular panoramas and pristine nature. Its stone streets, ancient houses, and symbolic places like the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and the Castle tell its long history. An ideal starting point for excursions in the National Park, Montemonaco is perfect for those who love the mountains and seek authentic experiences. A visit here pairs perfectly with an unusual and romantic stay such as sleeping in a barrel or to do glamping in the Marche region.
montefalcone appennino
About 40 minutes from Rifugio dei Marsi, Montefalcone Appennino is a village overlooking the hills of the Sibillini Mountains, immersed in a breathtaking landscape. Its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses, and the tranquility that surrounds it make it an ideal destination for those seeking silence and authenticity. Not to be missed are the Church of Santa Maria and the Castle, which offer historical glimpses and panoramic views. Perfect to combine with a relaxing and romantic stay, such as a night in a barrel or a break of glamping in the Marche region, to regenerate in nature.
force
Force (40 minutes) is a charming hillside village in the province of Ascoli Piceno, known for its panoramic position with views over the Tronto valley and the Sibillini Mountains. The historic center, with its stone houses and narrow alleys, preserves sites of interest such as the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the ancient Castle. Rich in agricultural and artisanal traditions, it is an ideal destination for those who love small authentic villages. Force pairs perfectly with slow and relaxing experiences such as sleeping in a barrel or to experience the glamping in the Marche region.
Montefortino
Just 25 minutes from Rifugio dei Marsi, Montefortino is a suggestive medieval village in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. Its narrow stone streets, historic houses, and spectacular views over the valleys make it perfect for those seeking silence and authenticity. Visit the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and the historic Piazza del Mercato. An ideal starting point for nature excursions, Montefortino is the perfect setting for a relaxing and unusual stay, such as sleeping in a barrel or to experience the glamping in the Marche region.
CASTELLUCCIO
About 50 minutes from Rifugio dei Marsi, Castelluccio is a unique mountain village, nestled in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. Famous for the spectacular lentil flowering between May and July, when the plain transforms into a mosaic of colors, it is an unmissable destination for lovers of nature, photography, and trekking. Despite the damage suffered from the 2016 earthquake, Castelluccio preserves its landscape and agricultural charm intact. An authentic experience among mountains and silence.
