The Surroundings
The Surroundings
"Casa lavanda" may be found among the picturesque hills of the Marche, not far from the Adriatic Sea coast. There is a panoramic prospect from the house over fields, vineyards and small villages up to the Apennines. One of those villages is Ripe at a distance of 1.5 km, where you can do a bit of shopping after enjoying a delicious cappuccino in the local café "Pro Loco". The long sandy beach of Senigallia is only 15 km away from "Casa lavanda" (20 minutes by car). You get to the popular seaside resort of Marotta, which is also 20 minutes away, via a lovely country road.
About 5 km away you find the little town of Corinaldo, in which time appears to stand still. Wide medieval walls surround stone palazzi, churches and monasteries and bear witness to an eventful past. During the summer there are frequent festivities, some of them traditional , such as the "Celebration of the Polenta-spring" with a medieval spectacle or the Halloween celebration on the 31st October.
Corinaldo, inner city
The Marche counts numerous towns and villages with a rich historical past that could be visited on day trips, and foremost among these is Urbino, one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities of Italy, and which UNESCO has placed on the world heritage list. During the summer a variety of cultural events takes place in the lively coastal cities of Senigallia and Fano. Lovers of classical music certainly should visit the opera festival in Pesaro or the Sferisterio open air theatre in Macerata with its fabulous acoustics.
Ramblers could explore the picturesque steep coasts at Monte Conero or the nature reserve San Bartolo near Pesaro. There are also beautiful hiking trails on the Monte Catria, the highest mountain of the Apennines. The winding quiet mountain roads in the region, which are part of the circuit of the "Giro d’Italia" as well as the "Mille Miglia", invitate classic car enthusiasts and keen mountain bikers to long journeys of discovery. And if it happens to rain, which is rare in summer, we recommend a visit to Frasassi, one of the largest stalactite caves of Italy.
The little town of Corinaldo
However, a holiday in "Casa lavanda" is also attractive outside the summer season. Even in September it is often warm enough to swim in the Adriatic Sea and at that time you have the beach to yourself, although even during the high season the sea side is not as crowded as elsewhere.
The months of October and November are a culinary high point: both truffles and game are to be found on most menus. In spring the meadows abound with wild hyacinths, poppies, rapeseed and wild fennel and this is the favorite time of year for ramblers, particularly because walks are less tiring at that time than in the heat of summer. During the early summer (Whitsun) children may enjoy the experience of seeing lightning bugs light up, or of spotting hares, pheasants or partridges in the fields around the house.
You will find a file of information in the guest apartment with numerous suggestions for excursions, restaurants, shopping, markets and much more. Of course you may also ask us, we look forward to see you!
We hope to welcome you in Casa lavanda in the near future!
The Garrebeek family