On the border with Umbria lies the jewel in the crown of the Italian mountain ranges – the Monti Sibillini National Park. Carved from the ancient limestone by massive glaciers, the mountains and valleys are rich in rare fauna and flora, in friendly towns and villages, ancient churches and medieval legends of magic and necromancy.

This mountain range takes its name from the mythical prophetess who lived at the mouth of the underworld. Fleeing from the furies after guiding Aenaeas through Hades, she made her home in these mountains. The Grotta delle Fate (Cave of the Furies) on Monti Sibilla is an extremely important site of ancient cult worship.

The magnificent landscape of the Sibillini mountains is a nature lover’s paradise - home to wolves, bears, and wild and mountain cats. The golden eagle and peregrine falcon nest up in the highest peaks, above the woods, which change from hornbeam and ash to beech as you rise. Walking, mountain biking and horse-riding are the ideal ways to see this area in summer, and in winter you can ski in relative peace and solitude.

Attractive medieval towns like Amandola and Montefortino offer a base from which to explore, and have plenty of atmosphere and history to offer the visitor. Arquarta del Tronto, resting on a hillside in both the Monti Sibillini and the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Parks, boasts a superb medieval fortress.

The Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Parks are characterised by their gorgeous woodland and, due to a quirk in the geology, their waterfalls. The Volapana and Selvagrande waterfalls have to be taken in on one of the many walks available in the area.

In all seasons the mountains of Le Marche have something special to offer – come and experience them for yourself, and discover what the Italians have been keeping a secret for so long.