Sailing to Marche

A map of the best ports and anchorages

The Marche’s coastal region

The Picentes, an ancient Italic tribe, once roamed the hilly landscapes of the Marche region. Their name, which some say originates from the woodpecker (picus in Latin), has deep connections to Roman mythology. According to legend, a sacred woodpecker guided the Picentes across the Apennines to settle in what is now central Italy. The bird, seen as a symbol of strength and prophecy, became emblematic for the tribe, hinting at their deep ties to nature and the land.

The Roman port of Ancona

When the Romans expanded into Marche, they quickly realised the importance of controlling this stretch of the Adriatic coast. Ancona, in particular, became a key Roman naval port, strategically positioned to support military campaigns and facilitate the trade routes with the eastern Mediterranean.

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