For seasoned travellers, the only way to experience Italy to the full is to stay ‘off the beaten track’ and focus on discovering delicious, regional cuisine. Our villas in Le Marche and by Lake Garda provide a fabulous base in Italy for savvy foodies in lesser known areas of natural beauty. Relatively undiscovered by international tourists, both regions are ideal for a memorable taste of Italy.
Food is at the heart of Italy’s culture. It is a sensory delight for curious visitors – flavours, aromas and traditions intertwine, making every meal a new experience. Traditional dishes made with locally grown, seasonal produce take centre stage in daily life, offering a tangible connection to the land and its heritage.
As the landscape changes from the dramatic Dolomites and lakes in the north to the olive groves and vineyards of the south, the ingredients, flavours and traditional cuisine evolve too. Le Marche and Lake Garda showcase this diversity. Every dish tells a story, shaped by the region’s history, its fertile landscapes and the locals who have perfected recipes over generations.
Depending on how much or little you like to be involved with preparing and sourcing your food, as a villa guest you have the option. You may prefer to dine out in local trattorias or Michelin-starred restaurants. Alternatively, you can easily source fresh, local produce and prepare your own meals at the villa, or we can arrange a private chef to cook for you. The choice is yours.
Le Marche – A Land of Tradition and Flavour
Le Marche is a land of rolling hills, Renaissance towns and a coastline kissed by the Adriatic. While some parts of the region are well-known to Italians, many areas remain blissfully untouched by international tourism. It has all the charm of Tuscany but with fewer crowds and a deep-rooted authenticity that makes it an enchanting destination. Exlpore the medieval streets of Urbino, a UNESCO-listed city and the birthplace of Raphael, the Renaissance artist. Beyond the towns, the Sibillini Mountains unfold into a wilderness of hiking trails, wildflowers and panoramic views.
What makes Le Marche special for food lovers?
Le Marche’s cuisine is as diverse as its landscape. The coastline is home to exquisite seafood, while the hills offer rustic dishes influenced by generations of farmers and shepherds. Olive all’Ascolana, golden fried olives stuffed with a rich meat filling, is a must-try delicacy from Ascoli Piceno. Vincisgrassi, a luxurious layered pasta dish, is reminiscent of lasagna but made with a slow-cooked ragù for a deeper, more indulgent flavour. Verdicchio wine, one of Italy’s most celebrated white wines, pairs beautifully with the region’s fresh seafood, particularly along the coast in Fano and Senigallia.
Villas for foodies in Le Marche
Casa Eugenia is an elegant villa set within the peaceful expanse of Monte San Bartolo, with breathtaking views over olive groves and the Adriatic sea beyond. This beautifully restored villa blends rustic charm with modern elegance, featuring spacious interiors flooded with natural light and a private 16-metre swimming pool, ideal for swimming lengths in privacy. Just a short drive away, discover the medieval villages of Casteldimezzo and Fiorenzuola di Focara with their winding lanes, panoramic views and a plethora of authentic dining options. For those who love the coast, the hidden beach of Fiorenzuola di Focara is a scenic and uncrowded gem.
Casa del Mandorlo is situated in the heart of a historic hamlet, Castello della Pieve. Staying here gives you an intimate glimpse into medieval Italian life. The villa exudes rustic charm with exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings and carefully curated antique furnishings. Outside, a small hydromassage pool provides a tranquil space for relaxation, while the panoramic terrace overlooks the rolling countryside. Just 3km away is Mercatello sul Metauro, recognised by the Italian Touring Club, with its traditional restaurants and an authentic village atmosphere. For nature lovers, the Alpe della Luna Nature Reserve is heavenly with its breathtaking walking trails, waterfalls and rivers – perfect for summer bathing.
See our website for more villas for foodies in Le Marche.
Lake Garda – A Culinary and Scenic Retreat
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, straddling the regions of Lombardy and Veneto. It is immense and picturesque with dramatic mountains in the north and rolling vineyards in the south. While the southern shores are better known, parts of the surrounding area are still relatively unknown internationally. Particularly in its quieter villages and hilltop towns, it retains its true authentic charm. Explore the medieval town of Malcesine, with its striking Scaliger Castle and views across the lake, while the nearby vineyards of Bardolino produce elegant wines that embody the region’s Mediterranean influence.
Why is Lake Garda a dream for food lovers?
Lake Garda’s cuisine is deeply influenced by its unique geography. Bigoli con le Sarde, a dish of thick pasta with lake sardines, reflects the region’s distinct geography and traditions. Risotto all’Amarone, made with rich Valpolicella wine, showcases the area’s winemaking prowess. Lugana white wine, grown in the lake’s unique microclimate, is crisp and refreshing, making it the perfect accompaniment to fish-based dishes.
Villas for foodies by Lake Garda
Villa Abetaia is a striking, modern villa high above Limone sul Garda, where contemporary architecture meets spectacular natural beauty. The villa’s floor-to-ceiling glass doors blur the boundaries between inside and out, allowing sublime views of the lake and surrounding pine forests. The sleek infinity pool, set against the dramatic backdrop of the mountains, is an idyllic backdrop for relaxation. Just minutes away, visit the picturesque town of Limone sul Garda with its charming harbourside restaurants, citrus groves and ferry links to explore the lake’s other villages. For those who enjoy outdoor adventures, discover hiking trails and spectacular views of nearby Parco dell’Alto Garda Bresciano.
Villa Gemmma, perched above the lake near San Zeno di Montagna, is for those seeking both Alpine serenity and Mediterranean warmth. Surrounded by lush gardens, this sophisticated villa boasts modern interiors, large glass windows and sweeping lake views. The nearby town of San Zeno di Montagna is a hidden treasure, with its peaceful hiking trails through chestnut forests and access to the Monte Baldo cable car, which transports you to breathtaking mountaintop panoramas. During autumn, the town comes alive with its celebrated chestnut festival, offering an opportunity to taste local delicacies in a festive setting.
See more villas for foodies near Lake Garda on our website in Lombardy and Veneto.
A Taste of Italy, Beyond the Crowds
To stay in one of our villas for foodies in Le Marche or Lake Garda is to experience Italy in its most authentic form, at your own pace. Whether indulging in a long lunch overlooking the rolling hills of Le Marche, tasting freshly caught fish in a harbourside trattoria on Lake Garda or discovering a vineyard where wine has been made for generations, these regions offer a rich journey through Italy’s culinary and cultural heritage.
Our next stops on our culinary tour of Italy are Sicily and Puglia, so watch this space!
If you are craving summer sunshine and a slice of Italy, check out our latest article – Villas in Southern Italy for a Spring Escape.
