Fano is a popular seaside resort in northern Marche, famous for its Carnival, that is claimed to be some of the oldest in Italy and featuring a cavalcade of massive floats that runs on three consecutive Sundays before Lent. 

The promenade is divided into Lido and Sassonia; the former beach is sandy, the latter is a long strand of pebbly beach, both with shallow water. Lido and Sassonia are suitable beaches for children, thanks to seaside amusements. The southern part features Torrette beach, Ponte Sasso and Metaurilia. Many campings are available along the National route between Fano and Marotta di Mondolfo. Along the promenade there is also the 12 Km biking path, from Fano to Pesaro. Fano boasts an important fishing port; sailing lovers may rely on the efficient Marina dei Cesari , a modern marina perfect for mooring.
In the historical centre the most remarkable monument is the Arco di Augusto, a splendid Roman triumphal arch providing a fitting gateway to the town. It was erected in 2 AD under the order of the Roman Emperor Augustus as part of his ambitious project to smarten up the Empire's road network and marks the arrival of the Via Flaminia on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Further tourist attractions are:  the Fountain of Fortune, a whimsical 16thC fountain topped by the goddess Fortune, the Theatre of Fortune, the Malatesta Court, home to the Civic Museum and Art Gallery, boasting works by Domenichino, Guido Reni, Guercino, Warriors and Mattia Preti; the Cathedral, housing a pulpit and the seventeenth century Nolfi Baroque Chapel; the Church of Santa Maria Nuova, holding two treasures by Perugino, a Madonna with Saints and an Annunciation; the baroque Church of San Pietro in Valle and the Tombs of the Malatesta, a real masterpiece of Neo-Gothic art, housed in the porch of the Church of San Francesco. The most typical specialty is the fish stew “alla fanese”, with tomato purée and vinegar. The local Moretta is a blend of three spirits - aniseed-based anice, rum and brandy - sugar and a twist of lemon peel, topped up with strong, hot coffee. In addition to the Carnival, the most significant events taking place in Fano during the year are: The Antiques Market, which traditionally takes place on the second Sunday of each month and the preceding Saturday, Fano Jazz by the sea (July), Fano dei Cesari, a reenactment of the Roman Fano (July) and the International Festival of Fish Soup (September).

Cartoceto has very old origins, as documented by some finds, among which a Roman inscription dated 79 b.C. which was found in the old parish church. The hypothesis according to which Cartoceto was founded by a group of Carthaginians who escaped the Metauro battle during the Second Punic War ((218-201 b.C.) would therefore be confirmed. The scarce documents attest to the old origin of Cartoceto: since the 12^th century it was a fortified village surrounded by walls and it was one of the defensive strongholds of Fano. For sure the fortress and the walls were completely destroyed on 13^th July 1572 by a violent earthquake.

In the historical centre you’ll be struck by Piazza Garibaldi. It was the former market square and the Palazzo del Popolo building, with a little watch tower above, will catch your eye. In the same building you can see an arch which was formerly the entrance to the castle and had a lift bridge. The original fishbone layout with narrow alleys and flight of steps along the slopes of the hill is preserved. Within the town walls you can see the 19^th century Marcolini Palace and from Piazzale Marconi you can enjoy a nice view; locals call it “La Turchia” ( Turkey) because in the past it was the outlook point where landing Saracen pirates could be seen. Piazza Marconi is also the seat of the Triumph Theatre ( Teatro del Trionfo), which was built between 1725 and 1730 on the previous site of an olive oil mill. The modern layout dates back to 1801, the room is divided into three piers of seats; the curtain which was painted in the 19^th century and a scenic supply are still preserved. Among religious buildings worth mentioning are the Collegiate Church of the Merciful Madonna, the convent of Augustine friars, the church of Santa Maria del Soccorso and the parish church of Saints Peter and Paul.

In June you can take part to the vincisgrassi festival, which started in 1963 in order to celebrate a typical layered pasta dish from the Marche. In November the olive and olive oil exhibition market, a relevant event in the national scene which was started in 1977 in order to promote the top quality DOP olive oil of Cartoceto. Cartoceto founded together with other 29 towns the National Association of Olive Oil Towns.

The glorious past of Pergola is reflected  in the famous Gilded Bronzes of the Julian-Claudian age, which were discovered in 1946 in Cartoceto di Pergola and  are housed at the homonymous Museum  dei Bronzi Dorati di Pergola.  It’s one of the very few equestrian statues in gilded bronze which has survived to the present day. Pergola is also known as the town of the one hundred churches, rich in works of art. They’re a mirror of the important economic, political and religious power of the town during the centuries. The most important churches are: the Medieval Gothic church of San Giacomo and that of San Francesco. The town's other attraction is a heavily perfumed purple wine made with local red grapes and sold as Vernaccia di Pergola.If you have a sweet tooth you might be tempted to try the lip-smacking local liqueur called visner or vino di visciole. This heavenly digestivo is made by macerating crushed sour cherries in red wine with sugar, lemon peel and either cinnamon or cloves. Some also fortify the mix with rum. Another important precious product of Pergola is truffle, to which, in autumn, a National Fair of white truffle is dedicated.  

Parts of the collegiate church of Santa Lucia, in Piazza della Repubblica date back to the Romanesque period. The town also has a remarkable series of six painted panels by Carlo Crivelli. The finest of these, depicting Saint Mary Magdalene, is reckoned to be among the artist's most beautiful figures. You'll find them in the Polo Museale beside the Church of San Francesco.