Why Val Mivola surprised us
Val Mivola, set in the Marche region of Italy, offered everything we love about Italy in one compact region: beautiful coastlines, quiet countryside, historic towns, excellent wine, meaningful cultural experiences, and unforgettable meals. Senigallia was an ideal base, especially for travelers who want the ease of a seaside stay while being able to explore Le Marche’s villages and hills each day.
We began our journey with a direct train from Zurich to Rimini on Trenitalia, followed by an easy onward connection to Senigallia. The easy train ride was direct from Zurich, Switzerland to Rimini, Italy (seasonal direct service from May to October). It was only 7.5 hours and a wonderfully relaxed way to arrive in Italy. We watched the landscapes change outside the window, avoiding airport/or driving logistics, and arriving close to the Adriatic coast ready to begin our Val Mivola adventure.
For the next few nights, we stayed at Il Gallo Senone in Senigallia, a peaceful base for exploring this often-overlooked corner of Le Marche. Val Mivola brings together nine municipalities. Senigallia, Arcevia, Corinaldo, Serra de’ Conti, Trecastelli, Ostra, Ostra Vetere, Barbara, and Castelleone di Suasa. It’s appeal lies in the contrast: sandy beaches and elegant seaside promenades give way to vineyards, rolling hills, and remarkably preserved medieval villages.
Il Gallo Senone was such a beautiful place to stay in Senigallia, a peaceful retreat surrounded by the rolling Marche hills, yet only a short drive from the beach and historic center. Our room was gorgeous, thoughtfully designed, and wonderfully comfortable, while the pool was the perfect place to slow down between days of exploring. Mornings began with an amazing breakfast of fresh, local products, making it feel less like a hotel stay and more like being welcomed into a special corner of Italy.
First evening in Senigallia
After checking in, we headed straight to the beach for dinner at Scalo Zero. There is something especially memorable about your first meal by the sea after a day of travel: the sound of the waves, the warm evening air, and a plate of fresh Italian food made it feel as though the holiday had truly begun.
Senigallia is a beautiful town that has a lively but easygoing atmosphere, balancing its history with the energy of a classic Italian beach town.
Vespas and castles
The following morning brought one of the highlights of the trip: a Vespa tour with Raritalia through the hills and castles. We met our guide and then set off along scenic roads that curved through fields, vineyards, and small villages.
The route took us to several of Arcevia’s famous medieval castles, including Piticchio, Loretello, Nidastore, and Palazzo. Each had its own character, from stone lanes and ancient walls to sweeping views across the Marche countryside. Exploring by Vespa made the day feel especially immersive, less like following an itinerary and more like discovering a hidden part of Italy at our own pace.
As the afternoon faded into evening, we arrived at Casalfarneto Winery for a sunset tasting. We toured the vineyard and sampled wines and local products. With the vines glowing in the late-day light and the hills stretching out around us, it was one of those simple Italian travel moments that stays with you.
Medieval villages and local culture
Our next day began in Corinaldo, widely regarded as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. Perched on a hill and enclosed by well-preserved medieval walls, it is a place made for slow exploration. We wandered the historic center, and stopped often to take in the panoramic views over the surrounding countryside.
From there, we continued to Trecastelli to visit the Nori De’ Nobili Museum. Dedicated to the Marche-born painter, the museum holds a rich collection of artworks and documents while also serving as a center for research on women in contemporary visual arts. It was a thoughtful cultural stop that added another layer to our understanding of the region.
In the afternoon, we explored Ostra and visited Teatro La Vittoria, an elegant 19th-century theatre. Its intimate scale and ornate interior made it feel like a hidden treasure, the kind of place you might easily miss without venturing beyond Italy’s better-known cities.
We then spent time relaxing at Casale dei Cinque Colli before dinner, appreciating a slower rhythm after a full day of sightseeing.
Our journey ended with an early breakfast at Il Gallo Senone and a transfer to Senigallia railway station for the train to Milan.
Only after a few days of Vespas, medieval castles, beach walks, and warm Marche hospitality, we knew this was a part of Italy we would want to return to. A big thank you to Senigallia Tourism board to inviting us to explore this beautiful region and to Lara, our tour guide, who showed us around like locals and took great care of us. We definitely want to return to explore more of this hidden gem.
