A Paradise for Lovers of the Outdoors

The Alta Val Metauro is the perfect place for nature lovers and outdoor activities. This valley, characterized by hilly and mountainous landscapes, offers more than 500 km of trails and a wide range of opportunities for nature outings, trekking, mountain biking and much more.

Trekking and Excursions

Trekking enthusiasts will find numerous trails that wind through lush forests, green hills and breathtaking views. The hiking trails, suitable for all levels of experience, allow you to explore the natural beauty of the valley, discovering uncontaminated places and unique panoramic points.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

The Alta Val Metauro is also an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. The panoramic roads and dirt tracks offer varied routes, suitable for both road cyclists and mountain bikers. Cyclists can enjoy itineraries that pass through historic villages and rural landscapes.

Natura and Fauna

The Alta Val Metauro Valley is rich in flora and fauna, making it a perfect destination for lovers of
birdwatching and nature photography. The nature reserves and parks in the area offer ideal
habitats for numerous species of birds, wild animals and rare plants. Nature outings allow you to observe the biodiversity of the valley, exploring woods, flowery meadows and crystal-clear waterways, surrounded by uncontaminated nature.

Whether you are an expert hiker, a passionate cyclist or simply a nature lover, this valley offers unforgettable experiences and views that will stay etched in your memory.

A journey through ancient civilizations and archaeological discoveries

The territory boasts a thousand-year history that dates back to ancient times, well before the Roman era, when the valley was inhabited by the Piceni and the Umbri, who left tangible signs of
their presence such as necropolises, settlements and artifacts. The discoveries of tombs and finds in the areas of Mercatello sul Metauro and Sant’Angelo in Vado testify to the strategic and cultural importance of this region already in pre-Roman times.

In Roman times, the Metauro valley became an important communication and trade route, where the famous battle of the Metauro took place in 207 BC, in which the Romans defeated the Carthaginians of Hasdrubal, a crucial event in Roman history. There are numerous remains of Roman infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, still clearly visible in the valley. Even during the Middle Ages, the valley experienced a period of great development, thanks to the presence of abbeys and monasteries that became centres of culture and spirituality, in particular Urbania (the ancient Casteldurante), Mercatello sul Metauro and Sant’Angelo in Vado prospered under the rule of the Dukes of Urbino, becoming important centres of art and craftsmanship.

Recent Archaeological Discoveries

Recent archaeological discoveries in the Urbania area have brought to light extraordinary testimony of the populations that inhabited this valley, which enrich the knowledge of local history, but also that of Mediterranean civilization as a whole. The excavations of the Valley of Principi have revealed the remains of a monumental mound 50 meters in diameter built for the burial of a warrior prince, buried together with finds such as amber, ostrich eggs and horse harnesses.

Events

The Alta Val Metauro is the ideal destination for experiential tourism, offering an authentic immersion in the traditions, culture and nature of the area. Here, visitors can live unique experiences, far from the usual tourist routes.

Authentic valley flavours

The entire valley is characterised by an excellent gastronomic offer. A genuine cuisine, made of authentic recipes that follow the seasons and that give space to traditional products such as: homemade pasta, meat, cured meats, cheeses, game, but also prized fruits of the earth such as mushrooms and truffles. Numerous restaurants, farmhouses and trattorias where you can taste all the culinary tradition of the area, which will satisfy even the most demanding palates.