Kayaking in the Rivers & Sea of the Marche
Kayaking offers a rare perspective - where land ends and the wild begins.
Whether you’re navigating calm lakes or sea-carved cliffs, every paddle stroke brings you closer to the wild.
The Marche region's diverse waterways offer the perfect conditions to explore at your own pace - peaceful lakes for beginners, flowing rivers for those seeking rhythm, and rugged coastlines for the bold.
How to
Gear up for the adventure
Choose your kayak based on the water:
- Touring kayaks are best for flat lakes and slow rivers.
- Shorter, stable kayaks suit rougher waters or coastal paddling.
Essentials: life jacket, adjustable paddle, waterproof layers. Plan your route and check conditions- safety is part of the adventure.
Master a few basic strokes:
- The J-stroke for better control
- The glide stroke for efficiency
- The break point technique for handling currents
Breathtaking routes across sea, rivers and lakes
Explore stunning canoe adventures through Le Marche’s lakes, rivers, and sea. From mountain gorges to coastal cliffs, each route offers a unique, quiet journey into the wild heart of this untamed Italian region - where nature still sets the pace.
Distance: 15 km (~15 min)
Metauro River – San Lazzaro Gorge & Marmitte dei Giganti
Near the Furlo Gorge lies the lesser-known but equally captivating San Lazzaro Gorge. Carved by the Metauro River, this narrow canyon winds between vertical rock walls up to 30 meters high.
Thanks to the gentle current, paddling upstream is easy and suitable for beginners and families. As you glide silently between the cliffs, the outside world fades away, leaving only the sound of your paddle and birdsong.
From the water, you’ll also enjoy a unique view of the famous Marmitte dei Giganti beneath the Ponte dei Saltelli.
Distance: 50 km (~40 min)
Monte San Bartolo and its wild cliffs
Along the northern coast of Le Marche, Monte San Bartolo rises steeply above the Adriatic, a rugged headland of wind-sculpted cliffs, quiet coves, and untouched shoreline. Just outside Pesaro, this protected area offers some of the most scenic sea kayaking in the region.
Paddling here means tracing the edge of the land where wild meets water. Glide beneath towering cliffs, slip into hidden inlets, and discover a slower, quieter side of the Adriatic - one that’s only visible from the sea.
Distance: 90 km (~1:10 h)
Conero coast to the beach Le Due Sorelle
The Conero Riviera is a remarkable geological exception along the Adriatic coast. Towering limestone cliffs rise from the sea, creating wild beaches and secluded coves accessible only by water.
By canoe, you can explore iconic spots such as Mezzavalle, Portonovo Bay, and the famous Due Sorelle Beach. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, pine-covered cliffs, and coastal silence, this stretch of coastline offers a truly unique experience.
Along the way, you'll pass historic watchtowers and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria di Portonovo, discovering the Conero from a unique perspective.
Distance: 105 km (~1:20 h)
Lake Cingoli, a still mirror among the hills
A short distance from Cingoli - known as the "Balcony of Le Marche" - you’ll find Lake Cingoli (also called Lake Castreccioni), the region’s largest artificial lake. Here, the canoe becomes a vessel for stillness.
Paddle across calm waters surrounded by forested hills, with sweeping views of Monte San Vicino. Day or night, the experience is immersive - moonlit paddles offer a whole new kind of magic. And when you’re done, take a refreshing swim: the water here is clean, clear, and inviting.
Distance: 115 km (~2 h)
Lake Fiastra, wilderness in the Sibillini Mountains
Set deep within the Monti Sibillini National Park, Lake Fiastra is a calm-water refuge for quiet paddles and big skies. This alpine lake, formed by damming the Fiastrone River, is ideal for first-time paddlers and seasoned adventurers alike.
Early mornings offer mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks. At night, you can paddle under the stars - catching meteor showers, tracing constellations, and feeling part of something vast and still.
