Some places are at their best in the morning, others in the middle of the day; then there are the villages that deserve to be visited at sunset.

They are the moments when the light changes color every few minutes, the walls grow warmer, the squares slowly empty out, and the air seems to slow down along with the day.

That’s another great thing about Senigallia: you can spend the morning at the beach, taking it easy, and then—in the late afternoon—hop in the car without any rigid plans; within twenty-five minutes—forty at most—the landscape changes completely.

In this article, we suggest a few villages to visit when the sun begins to set.

Mondavio

At the end of the day, Mondavio takes on a light all its own. The walls of the Rocca Roveresca are bathed in gold, and the village comes alive without needing to do much at all.

A walk will take you to a viewpoint offering views of rolling hills, fields, distant villages, and the sky changing color above the valley.

An interesting fact: the Rocca di Mondavio is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Renaissance military architecture in the Marche region. Yet, even those who aren’t particularly fond of castles or history almost always end up lingering here a few minutes longer than planned.

Ostra

In Ostra, in the late afternoon, the streets of the town center grow quiet, windows light up one by one, and the village settles into that slow pace which, in summer, feels almost like a luxury.

Even if you just wander aimlessly, you will reach the small square, where you can admire the church and catch glimpses of the hills of the Marche region as the light fades.

You don’t need elaborate special effects, but keep your phone handy to snap a few photos to post on Instagram.

Morro d’Alba

If you like to welcome the sunset with a glass in hand, Morro d’Alba is the right place for you.

This small village is famous for Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, one of the most distinctive wines from the Marche region. It is aromatic and intense, with a highly distinctive character. But even setting the wine aside, the village is well worth a visit.

Its distinctive feature is the “Scarpa“—a long, covered walkway built within the walls. It acts as a sort of panoramic balcony that draws the eye out across the hills.

Corinaldo

Corinaldo is always worth a visit, but even more so at sunset. Its medieval walls are among the most spectacular in the Marche region, and as the sun dips low, they take on an almost cinematic quality.

There is also a little-known detail here that everyone remembers: the famous staircase of the “Pozzo della Polenta” (Polenta Well), linked to a local legend—the story of the “dispute”—which is still recounted today.

The best part, however, remains walking along the walls and gazing at the surrounding landscape. On one side, you have the village; on the other, the hills stretching towards the sea.

Then, in the evening, you head back to Senigallia with that feeling that comes from a successful detour—and with your Plan B waiting for you by the sea.

Have you already booked your next vacation?