There are several Nature Reserves in the Marche that offer educational-naturalist itineraries such as the WWF Oasis of Ripa Bianca at Jesi set up in 1997, the Montagna di Torricchio Nature Reserve and WWF Oasis, the first protected area established in 1977 by the State authorities at the initiative of the University of Camerino Botanical Institute.
Then in the Macerata territory we find the Abbadia di Fiastra Nature Reserve created close to the magnificent architecture of the monastery, which extends over a full 18 thousand hectares and the Monte San Vicino and Monte Canfaito Nature Reserve with vast beechwoods. In the surrounding area you can engage in a meditative and spiritual experience with the “Magical Aruna trail” for mind and body wellbeing.
Towards the south we find the Sentina Regional Nature Reserve of San Benedetto del Tronto situated between the mouth of the river Tronto and the sea.
In the area of Pesaro we have the Gola del Furlo State Nature Reserve with the Territorial Museum and the nearby Fossombrone Archaeological Park. The Gola del Furlo is a magnificent gorge carved through the impetuous waters of the Candigliano river. It features steep rocky walls and unspoilt surroundings of rare beauty.
The gorge is the ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts who can walk up to the Furlo Terrace, an exceptional viewing platform over the gorge and its spectacular limestone rock walls.
In the several protected areas of the Marche it is possible to practice hiking, horseback or mountain-bike, with itineraries organized by the numerous environmental education centers, or to devote yourself to other sports activities, as well as climbing, flying free, in addition to some more adventurous water sports in mountain streams, such as rafting, canoeing, kayaking and canyoning.