Conero Riviera

The Conero Riviera is characterised by a one-of-a-kind stretch of coastline along the entire Adriatic coast: in fact, Monte Conero (572 m) has shaped the profile of the beaches, tracing unique scenery marked by wild coves, caves and wider expanses of sand and stones.

The sandy beach of Palombina lies to the north of Ancona, offering the possibility of enjoying the sunrise and sunset over the sea, while to the south, starting from Passetto, characteristic for its panoramic position, the scenic staircase leading to the sea and the typical fishermen caves, this beach marks the start to the Conero Riviera. The Conero promontory, whose territory is protected in the Regional Natural Park of the same name, interrupts the uniform coastline with a pleasant alternation of fine pebble beaches, rocks and steep cliffs that plunge into the sea. Once past Trave, a long natural rock that stretches along the water surface for about a kilometre towards the open sea, you reach Mezzavalle, a long free beach that can only be accessed by swimming a short distance or by following two footpaths that descend from the provincial road.

The beach of Mezzavalle borders Portonovo, a seaside resort in the municipality of Ancona that is a well-known tourist, seaside and artistic centre overlooking the bay of the same name. The beach has alternating pebbly and stony stretches, with very white, rounded limestone pebbles that are considered one of the locality's special features. The bay is home to architectural gems such as the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria, the Napoleonic Fort and the De Bosis Tower. The southern part between the Guardia Tower and the medieval church is a favourite area for windsurfing, thanks to the fact that the wind almost always blows there. South of Portonovo you’ll find are stretches of sheer coastline, stretches of rocks and several free beaches that can be reached by walking along the coast and sometimes swimming; these are the beaches known as La Vela, Sassi Bianchi and Gabbiani. Proceeding further south you reach Sirolo, which has several rock and pebble beaches. The 'Due Sorelle' (Two Sisters) beach best represents the Conero Riviera, with its stacks (the 'Two Sisters') jutting out of the sea. It consists of gravel, white pebbles and rocky spurs that set it into the Conero cliffs. The limpid waters, wide beaches and equipped port are the main attractions of the nearby town Numana; Marcelli di Numana is the most modern area of the Riviera, with hotels, residences, tourist villages and numerous bathing establishments.