Italy · City Guide
Ancona
Ancona is the main port city of the Marche region on the Adriatic coast, combining a fascinating historic centre with outstanding seafood culture, the beautiful Passetto beach promenade, easy access to the magnificent Conero Riviera and ferry connections to Greece and Croatia. As the gateway to one of Italy's most underrated regions, Ancona provides an authentic and rewarding base for exploring the hidden treasures of the Marche.
Elect's take
"Ancona is the kind of Italian city that rewards those who are not simply passing through. The Conero Riviera immediately south is spectacular, the Marche countryside is outstanding and the seafood here has a freshness and quality that reflects the city's intimate connection with the Adriatic."
The Conero Riviera to the south of Ancona is a UNESCO protected stretch of coastline of extraordinary natural beauty, with the Monte Conero promontory rising dramatically from the sea and providing beautiful walking trails and hidden coves accessible only by boat. The historic centre of Ancona has the beautiful Romanesque Cathedral of San Ciriaco on the headland and the excellent National Museum of the Marche. The food here is outstanding — brodetto marchigiano fish stew, vincisgraas pasta and the wines of Verdicchio di Jesi are among the finest expressions of Marche cuisine.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Conero Riviera
A UNESCO protected stretch of spectacular Adriatic coastline with hidden coves.
Cathedral of San Ciriaco
A beautiful Romanesque cathedral on the headland above the Adriatic.
Marche Seafood
Outstanding brodetto marchigiano fish stew and Adriatic seafood of exceptional freshness.
Verdicchio di Jesi
One of central Italy's finest white wines produced in the hills surrounding Ancona.
Adriatic Connections
Ferry services to Croatia, Greece and Albania from one of Italy's most important ports.
Monte Conero
A dramatic limestone promontory rising from the Adriatic with outstanding hiking trails.
