- Ancona is a busy port with ferries to Croatia and Greece
- The Conero Riviera just south has some of the Adriatic's prettiest beaches
- Loreto and the Frasassi Caves are easy day trips
- Ancona airport is small, so compare with Bologna
- Airports
- Ancona (AOI), Bologna (BLQ)
- Best time to go
- May-June and September
- Type
- Province
Ancona is the capital of Le Marche and one of the main ports on the Adriatic, with ferries to Croatia and Greece. Its old town climbs a hill to the Romanesque cathedral of San Ciriaco, which looks out over the sea, and the city has a Roman arch built for Emperor Trajan by the harbour.
Most British visitors come for the Conero Riviera, where white limestone cliffs drop into clear water, and for day trips inland. See our Italy guide for the bigger picture.
Things to do
- Cathedral of San Ciriaco – a Romanesque church on the Guasco hill with sweeping views of the port.
- Arch of Trajan and the Mole Vanvitelliana – a Roman arch and an 18th-century pentagonal building on the harbour, now used for exhibitions.
- Portonovo – a bay of pebble beaches and seafood restaurants below Monte Conero.
- Sirolo and Numana – clifftop and harbour towns with beaches such as Due Sorelle, usually reached by boat.
- Loreto – a basilica that, according to tradition, contains the Holy House of Nazareth.
- Frasassi Caves – one of Italy's largest show caves, near Genga.
- Senigallia – a long sandy beach and the Summer Jamboree rock'n'roll festival.
- Jesi – a walled town in Verdicchio wine country, birthplace of the composer Pergolesi.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Sirolo and Numana | The best base for beaches and Conero walks |
| Portonovo | Small, scenic and close to Ancona |
| Ancona city | Practical for ferries and the airport |
| Senigallia | A traditional resort with a sandy beach |
| Jesi and the Verdicchio hills | Wine country stays |
Getting there
Ancona Falconara airport (AOI) is roughly 20 minutes from the city, with limited and mostly seasonal UK routes, so check seasonal routes. Bologna airport is roughly two hours away by car or train. Trains run along the coast to Senigallia and inland to Jesi and Genga (for Frasassi). Buses serve the Conero towns, but a car is easier.
Best time to visit
June and September are best for beaches, with warm sea and fewer crowds than August. Spring and autumn suit walking on Monte Conero and visiting Loreto and the caves.
Parking in Sirolo and Numana is very limited in summer; arrive early or use the shuttle buses from the car parks.
Top attractions in Ancona
LandmarkColosseum
Rome's great amphitheatre, where up to 50,000 spectators once watched gladiator fights, is the city's most iconic sight.
LandmarkFlorence Duomo
Florence's cathedral, crowned by Brunelleschi's record-breaking dome, is the symbol of the city, with the bell tower…
NatureMount Etna
Europe's tallest active volcano, with lava fields, craters and sweeping views over eastern Sicily.
NaturePath of the Gods
A spectacular cliff-top trail high above the Amalfi Coast, with views over Positano and out to Capri, that is free to…
LandmarkPompeii
The Roman town buried by Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii is the most complete ancient city in the world and an unforgettable…
ViewpointSeceda
A grassy ridge above Val Gardena that drops away in a dramatic wall of jagged peaks, reached by cable car from Ortisei.
Ancona on the map
Frequently asked questions
Does Ancona have nice beaches?
The best are just south of the city on the Conero Riviera, at Portonovo, Sirolo and Numana. Within the city, the Passetto has rocky platforms for swimming.
Can you get a ferry from Ancona to Croatia?
Yes. Ferries run to Split and other Croatian ports, especially in summer, as well as to Greece.
How far are the Frasassi Caves from Ancona?
Roughly an hour by car or train to Genga-San Vittore Terme station.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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