Ancona lies on the northern part of the Monte Conero promontory, beside a natural harbour, and overlooks a wide stretch of the Adriatic coast. The city brings together its harbour setting, traces of antiquity and religious architecture; in Parco del Conero, trails of varying lengths and stated durations lead through the landscape. When planning your trip, you can put cultural discoveries and a specific outdoor route at the heart of your plans.
Traces of Antiquity and Architectural History
The Cattedrale di San Ciriaco stands on the remains of a Greek temple. The cathedral houses the body of Saint Cyriacus, Ancona’s patron saint, as well as the remains of Saint Liberius and Saint Marcellinus. The combination of an ancient foundation and religious tradition gives the building several historical associations.
The Arco di Traiano consists of a single archway with two Corinthian columns on a limestone podium. During restoration in 2000, the 19th-century grille was removed and the arch made fully accessible. The Anfiteatro Romano di Ancona also offers a window onto the city’s layered history: guided visits present it as the principal event venue of Roman Ancona. Visiting times may vary.
At the entrance to the old harbour stands the Mole Vanvitelliana, a building with a pentagonal ground plan. It was built as a lazaretto for quarantining people and goods from overseas and later converted into a venue for cultural events. The Museo Tattile Statale Omero offers another way to experience art: it presents art through touchable models, copies and casts, archaeological finds, and original works by contemporary artists.
Trails in Parco del Conero
You can explore Parco del Conero on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike along a network of 18 trails. The trails are mainly accessed via provincial road SP1; other important access points are near Poggio di Ancona, Varano and Sirolo. Before setting off, check the latest information about access and trail closures.
For a longer hike, the Sentiero 301, the Traversata del Conero, is a useful option: it is 8.3 kilometres long, with a stated duration of four hours. It starts at Poggio Sant'Antonio and offers views of Portonovo and the Due Sorelle. The Sentiero 309, Anello di Portonovo, takes less time: this circular route is 2.3 kilometres long, with a stated duration of one hour. Along the way are Lago Grande, Fortino Napoleonico, a watchtower, Lago Profondo and the church of Santa Maria di Portonovo. Access to the church is seasonal, so check before your walk.
Shorter routes also differ in what they lead to. The Sentiero 301A, Route Belvedere Nord, is a 2.2-kilometre walk with a stated duration of one hour. It passes through woodland to a viewpoint above the sea and the former Camaldolese monastery. The Sentiero 313, Sentiero della Scalaccia, starts in Pietralacroce in Ancona. This 1.8-kilometre hiking route has a stated duration of one hour and leads to a viewpoint on the rocky coast, from which a Roman-era fish farm can be seen. The continuation towards the lower rocky coast is currently restricted; check trail notices before setting off.
The Sentiero 301B, Route Incisioni Rupestri, leads to a limestone-sandstone rock surface measuring about 70 square metres. It bears carved figures, depressions and cup marks, some connected by channels. Along with the viewpoints and historic buildings, this route shows how varied the themes of an exploration of Conero can be.
Local Cuisine and Wine
Ancona’s cuisine includes Stoccafisso: dried cod with potatoes, tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Brodetto, a traditional fish soup, is also eaten in Ancona, as it is in many other towns in the Marche region. Mosciolo selvatico di Portonovo is a mussel from the Conero coast and is recognised as a Slow Food Presidium.
Rosso Conero also gives the area a distinctive culinary connection. This DOC wine is made from the Montepulciano grape on the slopes of Monte Conero. Production includes the municipalities of Ancona, Camerano, Sirolo and Numana, as well as Offagna and parts of Castelfidardo and Osimo. Alongside the sights, local dishes and products offer concrete starting points for your discoveries.
If you are looking for a hotel in Ancona, the focus of your stay can guide your choice: do you want to concentrate on the city’s history, or set aside time for one of the routes described here? The stated distances and durations provide a practical basis for planning; check current access information and trail notices before setting off.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Camerata Picena, Corinaldo, Cupramontana, Filottrano, Montecarotto, Monterado, Osimo, Ostra, Senigallia, Cancelli, Numana, Agugliano, Mergo, Arcevia, Fabriano, Castelbellino, Serra Deʼ Conti, Monte Roberto, Marina Di Montemarciano, Falconara Marittima, Ancona, Pianello Vallesina, Castelfidardo, Camerano, Campodonico, Sassoferrato, Poggio D'ancona, Castelplanio, Jesi, Montemarciano, Sirolo, Rocca Priora, Morro D'alba, Genga, Loreto, Maiolati Spontini, San Marcello, Staffolo, Monsano, Serra San Quirico, Monte San Vito, Castelferretti, Poggio San Marcello, San Sabino, Rosora, Villaggio Taunus, Piticchio, Trecastelli, Montesicuro, Moie, Loretello, Marcelli, Offagna, Polverigi, San Paolo Di Jesi, Cerreto D'esi, Montoro, Candia, Precicchie, Villa Romana, Marzocca, Coldellanoce, Torrette, Bettolelle, Ostra Vetere, Campodiegoli, Caudino, Angeli di Rosora, Cabernardi, San Biagio, Rustico, Cerquete, Chiaravalle, San Vittore, Nebbiano, Scapezzano, Colleaprico.
For the regional travel overview: Marche.
