Ancona, the capital of the Marche region with a population of around 100,000, is home to one of the Mediterranean’s most important industrial ports. Thanks to its unique elbow-shaped coastline, the city offers a rare natural spectacle: you can watch both sunrise and sunset over the sea. Ancona has much to offer – from the historic Lazaretto, now an exhibition space, to the hilltop San Ciriaco Cathedral, which boasts breathtaking views over the city and coastline. A hidden gem is the city beach Passetto, where stairways lead down to fishermen’s caves carved into the rock – a peaceful retreat by the water.
Top Highlights of Ancona
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Ancona Cathedral
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
Majestically, the Basilica Cattedrale di San Ciriaco sits atop Colle Guasco overlooking Ancona, offering you an impressive view of the city and the bay. This church, elevated to cathedral status in the 11th century, combines Romanesque and Byzantine architectural elements and was built on the remains of an ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite.
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Mole Vanvitelliana
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
The Mole Vanvitelliana, also known as the Lazzaretto di Ancona, is a striking landmark set on an artificial island in Ancona’s harbor. Its distinctive pentagonal shape makes it truly eye-catching. Designed by architect Luigi Vanvitelli and built between 1733 and 1743, it originally served as a quarantine station to protect the city from epidemics. Over the centuries, it took on various roles, from military hospital to goods warehouse. Today, the Mole has been transformed into a lively cultural center, home to art exhibitions, events, and the fascinating Museo Tattile Omero.
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Spiaggia del Molo
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
Spiaggia del Molo, nestled in the bay of Portonovo, is a beloved beach known for its crystal-clear waters and smooth white pebbles - an idyllic spot for families, couples, and friends alike. The adjoining beach club “Il Molo” offers everything you need for a comfortable day by the sea: Wi-Fi, warm showers, changing rooms, and sunbed and umbrella rentals. Culinary delights await at the on-site restaurant, serving regional specialties including the famous Moscioli - wild mussels native to Portonovo. Surrounded by the untouched nature of Monte Conero, this beach is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and indulgence.
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Mezzavalle Beach
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
Spiaggia di Mezzavalle, just north of Portonovo, is a pristine, untouched dream beach nestled within the Conero Regional Park. Framed by white cliffs and lush greenery, this long pebble beach offers turquoise waters, tranquility, and a deeply relaxing atmosphere. The descent from the Conero provincial road is steep and challenging (sturdy footwear is a must!), but those who make the effort are rewarded with spectacular views and a truly wild landscape. As expected, facilities are minimal — though a simple bar/trattoria is available. A perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet.
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Monte Conero
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
Rising as the highest cliff along the western Adriatic coast, Monte Conero boasts impressive 500-meter cliffs that emerge directly from the sea. The mountain, part of the Parco Regionale del Conero, offers you a dense network of 18 marked hiking trails, excellent climbing opportunities, and ranks among Italy's top 10 spots for birdwatching.
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War memorial in Ancona
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
Majestically, the Monumento ai caduti overlooks the Adriatic coast of Ancona - an impressive war memorial from the 1920s that resembles a flying eagle when viewed from the sea. Designed by architect Guido Cirilli, the circular structure with its eight Doric columns made of Istrian stone was inaugurated in 1930 and commemorates the fallen of World War I.
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Arch of Trajan
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
The Arco di Traiano rises at the port of Ancona as one of the best-preserved Roman triumphal arches from the 2nd century AD. Designed by Apollodoro di Damasco, this marble arch was erected by the Roman Senate in honor of Emperor Traiano, who significantly expanded the city's port.
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Piazza Cavour
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
Piazza Cavour is one of the four main squares in the historic center of Ancona, covering an impressive area of 3 hectares. As a central hub, it connects the neighborhoods from the 19th and 20th centuries and is strategically located along the "da mare a mare" promenade, which runs from the harbor to the cliffs of Passetto.
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Spiaggia del Passetto
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
Spiaggia del Passetto is Ancona’s city beach and a popular meeting spot for both locals and visitors. Nestled along the Adriatic coast, it captivates with its rugged cliffs and colorful boat houses carved directly into the rock. To get there, head to the Monumento ai Caduti. From this landmark, a grand staircase leads down to the sea, offering stunning panoramic views of the coastline along the way.
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Teatro delle Muse
Ancona, The Marches, Italy
The Teatro delle Muse in Ancona is the largest theater in the Marche region and is considered one of the most important opera houses in Italy. The neoclassical building, designed by architect Pietro Ghinelli, was inaugurated in 1827 with works by Rossini, suffered severe damage during World War II, and remained closed for almost 60 years afterward.
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Travel Information
Best time to visit
The best time to travel to Ancona is between April and October, when the weather is pleasant and there's relatively little rain.
Spring (April to June)
Spring is ideal for exploring Ancona in mild weather. Temperatures rise from around 13 °C in April to a comfortable 23 °C in June. Nature around Monte Conero comes into full bloom, and the city remains calm and authentic – perfect for sightseeing and coastal walks.
Summer (July and August)
During the summer months, temperatures climb to around 28 °C with dry weather. This is the best time for a beach holiday at spots like Passetto or Mezzavalle. The Adriatic shows its most beautiful side, though visitor numbers are higher.
Autumn (September and October)
Late summer brings continued mild temperatures between 24 and 19 °C. The sea is still warm, while the city becomes much more relaxed compared to peak season. Perfect for culture, cuisine, and trips into the surrounding countryside – especially appealing for those who love to travel for pleasure.
Winter (November to March)
In the cooler months, temperatures usually range between 10 and 15 °C. Things quiet down in the city, and much of the tourist infrastructure takes a break. For those who don't need beach days and want to experience Ancona off-season, this is the time to enjoy its original charm and empty streets.
