The Marche region is one of the least considered regions in all of Italy, and this is known by almost everyone. Even the locals from Marche are used to being overlooked in favor of the more historic Tuscany or the wilder Abruzzo, guilty of being inhabitants of a wonderful region but also surrounded by equally stunning beauty. This makes many wonder what to see on the Conero Riviera, one of the most interesting places along the entire Adriatic.
What is the Conero Riviera? It is one of the most beautiful natural areas in all of Italy and a stretch of the Adriatic Sea where beaches range from sandy and welcoming to wild and marvelous. The Conero promontory is located between Ancona and Porto Recanati and also includes a large number of places not necessarily related to the sea. The inland area of the
Conero Riviera (and beyond) is characterized by historic villages with centuries-old traditions, wonderful monuments, and many surprises that will delight the most curious. Of course, the marvels of the sea are not lacking, such as Due Sorelle Beach, Mezzavalle Beach, or San Michele and Sassi Neri Beach. (but not only) is indeed characterized by historic villages with centuries-old traditions, wonderful monuments, and many surprises that will delight the most curious. There are also sea wonders such as the Due Sorelle beach, Mezzavalle beach, or San Michele and Sassi Neri beach.
(and beyond) to those looking for ways to spend their free time When it comes to organizing events, excursions, dinners.
or cultural visits, we never hold back. If you’re looking for new opportunities to make new friends, come check out our platform! With that said, let’s discover together what to see along the Conero Riviera. The Beaches of Conero
There are several interesting beaches for sea lovers who want to enjoy the majestic nature of Monte Conero and its surroundings.
Due Sorelle Beach
Let’s start with the most interesting and hardest to reach beach. Due Sorelle Beach is a small, white sandy cove accessible only by sea.
This beach is surrounded by high rocky cliffs topped by Monte Conero, protected by a dense forest where entry is not allowed (it was in the past, but the dangerous condition of the trails has since prohibited access).
This beach is the most coveted within the Conero Riviera area and for good reasons. Access is allowed only by reservation from 08/09/2024 to 09/04/2022 through the Spiagge.it app (all relevant information
This beach is surrounded by high rocky cliffs topped by Mount Conero, protected by a dense forest that is no longer accessible (it used to be, but the dangerous condition of the paths has since prohibited passage).
To reach it, you can take ferries departing from the ports of Numana/Marcelli/Sirolo; the more athletic can also use a canoe or SUP).
and reach the beach from nearby Mezzavalle or from the nearby Sassi Neri beach. Mezzavalle Beach Another very beautiful beach on the Conero Riviera is Mezzavalle, located in the northern part of the park and reachable on foot via a trail near Portonovo, in Ancona.
The trail is just before the Portonovo roundabout and features several steep slopes leading directly to the center of the beach. There are bars and restaurants on the beach, but no beach facilities, so you need to bring your own umbrellas.
Another very beautiful beach on the Conero Riviera is Mezzavalle, located in the northern part of the park and reachable on foot via a trail in the Portonovo area, in Ancona.
Sassi Neri Beach is the perfect hybrid between a beach for everyone and one dedicated only to those seeking a more
natural
experience. This long, spacious beach is ideal for those who want to relax or stroll peacefully with the power of the Mediterranean scrub behind them. In front of the beach is a deep blue sea, always particularly clean, thanks also to the type of seabed..
San Michele Beach can be reached in several ways: on foot via Via Giulietti or Via Piave and the Parco della Repubblica. During summer, a public shuttle service operates with tickets costing €2, running from the town center to the beach, stopping at the “Da Silvio” establishment.
San Michele beach can be reached in several ways. Either on foot via Via Giulietti or Via Piave and the Parco della Repubblica. During the summer, a public shuttle service operates with tickets costing €2, running from the village center to the beach, with stops at the “Da Silvio” establishment.
The beaches are not the only attraction of the Conero Riviera; there are many fascinating villages to explore.
Sirolo
Let’s start with the village closest to the beaches, Sirolo. This beautiful town is harmoniously integrated within the Conero Park and overlooks one of the most beautiful stretches of the Mediterranean Sea.
This small medieval village has a charming historic center, a fortified castle to explore, and countless breathtaking views of nearby Monte Conero. Very close to the village is the Picena necropolis archaeological site, featuring a large monumental tomb called “the Queen’s Tomb.”
Also very interesting is the presence of the “Teatro alle Cave,” where you can attend shows and concerts.
Numana
Another beautiful town on the Riviera, Numana is a fishing village at the foot of Monte Conero, divided into two parts: Numana Alta with the ancient historic center, and Numana Bassa with the small harbor and Marcelli beach.
Places of interest in Numana include the State Antiquarium (a small archaeological museum) and the Sanctuary of the Crucifix, the latter a relic said (according to tradition) to have been made by those who took Christ’s body down from the cross.
Places of interest in Numana include the State Antiquarium (a small archaeological museum) and the Sanctuary of the Crucifix, the latter relic said (according to tradition) to have been made by those who took Christ’s body down from the cross.
spiaggiola — a small natural pool nestled among the rocks, particularly beautiful to see. Loreto
Heading inland, we come to Loreto, one of the most important cities in the world for the Catholic Christian faith.
This city of just over 12,000 inhabitants is a pilgrimage destination because it houses one of the most important treasures of all Christianity: the Holy House of Mary of Nazareth.
Loreto is a magical city, where you breathe a slow and ethereal atmosphere. The Holy House of Mary of Nazareth is contained within the magnificent Basilica della Santa Casa, an absolute must-see even if you don’t consider yourself particularly religious.
Loreto is a magical city, where you breathe a slow and ethereal atmosphere. The Holy House of Mary of Nazareth is contained within the magnificent Basilica of the Holy House, an absolute must-see even if you do not consider yourself particularly religious. Recanati
Moving further away from the beaches, there is Recanati, a city known to all as the birthplace of the poet Giacomo Leopardi but impossible to overlook.
Recanati is a city to visit step by step, over the course of a half day. This jewel between Monte Conero and the Sibillini Mountains is one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy, with a strong musical tradition (it is the birthplace of tenor Beniamino Gigli) and views of rare poetry.
Recanati, in fact, is a city to be visited step by step, over the course of an entire half day. This jewel between Monte Conero and the Sibillini is one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy, with a strong musical tradition (it is the birthplace of tenor Beniamino Gigli) and views of rare poetry.
Ancona
Protected by five hills and surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, the city of Ancona (also known as the Doric City) is the regional capital and a truly interesting place to visit.
There are many things not to miss in Ancona: Piazza del Plebiscito, built in the 1700s in honor of Pope Clement VII, for example, or the Mole Vanvitelliana, often used for events and cultural exhibitions.
Nature lovers will find what they’re looking for in Passetto, the neighborhood overlooking the sea. This district faces the Adriatic near Monte Conero and is characterized by a very special atmosphere, different from the rest of the city: truly not to be missed!
Nature lovers will find in Passetto, the neighborhood overlooking the sea, just what they are looking for. This district faces directly onto the Adriatic at the foot of Conero and is characterized by a very special atmosphere, different from the rest of the city: truly not to be missed!