Cathedral of San Ciriaco
On Guasco Hill, it dominates the city and the harbor with its imposing Romanesque-Gothic façade. From the square, one of Ancona’s most captivating views opens up.
Europe / Italy · TRAVEL GUIDE
AnconaMarche · Italy
DISCOVER · PLAN · GO
Enrico Matteucci from Camerano, Ancona · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
One destination.
A thousand ways to live it.
Overlooking the Adriatic and embraced by the silhouette of Monte Conero, Ancona is a port city rich in history and striking views. Between Roman monuments, churches overlooking the sea, and lively squares, it offers an authentic experience in the heart of the Marche.
6 places to see1 / 3 / 7-day itinerariesInteractive map
THE PLACES THAT TELL ANCONA
Worth seeing, worth remembering.
Mario Micucci · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Arch of Trajan
Erected in the 2nd century AD in honor of Emperor Trajan, it is one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the city. It stands on the old harbor, just a few steps from the water.
Vanvitelliana Mole
This distinctive pentagonal structure, designed by Luigi Vanvitelli in the 18th century, stands on an artificial island in the harbor. Today it hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Crsn.mrlt · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Piazza del Papa, it is one of the most characteristic spaces in the historic center, framed by elegant buildings and cafés. At its center stands the statue of Pope Clement XII.
Gerardo De Angelis · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
National Archaeological Museum of the Marche
Housed in the historic Palazzo Ferretti, it preserves artifacts that tell the story of the Marche region from prehistory to the Roman era. Among its most precious pieces are the gilded bronzes from Cartoceto.
Sono io l'autore della modifica · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Cardeto Park
This scenic park stretches across the hills overlooking the sea and preserves traces of the city’s history, among paths, fortifications, and an ancient lighthouse. It is an ideal destination for a walk away from traffic.
CHOOSE YOUR PACE
How much time
do you have to get lost?
From a first stroll to a week of discoveries. A starting point to make your own.
An essential route that touches the city’s religious, historical, and maritime symbols.
- 1Cathedral of San Ciriaco
- 2Arch of Trajan
- 3Piazza del Plebiscito (Piazza del Papa)
- 4Passetto War Memorial
A three-day itinerary to discover the city's artistic heritage and the natural gems of the coast.
- 1Cathedral of San Ciriaco
- 2National Archaeological Museum of the Marche
- 3Piazza del Plebiscito
- 4Mole Vanvitelliana (Lazzaretto)
- 5Passetto and the monumental staircase
- 6Portonovo Bay and the Church of Santa Maria
- 7Medieval village of Sirolo
- 8Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle
A full week to experience Ancona, explore the entire Conero Park, and visit the most famous hill towns inland.
- 1Cathedral of San Ciriaco and Roman Amphitheater
- 2Francesco Podesti Civic Art Gallery
- 3Cardeto Park and Old Lighthouse
- 4Mole Vanvitelliana and Omero Museum
- 5Passetto Caves and panoramic lift
- 6Portonovo Bay and Deep Lake
- 7Monte Conero Trails (South Belvedere)
- 8Sirolo Village and Piazzetta
- 9Numana Alta and Spiaggiola
- 10Basilica of the Holy House of Loreto
- 11Recanati (Leopardi’s House)
- 12Frasassi Caves (Genga)
- 13Jesi and Palazzo Pianetti
- 14Osimo and its underground caves
- 15Corinaldo and the city walls
GET YOUR BEARINGS, THEN EXPLORE
The city takes shape.
Stop after stop.
BEFORE YOU GO
A well-planned trip.
How to get around
The center of Ancona can be explored partly on foot, but be prepared for hills and stairways: the city rises across several hills. Conerobus city buses connect the center with the station, the port, and the more distant neighborhoods; check updated timetables and routes before you set out. If you arrive by train, the station is linked to the center by bus and can also be reached on foot, keeping the climb in mind. By car, pay attention to limited traffic zones and check in advance where to park. To visit the Conero Riviera, consider local buses or a car, especially if you want to reach beaches outside the city.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are ideal for exploring the center and the surrounding area, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is the best season for the beaches of the Conero Riviera, but it is also the busiest period: book ahead and consider travel during peak hours. In winter the atmosphere is quieter, but some activities and connections to the seaside resorts may be reduced.
Where to eat
To sample the local cuisine, look for trattorias and restaurants serving stoccafisso all’anconetana, brodetto, and Adriatic fish. In season you can also find moscioli selvatici di Portonovo, a local specialty; ask whether they are available and locally sourced. Pair your meal with a Rosso Conero or a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. In the historic center and around the port you’ll find several options, but during the busiest periods it’s wise to book ahead.
Quick tips
- 01Wear comfortable shoes: with hills, steps, and uneven paving, the center is best explored on foot in suitable footwear.
- 02Before heading to a beach on the Conero, check bus times and any access rules: in summer, services can be in high demand.
- 03If you are traveling by ferry, allow extra time to reach the port and check with the company for boarding instructions.
- 04For sea views, include the Passetto or the Cathedral of San Ciriaco in your itinerary, choosing a time of day with favorable light.
YOUR STARTING POINT
Wake up in the right place.
Where to stay · Ancona
1 night · max 14 nights
Observed average price · EUR/night
1 night · 1 room · 2 adults · no children
Data still limited · Sample: up to 16 distinct hotels, 4 real searches in the last 48 hours, for this query. Not the official average of the destination and not guaranteed to be representative.
Arrival date
Lowest price among the hotels found
among 16 hotels with a LiteAPI price for this search, not the absolute lowest of the destination
Hotel Europa
Via Sentino 3, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$81
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Prices are real for the searched dates and may change. Click a point on the chart to change arrival keeping the length of stay.
Real prices for your dates
The City Hotel
112 Via Giacomo Matteotti, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$115
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Europa
Via Sentino 3, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$81
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
SeePort Hotel
Rupi di Via XXIX Settembre 12, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$141
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Hotel Della Rosa
Piazza Fratelli Rosselli 3, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$149
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Ego Hotel
Via Flaminia 220, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$214
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Albergo Cantiani
Via Lorenzo Lotto 22, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$91
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Grand Hotel Palace
Lungomare Vanvitelli 24, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$155
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
NH Ancona
Rupi di Via XXIX Settembre, 14, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$121
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Agriturismo Il Colle Dei Lecci
Via Colle Ameno 29, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$92
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
Grand Hotel Passetto
Via Thaon Di Revel 1, Ancona
Bestprice price · Supplier: Nuitée/LiteAPI
$158
total 1 night
2 adults
OTA comparison · indicative only
OTA comparison · indicative only: Not available
OTAs may have different taxes, board and cancellation: no savings claimed.
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