Umbria And Le Marche, Italy
Sirolo & Numana (Conero Riviera): Located just 15-20 kilometers (9-12 miles) south of Ancona. These are charming medieval towns perched on the cliffs of Monte Conero, with stunning views, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Ideal for a half-day or full-day beach and town exploration. Loreto: Approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Ancona. Loreto is home to the Basilica della Santa Casa, a major Catholic pilgrimage site.
Most of the listed destinations can be comfortably enjoyed as full-day trips. Urbino and the Frasassi Caves warrant a full day each due to their distance from Ancona and the extensive time needed for exploration.
Independent travel gives maximum flexibility, allowing for a personal pace and itinerary. It is often more cost-effective for solo travelers or couples.
Organized tours deliver convenience, notably for reaching places like the Frasassi Caves or for visiting multiple stops (e.g., wine tours).
The Marche region presents stunning natural landscapes for outdoor lovers.
Located immediately south of Ancona, this park has extensive hiking trails through Mediterranean scrub, fragrant pine forests, and ancient olive groves.
The entire Conero Riviera, with its dramatic white cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters, gives stunning scenic drives and numerous viewpoints for photography.
Mezzavalle Beach, a wild, unspoiled pebble beach, access by steep path or boat from Portonovo. Due Sorelle Beach, iconic, accessible only by boat.
Monte Conero Regional Park is a prime example of a protected area in Marche. It focuses on biodiversity conservation and promoting sustainable tourism practices.
The Conero Riviera, with its dramatic white cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters, presents stunning scenic drives and numerous viewpoints for photography.
Deepen your understanding of Italian history and culture with these excursions.
Loreto, Urbino, Recanati, and Osimo all present rich historical and cultural experiences that extend beyond Ancona's city limits.
Explore numerous charming hilltop villages throughout Marche. These often feature medieval castles, well-preserved old towns.
The Basilica della Santa Casa in Loreto is a major international pilgrimage destination, drawing visitors from around the world to its sacred site.
The Marche region also has many small chapels and shrines. Discover local devotion and heritage throughout the countryside.
Consider extending your trip to explore more of central Italy, combining Ancona with other captivating regions. Excellent train connections from Ancona link to most major cities in central and northern Italy.
Explore Ascoli Piceno, a beautiful city renowned for its travertine architecture, and the Sibilline Mountains National Park.
Head inland to explore medieval hill towns like Assisi, Perugia, and Orvieto with its magnificent cathedral and Etruscan history.
Go north to Bologna (Italy's food capital), Ravenna (Byzantine mosaics), or Rimini (a lively Adriatic resort town).