The Magnificent Riviera
of Monte Conero

The perfect place for a family holiday, it is also a fantastic place for a great vacation with friends, or for that romantic escape. My friend Fabio's photos on my le Marche images page really do it justice.

Do you enjoy hiking and walking Italy? This whole area is ideal. I enjoy the Anello di Portonovo hike through the National Park. It takes about ninety minutes, taking it slowly, but it really depends on your level of fitness. I take the full ninety minutes but many would no doubt do it in an hour. The whole National Park has a network of very well marked paths so do it yourself hiking is very easy.

Monte Conero, dominates the area, looking like it belongs elsewhere, rising up from a coastline that is otherwise completely flat to the north and south. Along the Riviera Portonovo is the first stop south on the way from Ancona, which if you have taken one of the many cheap flights on offer will be where you arrive from.

For more Monte Conero and Marche images please click here

Portonovo has a few hotels, some good camping sites and if you are very lucky you might find a beautiful Italian villa to rent. Don't miss the great fish restaurants and try the famous local wine the Rosso Conero.

A good restaurant is to be found in the old Napoleonic fort built in 1808. The restaurant is excellent and it is just a short stroll from the beach.

Where to Stay

If you need a good hotel in the area then the Hotel Il Brigantino is the best option. Not expensive and definitely nothing fancy it is a place we really enjoy.

In Portonovo the Hotel Internazionale Portonovo is now a very good choice having recently been completely refurbished.

Portonovo offers some architectural interest in the form of the watch tower built in the early 18th century to defend the town from pirates and the beautiful little eleventh century church of Santa Maria.

For a great view it is well worth the effort to drive up to Badia di San Pietro, a hotel in what was once a Benedictine Hermitage built in the twelfth century. This is as far up that a car will get you, if you want to go higher you will need to hike.

The best time to come is late May through early July or early September. The weather in Le Marche is ideal then, not to hot just absolutely perfect.


Please subscribe to my monthly newsletter, My Piedmont and Marche Top Tips. It lets you know what information I have added and provides you with even more insider advice on my Italy.

Return from Conero to my Le Marche Page

Return "home" to My Italy (Sardinia, Piedmont, Liguria and Marche)

New! Comments