The Riviera Conero takes the breath away of all who visit. It is a place of colour: the greenery of Monte Conero blends masterfully with the azure blue of the sky, the deep blue of the sea and the dazzling whiteness of the stones that cover the wild beaches. Beaches, coves and caves - accessible by sea or by one of the 18 paths in the park, which was founded in 1987 and includes both sea-view and inland areas.
Ancona and Passetto beach
The city of Ancona is full of art, architecture, churches and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the sea; especially the Duomo di San Ciriaco, the Romaromanesque-Byzantine cathedral, which rises atop the Guasco hill and offers breathtaking views of the city and harbour.
Climbing the steps on the left side of the cathedral, we come across the Roman amphitheatre, the Piazza del Plebiscito - better known as thepiazza del Papa in honour of Clement VII -, the Gesù Church and the Church of San Francesco alle Scale, before crossing the historic centre to Passetto.
Passetto is a district of Ancona with a green park overlooking the sea, in the centre of which stands the Monumento ai Caduti, a small church from the 1930s built in memory of those who fell in the First World War. Two long staircases lead from the monument to the so-called Spiaggia del Passetto (Passetto Beach).
Hidden beaches of the Riviera Conero
The beaches of the Riviera Conero are located on the slopes of the almost 600-metre-high promontory (Monte Conero) and are characterised by their wild environment, rocks, cliffs and crystal clear water. They can be reached on foot, often along one of the paths in the park, or by sea.
La Spiaggia delle due Sorelle e la Spiaggia dei Gabbiani (The Beach of the Two Sisters and the Beach of the Gulls)
The Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (Two Sisters Beach) and the Spiaggia dei Gabbiani (Gulls Beach) are located in Sirol and are two of the most beautiful beaches on this stretch of the Adriatic coast. The former can be reached by ferry from Numana, by pedalo or canoe, the latter only by transport. Neither beach is equipped, so in addition to sturdy shoes, bring water and something to eat, and if you can find a small umbrella to protect you from the sun, that's even better. Due Sorelle beach has become a symbol of the Conero Riviera and is therefore quite busy. Spiaggia dei Gabbiani (Seagull Beach) is still little known, which will make you feel like you've been shipwrecked on a deserted island.
Frasassi Caves
The Frasassi Caves are a true natural spectacle. Inland, about an hour's drive from the coast, there are caves of karst origin discovered in 1971.
During the summer months, guided tours of the Frasassi Caves take place every 10 minutes and last approximately 90 minutes. You can leave your car in the spacious car park and take a minibus to the caves, the cost of which is included in the ticket price (adult ticket €18). The temperature inside the caves is kept at a constant 13-14°C, so it is advisable to bring a sweatshirt or jacket. The tour is suitable for different age groups, you do not need to be trained or equipped. The route is about 1,500 metres long.
Temple of Valadier
Not far from the Frasassi Cave is the Temple of Valadier. It is a fascinating octagon-shaped structure that stands a few steps from the hermitage of Santa Maria Infra Saxa, at the entrance to the cave between Genga and Frasassi. The temple, nicknamed the refuge of sinners because it was built by Pope Leo XII. it is reminiscent of the neoclassical style and is named after the architect who built it.
