Get swept up in the magic of the Le Marche region when you visit its capital Ancona. While it’s one of the busiest ports along the Adriatic, the town’s medieval architecture and nearby countryside have barely changed in centuries.
Hunt down Ancona’s history
Track down the town’s attractions in the center - Ancona’s Romanesque Cathedral is the city’s biggest and best sight. Its construction first began in 1189 on a hilltop above the town and you can see its magnificent dome from miles around.
Make your way back down to the harbor district to discover the Lazzaretto of Ancona, another must-see. Built in the late 18th century on its own artificial island to serve as a quarantine station, it’s now a cultural exhibition center that celebrates Ancona’s maritime past.
Also at the port is the Arch of Trajan, an ancient reminder of the area’s long and rich history. Admire the marble columns of this Lombard Roman landmark which has stood on Ancona’s waterfront since approximately 115AD. It was once surrounded by buildings on all sides, but time and numerous earthquakes have left it in splendid isolation.
Relax on the beach
Ancona’s serene coastline is home to rugged cliffs dotted with dark green forests and wonderful beaches. Get behind the wheel and go beach hopping.
Spend a day sunning yourself on Passetto Beach, one of Italy’s best urban beaches. Park up and climb down the dramatic staircase to the shore, where pristine waters lap at your feet. There’s no sand here, but you’ll be joined by the locals as they take lunch or a break from work.
Le Due Sorelle, known as the Beach of the Two Sisters, is found further down the coast from Ancona but is well worth the drive. The only way to reach it is by boat, so drive to Numana and rent a boat or catch the ferry from the pier to the spectacular beach. With a dramatic cliff backdrop and surrounded by crystal clear waters, it’s a pure slice of Italian paradise.
Buon Appetito in Ancona
Ancona is famous for its locally sourced cuisine, gleaned from its fertile farmland and glittering sea, with a little touch of inspiration from its neighbors too.
Grab a table at Ristorante Gino to sample the town’s best delicacy, stoccafisso all'anconetana. This slow-cooked fish and potato dish follows a 500-year-old recipe and is packed full of fresh flavor. More Mediterranean goodness can be found at Osteria del Pozzo. This traditional trattoria specializes in fish – slurp down anchovy spaghetti, tuck into fried squid and feast on grilled sea bream.
Urbane Urbino
No driving vacation in Ancona or central Italy would be complete without a trip to nearby Urbino.
The medieval hilltop town is the birthplace of the artist Raphael, one of the great masters of the Italian Renaissance. And the town has barely changed since Raphael’s day, earning it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
To really get a sense of its old-world magic, take a stroll through the center along the winding, narrow streets. Churches and squares are packed into Urbino, but the best sight is the Palazzo Ducale. This 15th century palace is the former residence of Duke Frederico of Montefeltro but is now home to the National Gallery of Le Marche. Wander the whimsical rooms of the beautiful building before gazing at works from Renaissance heavyweights Raphael and Titian inside the gallery.
With Ancona car rental you can explore the entire area’s bounty of culture and cuisine during your vacation. Start planning your Italian journey today.
