Nestled beneath Mount Conero, Portonovo is an unexpected sloped bay in the middle of the Adriatic coast, just about 10 kilometers southern Ancona. The unique setting and peculiarity of its beautiful coves makes Portonovo a must-see destination for those willing to visit the Conero Riviera.
In the midst of the Mediterranean scrub, Portonovo bay remained untouched until the end of WWII when the first hotels and restaurants were built to fulfill the growing demand for holiday facilities. In order to preserve the natural environment, only few buildings were allowed so the place still keeps its wild charm and relaxing atmosphere. There are even two natural ponds named Lago Profondo and Lago Calvagno, both of great environmental and ornithological interest.
Besides nature and culinary delisciousness Portonovo offers also some small art jewels like the "Church of Santa Maria di Portonovo", a cosy building overhanging the beach built in 1034 by the Benedictine monks and perfectly preserved. The two other buildings of great charm are the Torre di Guardia (Torre Clementina) and the Napoleonic Fort, the first was built in 1716 to protect the coastline from pirates while the latter dated 1810, was meant to avoid English vessels landing for water supply. On the shore facing the Fort, an historical reenactment called "Porto Nuovo 1811" takes place every year at the beginning of May.
The two widest and easily accessible beaches have bathing facilities and a few superb seafood restaurants.
Windsurf lovers will find a very well equipped center directly on the beach. Here it's possible to hire all kind of surf and windsurf gear and if you don't know where to start from, a school for kids and adults will introduce you to this fantastic wavy world.
Type of beach
White cobbles, pebbles, rocks
How to get there
By car: take the "Strada Provinciale del Conero" direction Portonovo. At the destination roundabout follow the sign and take the downhill road. During summer there are only fee-paying parking lots and they are often full as early as 10 am. A less expensive (when not totally free) parking place is located near the main roundabout. From here, a free shuttle bus will take you down the beaches.
GPS: geographic coordinates 43° 33′ 52″ N 13° 35′ 28″ E
By bus: summer bus line 94 connects Ancona to Portonovo directly. For timetable see this link.
More info:
Tourist Information Office Ancona
Via Gramsci, 2A
Tel (+39) 320 019 6321
Tourist Department, Municipality of Ancona
Via Podesti, 21
Tel (+39) 071 222 5065/5066/5067
Bay website: http://baiadiportonovo.it/en/Default.aspx