The Magnificent Riviera
of Monte Conero & Portonovo

My little son's favourite place in le Marche, The Riviera of Monte Conero is a land of exquisite beaches lapped by the waters of the Adriatic and offering stunning scenery.

The perfect place for a family holiday, it is also a fantastic place for a great vacation with friends, or for that romantic escape.

Monte Conero - Where to Stay

If you need a good hotel in the area then Napoleon's Fort (Fortino Napoleonico), right on the sea, in Portonovo is the best option. 

In Portonovo too is the Hotel Internazionale Portonovo which is now a very good choice having recently been completely refurbished.  It is a more affordable alternative to the fort; a good choice should the fort be fully booked...and it often is. 

Exploring Conero

Monte Conero, dominates the area, looking like it belongs elsewhere, rising up from a coastline that is otherwise completely flat to the north and to the south.

Do you enjoy hiking and walking? 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 vistas along the way are unforgettable.

The whole National Park has a network of very well marked paths so do it yourself hiking is very easy. 

Portonovo

Portonovo is the place the locals of le Marche go. It is also 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.

It is truly picture postcard gorgeous, immersed in nature, with the sea on one side and the lakes of Lago Grande and Lago Profondo on the other. I can promise you that, unless your heart is made of stone, it will be a case of love at first site

If your visit to Italy wouldn't be complete without some history thrown in then you won't be disappointed either. First up is the watch tower built in the early 18th century to defend the town from pirates and then there is the beautiful little eleventh century Church of Santa Maria.

For a great view, and some more history, 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 up the hill you will need to hike.

Portonovo itself has only a few hotels (click for a list of them) and some good camping sites. The pick of the hotels, as I mentioned earlier, is just a short stroll from the beach in the old Napoleonic fort built in 1808.

The fort also has a great restaurant, serving delicious local specialities; while dining there try the famous local wine the Rosso Conero. You'll be in for an unforgettable evening.

When to Visit

The best time to come is late May through early July or otherwise in early September. The weather in Le Marche is ideal then, not to hot just absolutely perfect. Late July and August things get pretty crowded and it is nearly impossible to get a booking anywhere.

Conero Marche

Where is Portonovo & Conero?

Love Italy? Why not 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.

  1. Home
    2. ›
  2. Best of Le Marche
    3. ›
  3. Conero

You might like these

  • An Italian Butcher's Tale from Sarnano

    There is a macelleria inside the gates of Sarnano, an Italian butcher shop, the subject of our interest. The couple who run it are old, the store is old. The store is at and in the old wall. The meat is worked the way it was for decades, centuries.

  • Living in Sarnano

    Our apartment in Sarnano, Le Marche, Italy, is in the Centro Storico, the historic center, The windows look out at the mountains and a small cortile(courtyard) in which we take our morning coffee and the sun.

  • The Frasassi Caves and the Church Inside

    The Frasassi caves are incredible but for me the most awesome site is the Temple of Valadier built in a huge cavern. I have never seen anything like it!

Please Book with Us...

Like us? Why not support me and Maria.

All you need do is book via the search box below, or any of the hotel links elsewhere on the website. It can be for travel to Italy... or anywhere else on earth.

You'll get the best deal available and the income we receive helps us to:

  • Stay independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.
  • Never have to accept money from hotels directly - meaning that we can share only those we genuinely love.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Recent Articles

RSS

  1. Stromboli Erupts. One Dead!

    Jul 04, 19 04:48 AM

    A hiker was killed when Stromboli unexpectedly erupted yesterday. Efforts are under way to evacuate 70 people from the island, which is located off the coast of Sicily.

    Read More

  2. An Italian Butcher's Tale from Sarnano

    Jul 03, 19 03:23 AM

    There is a macelleria inside the gates of Sarnano, an Italian butcher shop, the subject of our interest. The couple who run it are old, the store is old. The store is at and in the old wall. The meat…

    Read More

  3. Living in Sarnano

    Jul 02, 19 06:49 AM

    Our apartment in Sarnano, Le Marche, Italy, is in the Centro Storico, the historic center, The windows look out at the mountains and a small cortile(courtyard) in which we take our morning coffee and…

    Read More

  4. Subscribe to A Secret Italy

    Jun 25, 19 03:59 AM

    Become a part of the Secret Italy Club. Membership is open for a short while longer and we'd like you to be a part of the family.

    Read More

  5. Homemade Lasagna - An Authentic Italian Recipe

    Jun 03, 19 07:03 AM

    A delicious authentic homemade lasagna recipe.This is the way my Italian nonna-in-law cooks it and I can tell you it is great...

    Read More

  6. The Perfect Italian Itinerary

    May 30, 19 07:11 AM

    Planning a trip to Italy? Then you really need to read our Italian itinerary before you book a single thing.

    Read More