Portonovo
A green bay on the north slope of Monte Conero, with white pebble beaches, a small Napoleonic fort, and lakes, famous for wild mussels.
Portonovo is a small bay village within the municipality of Ancona, where the forested slopes of Monte Conero run straight down to the sea, forming several stretches of white pebble beach with brilliant green water. The bay has a square fortress built in 1808 during the Napoleonic era (now a hotel), the 16th-century De Bosis Tower, and two small lakes. This is the classic spot to try the local wild mussels, known as moscioli di Portonovo, and beachside restaurants fill up fast. In summer, buses run from Ancona. Private cars must park on the hill and take a shuttle to the bay, so arrive early in peak season.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Santa Maria di Portonovo
- Mezzavalle Beach
- Monte Conero Regional Park
- Due Sorelle Beach
- Urbani & San Michele Beaches
- Sirolo
- Numana
- Passetto & War Memorial