Ancona Italy, a city that surprised me during my journey there in 2022. I had the opportunity to visit this beautiful place, as a gift for my boyfriend. We departed early in the morning from airport Brussels to Italy. Heading towards delicious Italian cuisine, charming streets, and intriguing museum.

What made this trip extra special was that my boyfriend was not aware of our destination until the morning of departure. Let me tell you, Ancona is stunning and especially surprising. It hasn’t gained massive popularity yet. With this complete travel guide, I’d like to share more about what makes Ancona so unique and why it definitely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

The History of Ancona

Italy boasts many world-famous cities such as Rome, Milan, and Pisa. However, beyond those cities, it has plenty of beautiful places that are definitely worth your time. One of those places is Ancona. Ancona is situated in the province of ‘Le Marche,’ along the Adriatic Sea, around 244 kilometers away from Rome. The city features a hilly landscape, which is inevitable given its location at the slopes of two promontories of ‘Monte Conero’ Ancona has a significant port with multiple connections, including routes to Croatia and Greece.

Ancona was founded 387 years before Christ by Greeks. Only in 1860 did the city become a part of the future Kingdom of Italy.

Due to the city’s history, you can observe many influences from its Greek past. Some of these influences can still be visited today, such as the Arch of Trajan. Other notable places include the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Piazza and Palazzo degli Anziani. Ancona is, therefore, a perfect destination if you appreciate culture and history while also wanting to enjoy the stunning surroundings of the capital city of the marche region. 

OTEX Hotel Tips

Ancona primarily features one city centre, where the majority of shops and restaurants are located. As mentioned earlier, Ancona is not yet a popular travel destination. This ensures that the city is not focused on mass tourism, providing an authentic feel. However, Ancona offers plenty of accommodation options.

Seeport Hotel

A hotel that not only looks stunning but also boasts an ideal location is the SeePort Hotel. Located in the city center with a total of 48 rooms, it maintains a cozy yet not a crowded atmosphere. Additionally, the hotel provides enough parking space, which is convenient if you’re traveling by car, for example, from Rome. The rooms are equipped with all the necessary amentities that you could need during your trip.

AN Deluxe Suites

AN Deluxe Suites, the place where we stayed during our time in Ancona, is situated right in the historic city center making it the perfect base for all your adventures. Besides the suite being beautiful, the service was impeccable. As mentioned earlier, we traveled to Ancona for my boyfriend’s birthday. AN Deluxe Suites gladly contributed to the surprise by decorating the room beautifully and providing a delightful bottle of champagne and chocolates. I must say, this added touch made our experience truly complete. Furthermore, the stay is ideal, offering everything you need at a reasonable price and at a perfect location.

Activities you don’t want to miss in Ancona

Ancona an historic town, with its special stories and beautiful landscapes, offers an array of activities for every traveler. From exploring the Ancona Cathedral to enjoying authentic Italian cuisin, and visiting amazing museums. Let’s delve into some of the experiences that await you in the natural beauty of Ancona.

• Visit the Arch of Trajan: Explore this historical monument, a triumphal arch built in honor of Emperor Trajan in 114-117 AD. Enjoy the city’s view from this iconic spot. 
• Discover the Historic Center: Walk through the streets of Ancona’s historic center. Explore Piazza del Plebiscito and see Ancona’s history through the amazing architecture that the greek settlers left behind. 
• Visit the Cathedral of San Ciriaco: This cathedral, situated atop Colle Guasco, provides not only a spiritual experience but also panoramic views of the city and the sea.
• Explore the Harbor Area: Spend time at the harbor, where you can witness the bustling maritime activity. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront and indulge in some fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
• Visit the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche: Delve into the region’s rich history by exploring the exhibits at this museum, showcasing artifacts from the prehistoric to Roman periods.
• Take a Boat Trip: Explore the Adriatic Sea by taking a boat trip. You can choose a relaxing cruise or even visit nearby islands like the Conero Regional Park.
• Relax in Passetto Park: Unwind in Passetto Park, a natural park that is a real green oasis, overlooking the sea. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic.

Italian Cuisine in Ancona

I dare to say that Italian cuisine holds a spot in my top three all-time favorite kitchens. The fresh ingredients, delightful dishes, and the joy that comes from enjoying a delicious pasta. It was only natural that here in Ancona, we would fully embrace the Italian kitchen. In addition to beautiful restaurants, Ancona is also home to numerous authentic coffee bars, perfect for quickly refueling your energy during a day filled with new experiences. But what are our other favorites in Ancona?

Breakfast: Coffy Way Café & Juiccery

For breakfast, we kick off with a non-traditional spot. This spot is located in park ‘Orto Botanico’, where a small building serves breakfast. We stumbled upon this place during our morning walk, and am I glad we decided to stop here for breakfast. I chose a delicious breakfast bowl and my boyfriend a fresh croissant. I would recommend this spot already just for the ambiance, however the food was equally delightful!

Brunch: White Bakery New York Food

On the day of arivval, we were already on the plane by 07:00 AM. What made it a short night, but it ensured we arrived in Ancona right on time. After an early morning start, we were definitely craving a satisfying brunch. Without much planning, we stumbled upon a delightful brunch spot: White Bakery New York Food. The bakery is adorned with an American ambiance and serves up delicious recipes. Personally, I indulged in pancakes with red fruit, and let me tell you that those pancakes where delicious. In addition to sweet options, they also offer savory breakfast items, catering to every taste.

Dinner: Ristorante L’Ascensore

After a day of long walks, new adventures, and absorbing countless impressions, it was time for a delightful dinner, and not just any dinner but a special one. It is for sure on the list of popular restaurants. After all, we were in Ancona to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. Therefore, we decided to celebrate the special day at Ristorante L’Ascensore. The restaurant is situated in a unique location, embedded in a cliff, offering a beautiful view of the sea. As mentioned earlier, Ancona is a important port city, making it the perfect place to savor Italian dishes with fresh seafood, something this restaurant is renowned for. I, for one, indulged in cod and fresh pasta with mussels, while my boyfriend enjoyed fresh sardines. They also serve local wine to compliment the local dishes. The restaurant has a more upscale atmosphere compared to its surroundings. However, it is reasonably priced, with a friendly team ready to assist you throughout the evening.

Our Conclusion

During our trip to Ancona, we had an incredible time. Italy as a whole is amazing city in Europe, but if you’re seeking an experience away from mass tourism, opting for a beautiful place with an authentic feel, then Ancona is the destination for you.

We particularly enjoyed the friendly people, delicious food , and the overall atmosphere of the city. Boredom is not on the agenda here; every moment is filled with something special. For us, a three-day stay was the perfect duration. I must mention that Ancona is surrounded by stunning nature and charming villages. So it also serves as an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding area further by car. Discover the beautiful beaches that the region has to offer only a short drive away. Either way Ancona was a birthday getaway to remember.