Eco Hotels in Ancona

Sustainable stays in Ancona, Marche. Same price as Booking.com — 1 tonne of CO₂ removed per booking. EUR5 free credit for new members, 5% cashback in IMPT tokens.

Why Stay in Ancona

Ancona, the capital of Italy's Le Marche region, is one of the Adriatic's great unsung cities — a port of ancient Greek origin whose name derives from the Greek ankon (elbow), a reference to the shape of its natural harbour jutting into the sea. Founded by Syracusan Greeks in 387 BC, it became a crucial Roman naval base and later one of the five cities of the Byzantine Pentapolis, and the layers of that history are still visible everywhere: Roman arches, early Christian basilicas, medieval towers, and a Renaissance port layout that defines the city to this day.

The city's defining feature is its relationship with the sea. Ancona's port is one of Italy's largest and most important on the Adriatic, and the city rises from the docks in a series of steep hills that offer breathtaking views from every piazza. The Arco di Traiano (Trajan's Arch) — a marble triumphal arch erected in 115 AD to honour the emperor who expanded the harbour — still stands proudly on the waterfront, as it has for nearly two millennia. Above it, on the Guasco hill, the Cattedrale di San Ciriaco occupies the site of a former Roman temple to Venus, its Romanesque-Gothic façade and commanding position making it the city's spiritual and visual anchor.

Ancona's coastline is its other great asset. The Passetto — the city's classic seaside neighbourhood — is a sweep of white limestone cliffs above the Adriatic, with a beach accessed by a monumental staircase and caves carved into the rock face by fishermen generations ago, now used as boat storage and summer shelters. To the south, the Riviera del Conero begins — a dramatic 20-kilometre stretch of white limestone promontories, hidden coves, and the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic north of Puglia. The Conero region, a protected natural park, produces the rare Rosso Conero DOC wine from Montepulciano grapes grown on its mineral-rich slopes.

For eco-conscious travellers, Ancona offers an appealing combination: a compact, walkable historic centre, excellent train connections (Bologna is just 2 hours away), the pristine Conero Regional Park with its hiking and cycling trails, and a growing collection of green-certified hotels. With prices significantly lower than the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre and a fraction of the crowds, Ancona and the Conero Riviera represent one of Italy's best-value coastal experiences.

Ancona at a Glance

Getting the Most from Ancona

Ancona-Falconara Airport (AOI) sits 18 km west of the city centre, served by Ryanair and other carriers with connections to major European cities. The Aerobus and local trains connect the airport to Ancona Centrale station in about 25 minutes (€5). Alternatively, Bologna's Guglielmo Marconi Airport is a comfortable 2-hour train journey away via the Bologna–Ancona line, making Ancona easily combinable with an Emilia-Romagna itinerary.

Ancona's main train station sits below the historic centre — from there, the city climbs steeply. The centre is walkable if you are fit, but the city operates a useful network of buses and a modern MetroMare light rail line connecting the station to the port and the city centre. A day pass is €3.50 and covers all urban routes. For the Conero Riviera, the seasonal Conero Bus service runs from Ancona station to Portonovo, Numana, and Sirolo between June and September — essential for beach access without a car.

Ferries from Ancona's port connect to Croatia (Split), Greece (Patras, Igoumenitsa), and Albania (Durrës), making it a natural gateway for an Adriatic multi-country trip. The modern passenger terminal at the port, designed in the 1990s, includes ticketing, shops, and a waiting area with port views.

Where to Stay — Best Areas in Ancona

Hotels in Ancona

Real hotels available in Ancona. Book through IMPT for same price as Booking.com + 1 tonne CO₂ removed + 5% cashback.

Things to Do in Ancona

Recommended Walks & Hiking in Ancona

Nearby Cities & Towns in Marche

Frequently Asked Questions About Ancona

What is the best area to stay in Ancona?

The Centro Storico offers the most historic atmosphere — narrow medieval streets climbing the Guasco hill to the Cathedral of San Ciriaco with sweeping port views. Passetto is the classic seaside neighbourhood with its distinctive cave beach and excellent fish restaurants. Portonovo on the Conero Riviera delivers a tranquil, upscale bay experience just 12 km from the centre. Numana and Sirolo further south provide the prettiest beaches and the best base for hiking in Conero Regional Park.

How many days do you need in Ancona?

Plan for 2–3 days to experience Ancona properly. One full day covers the Centro Storico, San Ciriaco Cathedral, Trajan's Arch, the Mole Vanvitelliana, and the Passetto beach area with its monumental staircase and caves. A second day is perfect for exploring Conero Regional Park, the beaches of Portonovo and the Due Sorelle, and the villages of Numana and Sirolo. A third day allows for a day trip to the pilgrimage site of Loreto or the seaside resort of Senigallia.

Is Ancona expensive for tourists?

Ancona is one of Italy's more affordable coastal cities — and a genuine bargain compared to the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, or major art cities. Hotel rooms start from €60 per night, a full seafood meal at a trattoria costs €20–35, and many top attractions — including the Cathedral, Trajan's Arch, Passetto Beach, and the Conero hiking trails — are free. The Conero Riviera offers Adriatic beauty at a fraction of Amalfi prices.

What is Ancona famous for?

Ancona is famous for its strategic Adriatic port (one of Italy's largest), the Roman Trajan's Arch erected in 115 AD on the harbour, the Cathedral of San Ciriaco occupying an ancient temple site with breathtaking sea views, and the Passetto beach with its distinctive white-rock cliffs and cave houses carved by fishermen. The Conero Riviera immediately to the south, with dramatic white limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and Rosso Conero wine, is one of the Adriatic's most beautiful coastlines.

What is the best time to visit Ancona?

The best months are May, June, September, and early October — warm but not scorching (20–28°C), with the sea warm enough for swimming from June onwards. July and August are the hottest and busiest, especially on the Conero Riviera beaches. The Festa del Mare (Sea Festival) in early September is the city's biggest annual event, with a decorated boat parade, fireworks, and seafood feasts. Spring offers mild weather and blooming Conero wildflowers perfect for hiking.