Ancona

Ancona is the capital of the Marche region located at the foothills of Mount Conero. It’s home to one of the most vital ports in the Adriatic Sea, a center of maritime transportation and commerce. 

On Ferryhopper, you can find travel tips for the city and discover the latest ferry connections from Ancona. Book ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper!

Read our suggestions for your dreamy holidays in Ancona and find useful information about its port:

• Ancona ferry port
• Vacation in Ancona

Panoramic view of the port and the city of Ancona

Ancona ferry port

Ancona is one of the main passenger ports on the Adriatic Sea, with regular services connecting the city with Greece, Croatia and Albania.

The area around the port of ​​Ancona bustles with activity! Before boarding your ferry, walk around the various bars, ice cream parlors, restaurants, and shops. Also, it is only a few meters away from all the monuments and museums of Ancona. 

Near the port, at the Mandracchio dock, located just 500 meters from the embarkation pier, you can find a parking lot for your vehicle.

Tip: consider taking your vehicle on the ferry from the port of Ancona to your destination. In this way, you can explore and move around in total freedom. 

Ferries from Ancona port: schedules and tickets

From the port of Ancona, there are ferry connections to Greece (Patras, Igoumenitsa and Corfu), Croatia (Zadar and Split) and Albania (Durrës).

The ferry companies that normally operate these connections are SNAV, Adria Ferries, Minoan Lines, Jadrolinija, and Anek Superfast.

Here you can find more information about all the ferry connections from Ancona:

• From Ancona to Patras (Greece): there are usually up to 12 weekly sailings from Ancona to the port of Patras. Tickets start at €87 and the trip lasts 19.5 to 25 hours.
• From Ancona to Igoumenitsa (Greece): the Ancona - Igoumenitsa ferry route is available with up to 15 weekly crossings. It takes between 18.5 to 21.5 hours to reach Igoumenitsa, and tickets start at €87.
• From Ancona to Corfu (Greece): in the summer months, the ferry from Ancona to Corfu connects Italy with the Ionian Islands. There are up to 4 crossings per week lasting 16 to 20.5 hours. 
• From Ancona to Zadar (Croatia): the Ancona - Zadar ferry crossing usually takes place 2-4 times weekly in the high season. The journey duration is around 8 hours.
• From Ancona to Split (Croatia): the Ancona - Split ferry route is active with up to 4 weekly crossings. The ferry trips can last from 9 to 11 hours depending on the vessel and weather conditions.
• From Ancona to Durrës (Albania): the ferry route from Ancona to the port of Durrës includes up to 6 weekly crossings. It takes approximately 16 to 19 hours.

Take a look at our Map of ferries with all the connections available from the port of Ancona and start planning your trip right away!

Where is the ferry port in Ancona?

The port of Ancona is located in the city center, just 2 km from the train station and only 15 minutes walk from the Piazza del Plebiscito, the most famous square in the heart of Ancona.

How to get to Ancona port?

You can reach the port of Ancona by bus or car. Once you arrive at Ancona’s central train station, you can get to the port in 10 minutes by taking bus lines 12 and 20. Plus, the ticket is free for those catching a ferry. 

If you're driving by car, you should exit highway A14 and take the roadway SS16 towards Ancona port. 

The international airport of Ancona is located 18 km from the ferry port. You can then get to the port by taking the Aerobus Raffello line.

The port of Ancona at sunset 

Vacation in Ancona

Rich in history, monuments and with numerous seaside resorts, Ancona is a fascinating tourist destination all year round. The city offers a plethora of options such as idyllic beaches, monuments, churches, and historic buildings.

Before leaving Ancona or once you arrive at its port, spend a few days strolling around the city. It’s definitely worth exploring the secret spots and enjoying the beautiful corners of its historic center close to the sea!

Plus, the well-kept parks in the area and the alluring pine forests with panoramic views are ideal for nature lovers.

The historic center of Ancona seen from the upper part of the city

How to get to Ancona

The city’s position makes it the perfect reference point if you travel from northern Italy and want to take the ferry to Greece, Croatia or Albania.

You can easily get to Ancona by ferry, plane, train, bus, and car. The airport of Ancona is regularly connected with the main Italian cities and various countries, including Spain, Germany, France, and the UK.

If you’re traveling from Rome to Ancona, the journey is about 300 km and it takes about 3 hours, both by car and train. If you are heading to Ancona from Milan, the 400 km trip takes about 4 to 5 hours. There are also buses connecting Ancona with other large Italian cities.

What to do in Ancona

Ancona is a city worth exploring on foot. Thanks to its rich cultural heritage, there are plenty of picturesque alleys and hidden corners to discover. 

Surrounded by hills, Le Marche's seafront capital also offers the most breathtaking views of the Adriatic sea. Between the magnificent trails of the Conero Regional Park and its coastline with paradisiacal beaches, Ancona offers many options for beach holidays, culture and relaxation.

In fact, on every last weekend of the month, the famous Antiques Market takes place in Pertini Square of Ancona. The event is known for its wide variety of vintage furnishings, paintings, silver, and ceramic antiques. In short, you do not want to miss this one!

Beaches in Ancona

The beaches of Conero, located in the province of Ancona, are certainly among the most beautiful of the entire Adriatic coast! There is something for all tastes: sandy or pebble beaches, remote or organized.

Here are the 6 best beaches in Ancona:

1. Passetto: it’s a rocky beach with crystal-clear waters. Just 10 minutes from the city center, this long coastline is the symbol of Ancona. You can get down to the beach either by an impressive marble staircase or by lift (usually in the summer months).
2. Mezzavalle: this white-sand beach is surrounded by natural beauty and is located in the southern part of Ancona. You can get there by crossing a steep 10-minute path or by renting a canoe from Portonovo Bay.
3. Portonovo: this bay located in the Conero Park, is characterized by crystalline waters and pebble beaches. Most of them are organized, with beach facilities and restaurants, but there is also a part of the coastline available for free bathing. 
4. St. Michael: the greenery surrounding this beach and its deep blue waters create a very beautiful landscape! Ideal for resting and walking, sometimes it is organized and sometimes not. You can get there by car or bus.
5. Black rock: the beach is named after the dark pebbles that can be seen on the bottom of the sea. There are secluded corners, as well as organized areas with umbrellas and sunbeds. You can also find a restaurant with delicious seafood and fish nearby.
6. Two sisters: its name derives from 2 large rocks that are emerging from the sea. This incredible white beach is accessible by boat from the small ports of Numana, Marcelli and Sirolo. 

Tip: we recommend reserving a spot on some of the beaches mentioned above, since they might not be available during peak season, due to increased visitation.

The wonderful bay of Portonovo on the Conero Riviera in Ancona

Sightseeing in Ancona

Ancona is a city full of artistic heritage with over 2,400 years of history. In its center, you can find 4 different areas, with the oldest and most historic being St. Pietro and Capodimonte.

Here are the 10 most famous places you shouldn’t miss during your visit to the city:

1. The Cathedral of Ancona, an imposing Romanesque-Byzantine style cathedral that boasts a scenic location on top of Colle Guasco
2. The Lazzaretto (or Mole Vanvitelliana), a beautiful pentagonal building located on an artificial island
3. Piazza del Plebiscito, called by the locals "Piazza del Papa" in honor of Pope Clement VII, whose statue is visible in the center of the square
4. The Fountain of Calamo, also known as the “fountain of the 13 spouts” has been part of the city walls since the Middle Age
5. The Church of Santa Maria della Piazza, built on the remains of an ancient Christian church
6. The Merchants' Lodge, the historical palace with its gothic facade
7. The Cardeto park, the green lung of the city 
8. The Arch of Trajan, the most significant remnant of Ancona's Roman past
9. The National Archaeological Museum of the Marche region, with a very rich collection of archeological finds from the Paleolithic to the Roman age
10. The Podesti Art Gallery, with a vast collection of ancient, modern and contemporary works

The imposing St. Ciriaco Cathedral in Ancona

Nightlife in Ancona

The nightlife of Ancona is vibrant and Piazza del Plebiscito is where locals enjoy their drinks. Full of young people at any time of day, this iconic square is home to many pubs and lounge bars.

After a refreshing dip in the sea or a walk around the historic center, you can enjoy a drink on the city waterfront. Bar Torino is among the most lively places, famous for its delicious aperitifs!

Food in Ancona

During your trip to Ancona, you should try the delicious local cuisine! You cannot leave the city unless you taste the most sublime seafood dishes made from freshly caught fish! As for meat lovers, the local recipes made with fresh, biological products are just irresistible! Is this your belly purring? 

So, when in Ancona make sure to taste the following delicious local delicacies:

• stoccafisso all’anconitana (local stockfish)
• wild mussels
• vincisgrassi (oven cooked lasagne with meat and bechamel sauce)
• Ascoli stuffed olives
• fried cremini mushrooms
• stroncatelli (homemade egg pasta with truffle and anchovies) 
• paccasassi (pickled sea fennels)
• raisin cake
• Conero red wine

Villages in Ancona

If you plan to stay in Ancona for a few more days, you should definitely visit the nearby picturesque villages. Wander around their narrow streets, try some delicious products and taste their famous local wines!

Here you can find a list of the best villages in Ancona:

• Staffolo: this village is known for producing the famous Verdicchio wines and for its banghitti, a natural balcony with the best views over the Esino, Misa and Musone valleys. 
• Genga: it is a charming village known for the Frasassi Caves, calcareous stratifications dating as far back as 150 million years ago.
• Offragna: it is situated on a sandstone cliff. This village is known for its medieval festivals with an archery tournament and traditional customs. 
• Ostra Vetere: the beautiful neo-gothic bell tower definitely steals the scene! The village’s sacred and secular monuments depict its fascinating past while the osterie (taverns) invite you to try the finger-licking local dishes!

Saint Victor’s Abbey surrounded by the mountainous landscape in Genga village in Ancona

Useful information about Ancona

In Ancona, most restaurants and shops are located in the heart of the city. The center consists of 2 main squares (Piazza Cavour and Piazza Roma) and 2 main streets (Corso Garibaldi and Corso Mazzini).

If you decide to stay in Ancona, we recommend that you opt for the downtown area, since most hotels, guest houses and Bed & Breakfasts are located here. However, finding something near the port is preferable if you intend to take the ferry the following day.

As for health care, there are several hospitals both in the city and in the province of Ancona. The tourist medical guard service is active throughout the summer in case of an emergency.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Ancona

Here are some useful contacts to keep within reach during your trip to Ancona:

• Hospital of Ancona: +390715961
• Ancona Police Headquarters: +3907122881
• Municipality of Ancona: +390712221
• Tourist Information Center: +390712076431
• Ancona Port Authority: +39071207891
• Radio taxi services: +3907143321
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Ancona

Getting around Ancona is very easy thanks to the numerous means of transport that allow you to reach any place in the city. However, you need a car to get to the top of the Guasco hill and lay your eyes on the mesmerizing panorama. Alternatively, you can take the funicular!

Ancona's railway station is only 2 km away from the port and can be reached either on foot or by bus. The airport is connected to the city center by a direct railway line and bus.

Good to know: Ancona is part of the “Municipalities of Urban Trekking” circuit, a project created to enhance alternative tourism. So, walk around the city, enjoy the stunning views, explore the lesser-known monuments, and experience the daily local lifestyle!

Historic buildings in the center of Ancona 

Where to book Ancona ferry tickets online

Can't wait to discover the beauties of the natural gulf of Ancona, its pristine beaches and the impressive views of the city? On Ferryhopper, you can find all the connections from Ancona to Greece, Croatia and Albania. Compare prices, departure times and book your ferry tickets online step-by-step!