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Riviera del Conero
White cliffs, wooded paths and Adriatic days at your own pace.
Around Monte Conero, the Marche coast changes character. Sirolo and Numana sit close to beaches and viewpoints, while Portonovo brings the mountain down to the sea. Treat the Riviera del Conero as a small coastal region to explore over several days, with time for both the shore and the landscape above it.
01 · SIROLO & NUMANA
Choose a beach that fits your day
Sirolo’s beaches sit below the town, with Urbani and San Michele offering different ways to enjoy the foot of the Conero slopes. The descent is part of the experience, but remember that a walk down usually means a climb back later.
Numana Bassa offers a more straightforward seafront setting, with beach establishments, restaurants and public stretches of shore. Above the harbour, the Costarella staircase links the lower area with Numana Alta and its views.
Choose between these places according to the day you want: a cove and a hillside approach, or a beach with services close at hand. Check current shuttles, parking and beach-club arrangements before arriving in the busiest months.
Hidden Italy tip: Ask about the actual route from your accommodation to the beach. A short distance on a map can still include a steep slope or stairs.
02 · PORTONOVO & THE PARK
Move between the bay and the woodland
Portonovo lies beneath the wooded slopes of the Conero, with public beach areas, bathing establishments and places to eat. Its coastal ponds, watchtower and Romanesque church of Santa Maria add interest beyond a swim.
Follow the signed local route around the bay where it is open, and check church visiting arrangements separately. A short walk here can reveal the different parts of the landscape without turning the day into a demanding hike.
For longer walks, use the park’s official trail network and choose a route suited to your experience. Woodland paths and coastal viewpoints have different gradients and exposure; consult current closures rather than relying on a saved social-media route.
Plan ahead: The Conero Park trail page lists routes and restrictions. Follow signs and barriers, carry water and keep away from cliff edges.
03 · DUE SORELLE
See the coast’s most recognisable pair of rocks
The two pale rocks off Due Sorelle give this small beach its name. Below the cliffs, its pebbly shore feels very different from a serviced resort beach: there are no cafés or other beach facilities to rely on.
Beach access is by sea. Seasonal boat services operate from the coast, including Numana, subject to the operator’s programme and sea conditions. Confirm the departure point, booking and return arrangements, and bring drinking water and sun protection.
The viewpoint reached along the Passo del Lupo route is a separate walking experience. Continuing down from Passo del Lupo to the beach is prohibited. A viewpoint walk is not an alternative land route to Due Sorelle.
Hidden Italy tip: Check the boat operator’s current service information and the official destination guidance. Keep a shore-based alternative for days when boats cannot run.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Give the Conero more than a beach stop
A suggested two- or three-day stay
Day one: settle into Sirolo or Numana, explore the town and choose one nearby beach. Return for an evening walk and dinner without trying to cover the whole coast.
Day two: visit Portonovo and add a suitable signed walk or the church when open. If Due Sorelle is a priority, use another day for a pre-booked seasonal boat trip, adjusting the order to the forecast and available departures. This is our suggested pace, not a fixed tour schedule.
Where to stay & how long to spend
Sirolo suits travellers who enjoy a village setting above the sea. Numana and Marcelli offer a more beach-focused base, while the countryside can work well if you have a car. Compare the specific property’s access, parking and route to the shore. Two or three nights allows a varied introduction; longer stays leave more room for slow beach days.
When to visit
Summer is the main beach season, with greater demand for parking, rooms and boat trips. Spring and early autumn are our choices for walking when conditions are suitable, but beach services and boats may be reduced or absent. Do not build an out-of-season visit around an assumed ferry departure.
Arrival & getting around
Plan your arrival around your chosen base, then check local bus connections or the transfer from your rail station. A car is useful for reaching different parts of the Riviera, but in busy periods seasonal shuttles and designated parking can make individual beach visits easier.
Keep town centres, beach access points and boat embarkation points distinct when navigating. Ask about a specific accessible beach entrance if you need a step-free route; the coves below the cliffs are not equally accessible. Follow current swimming, navigation and trail notices.
Build it into a longer Marche trip
Balance time on the Conero with an inland town or a cultural stop elsewhere in the region, keeping longer drives on separate days. Our Le Marche travel guide brings the regional possibilities together.
For beaches and seasonal services, consult Riviera del Conero tourism. For walks and restrictions, use Conero Regional Park; for Due Sorelle, confirm your plans with the boat operator.
Image credits
Portonovo viewpoint: Portonovo veduta 11 by Sirleonidas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Commons image resized for this page. Adapted versions remain available under the respective licences linked above.