Ancona is a lively port city, with a harbour beautifully arranged between two rocky promontories. It is capital of Le Marche region, and host to Italy’s ferry connections to Croatia, Greece and Montenegro. Some of Ancona’s liveliness comes from the numbers of visitors just passing through, but there are plenty of reasons to stop right here, in one of the best places to stay in Ancona, and enjoy the sights. Some of our Gurus recommendations for hotels in Ancona are outside of the historic town proper, in the lush, vineyard-strewn, hinterland or further along the coast where the sandy beaches start.

Parts of Ancona’s medieval centre were bombed during WWII, but some of the most impressive buildings — as far as sightseeing is concerned — survived. The ancient Trajan Arch on the docks still stands tall at 18metres high, just as it was intended when erected in 115AD to celebrate Trajan’s construction of the harbour; the cathedral was built on top of a hill overlooking the town and the Adriatic coastline, its 11th century roof is the shape of a boat, a reminder of how intertwined this city’s history is with the ocean; and a Roman Amphitheatre. Ancona is also home to the regional archaeological museum, and a few other museums and galleries.

In addition to sightseeing, Ancona’s beaches are extremely appealing. They run between the bottom of the hill below the cathedral, all the way to Pesaro just along the coastline. One of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Ancona is along this stretch of beach, and offers a peaceful base for families, or anyone exploring the whole region. Head inland and you’ll start spotting vineyards and masserias, which is always promising for foodies.

The Best Places to Stay in Ancona

For a Beach Break

• Right up against the coastline, behind an idyllic stretch of sandy beach, the Fortino Napoleonico is our top pick for a beach break close to Ancona. The location is perfect: on a sandy peninsula on the edge of a sheltered bay. And the beach access is unbeatable. In the opposite direction is lush woodland and a regional park. The 30 rooms and suites are elegantly decorated, and all the rooms, bars, terrace and restaurant, have incredible water views. It's family friendly too.

For a Rural Escape

• Poggio Agli Ulvi is a traditional Italian farmhouse surrounded by its own vineyards, turned rustic, country house hotel. Its eight rooms and suites are simply decorated, like a home from home, and our favourites have wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. Poggio Agli Ulvi is between the coastline and Ancona, in a peaceful spot. Outside there’s a pool and olive groves.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Ancona has its own airport, Falconara Airport, which is around 20 minutes from the centre of town by both rail and road. If your local airport isn’t connected to Falconara, you could aim for Bologna Airport, which is about two hours away by road, and two hours and 20 minutes by train, or Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci international airport, which is about three hours away by road, or three and half by train via Bologna. Ancona has a station, so it’s possible to travel all the way by train.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• As with many coastal spots, spring and summer are the most popular times to visit Ancona, though the climate is humid, and pleasant for most of the year. If you’re planning to visit in September or October be aware that it’s thunderstorm season! Spring and autumn can both be changeable, but are generally pretty mild and pleasant, with lots of sunshine. Easter and Christmas are always wonderful celebrations in Italy, and there’s plenty to do here beyond the beach, but it does get chilly during winter, with a regular sprinkling of snow.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Le Marche
• Consider one of the best places to stay in Pesaro, which is a near neighbour along the coast to the north, or Rimini, which is a little further north again.
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.