A Beautiful Italy Beach: Portonovo

Loved by Ancona sunbathers, this beach offers a breathtaking view of Riviera del Conero.

Still patrolling the bay from pirates and English attacks from the sea, there is an ancient fort, Fortino Napoleonico, now transformed into a charming hotel on the beach.

Walking to the South end of the bay you can visit the church of Santa Maria di Portonovo, surrounded by olive trees, it is a rare jewel, one of the few examples of pure Romanesque architecture in Italy.

While you are roasting at the beach, take an occasional break and have lunch at Giacchetti restaurant. During the day it offers the self service option and you can taste the spectacular “mosciolo di Portonovo” (Portonovo mussel) in an informal setting.

The beach is easily reached from Ancona, just follow the signs to Portonovo, Riviera del Conero. During the summer a convenient shuttle will take you from the parking lot overlooking the bay, to the beach.






Mezzavalle

Between Ancona and Portonovo is the shore of Mezzavalle.

It is secluded and pristine, no sun beds and umbrellas for rent, only one (lovely) restaurant: try the superb mixed grilled fish.

Somebody said that Mezzavalle is like a trip back in the seventies: dogs are tolerated, in the evening campfires are lit and every sun umbrella is different.

You can breath a general feeling of rebellion to the rules of the other, sometimes over civilized beaches.

Mezzavalle is loved by the locals for this atmosphere of “last free beach”.

Is reachable with a waking path from the main road to Portonovo.

Park before the turn to Portonovo Bay and walk down the path for about twenty minutes: the beauty of the shore will repay you of the muscle work.

Find out more about Mezzavalle beach with this link.

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