The best hotels in Ancona

A lively port city with a harbour set between two rocky promontories, Ancona is a wonderful seaside destination. The capital of  Le Marche region, the city hosts Italy’s ferry connections to Croatia, Greece and Montenegro. Many visitors zip swiftly through, but our Gurus think it’s well worth making the time to delve a little deeper into Ancona’s history, culture and buzzing evening scene. Our pick of the best places to stay in Ancona includes a rural retreat as well as a hip port-side hotel, perfect for a trip to remember. 

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, for instance, still stands tall at 18metres high; just as intended when it was erected in 115AD to celebrate Trajan’s construction of the harbour. Overlooking the town and the Adriatic coastline, the hilltop cathedral’s 11th-century roof is shaped like a boat; a reminder of how intertwined this city’s history is with the ocean. Marvel at these landmarks before touring the Museo Archeologico Nazionale delle Marche, housed in the stunning Palazzo Ferretti, or stepping into the town’s smattering of independent art galleries.

Ancona’s beaches are the city’s other big draw. Running from the bottom of the hill below the cathedral to Pesaro, along the coast, these sandy stretches invite swimming and sunbathing. One of the best places to stay in Ancona is set along this coast, and has long been a family favourite. Don’t miss venturing inland, too, for rambles, cycle rides, vineyards and farm-to-table eateries.

The Best Places to Stay in Ancona

For a Beach Break

• Fortino Napoleonico is our top pick for a beach break close to Ancona. On a sandy peninsula at the edge of a sheltered bay, the hotel's beach access is exceptional. Lush woodland and a regional park await in the other direction. Expect 30 elegant rooms and suites, and beautiful views of the water from the bars, terrace and restaurant. It's family friendly too.

For a Rural Escape

• Poggio Agli Ulvi is a traditional Italian farmhouse surrounded by its own vineyards and olive groves. Now a rustic country hotel, the farmhouse's eight rooms and suites are simply decorated, and our favourites have wonderful views over the surrounding countryside. In a peaceful spot between the coastline and Ancona, with a refreshing pool.

For an apartment or villa

Travel Information

• Fly to Falconara Airport, around 20 minutes from the centre of town by both road and rail. If your local airport isn’t connected to Falconara, aim instead for Bologna Airport, about two hours away by road and two hours and 20 minutes by train. Florence’s Amerigo Vespucci International Airport is a little over three hours away. 
• Alternatively, contact our partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Spring and summer are the most popular times to visit Ancona.The climate is humid and pleasant for most of the year. September and October are appealingly quiet, but this is also thunderstorm season, so there's a far higher risk of rain. 

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