Ancona

Ancona is the capital of the Italian region called the Marches and an important port city on the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

Understand
A part of its medieval center was bombed during World War II, but it is still full of ancient monuments and squares. Its medieval cathedral is set on the mountain overlooking at the gulf of Ancona and it is well worth a look. The ancient roman Trajan Arch is on the docks of the port. There is also a loved Memorial of the First World War (built during Fascism) on the waterfront. The city offers glorious vistas, on a coastline that extends from Pesaro, with mainly flat sandy beaches, to Mount Conero, with its rocky coast. The popular resort of Portonovo is at the Mount's base.

Many ferries link Ancona, and therefore Italy, to Croatia, Greece and Turkey.

By boat
Ferries are cheap and go regularly between various places by the coast.

The instructions for ferry passengers are worth a read. You must first check-in at the ticket office for the international ferries. You must present your ticket or reservation number, the travel documents for each member of your party, and documents for your auto (if you are taking it on the ferry). They will give you instructions for when and where to board. Boarding usually starts 2-3 hours before departure. Take the free bus line 20, which loops to the two ferry docks every 15 to 20 minutes, in the summer season only. Or, walk 15 to 20 minutes.



The following international routes are serviced by car ferries. (See also "Adriatic Sea" in Ferries in the Mediterranean.)

To/From Croatia:
 * Split - Ancona (Jadronlinija, and Snav from April–October; the Blue Line ferry ceased operations)
 * Rijeka - Zadar - Split - Hvar - Korčula - Dubrovnik - Bari
 * Korčula - Hvar - Split - Ancona
 * Zadar - Ancona
 * Zadar - Dugi otok - Ancona
 * Dubrovnik - Bari - Dubrovnik

To/From Greece:
 * Patras - Ancona - Patras
 * Igoumenitsa - Ancona - Igoumenitsa
 * Patras - Igoumenitsa - Ancona - Igoumenitsa - Patras

To/From Montenegro:
 * Bar - 18 hours, twice a week, only in the summer, cheapest way approx (Montenegro Lines)

The Jadrolinija and SNAV companies operate many of these routes.

By train
Ancona has a direct train connection to Rome, Bari and to Rimini. Central train station is two kilometers from the port.

Be aware that the central train station has two sets of lines, and "Platform 2 Ovest" is NOT THE SAME "as Platform 2".



By plane
Airlines servicing this airport are limited: The airport is accessible from the city through the bus and train service: Most travelers prefer flying from another nearby airport. Bari, Pescara and Bologna are among the popular alternatives for flying.
 * Lufthansa: Munich
 * Ryanair: Brussel-Charleroi, London-Stansted, Trapani, Dusseldorf-Weeze
 * Volotea: Cagliari, Catania
 * Vueling: Barcelona
 * Train: The nearest station is called Castelferretti and the train also goes to Ancona Station
 * Bus: Raffaello bus serves the Falconara Maritima - Ancona route. The bus cost 5.5 EUR and can be purchased on board. The bus can be taken from Piazza Cavour, Piazza Kennedy, Ancona Central Train Station and Ancona Torrete Train Station.

Get around


Taxis can take you between the airport, train station, ferry ticket office, and town centre. But be careful to check that they are running their meter. Some travellers report being overcharged.

Do


If you want to quickly go to the rocky beach, you can take, from the train station, bus 1/4 to go to the "Passetto" (, one way). If you have some more time, you could take the bus to the wooded place of Portonovo (south of Ancona), where the rocky beaches are very nice. This tour requires at least half a day.

Drink

 * Raval, on the Piazza del Plebiscito, is a good place to meet people, drink a great, freshly made cocktail or to eat delicious Italian tapas. +39 071 2320951 Free Wi-Fi.
 * 'Bar Torino (corso Garibaldi), Tazza d'Oro (corso Mazzini) and Caffè Giuliani (corso Garibaldi) are great for driks and appetizers.

Sleep
Most of the things to see or do are in the city center. Ancona is very hilly, so the surrounding neighborhoods are not always easily connected by bus, so it is better to stay in the center.

Stay safe
Marche ranked as one of the safest region in Italy. Walking around Ancona even in the night wouldn't be a problem. However, caution has to be exercised moreover in area outside of the centro. Tourist scam is uncommon, as Ancona itself is merely a transit point for the ferry passengers.

Connect
The city provides limited free wifi in Piazza Roma and in front of Teatro delle Muse. Connect to Free AnkonNet and follow the instruction.

Go next
Go up north to Bologna or Rimini, down the coast to Pescara, or inland to Perugia.