Tell me who you are and I’ll tell you which of the Riviera del Conero’s beaches are best suited for you. 

The Riviera del Conero holds some of the most spectacular beaches in the Marche region. A stunning, natural landscape nestled at the foot of Mount Conero has vibes reminiscent of the sunny islands of the Mediterranean.  

The area offers a variety of beaches, which should be chosen wisely according to your needs. Don’t forget your water shoes!

Urbani Beach

One of the most famous beaches of the Conero is located at the foot of the town of Sirolo, the pearl of the Adriatic. It is easily reachable by walking from the center of the village or by bus.

A section of the beach is equipped with umbrellas and lounge chairs. The water is crystal clear and there is a pier where children enjoy diving and sunbathing.

Going down from the village of Sirolo towards the beach, the shades of the water along with colorful beach umbrellas and the mountains in the background will seem like a postcard. 

This is the perfect beach for families as well as those looking for a little relaxation time in a natural setting. In fact, just behind the beach, there is a beautiful shaded area surrounded by greenery.

However, the real magic happens when the sun goes down. The restaurants on the beach are illuminated with soft lights that seem to flicker to the rhythm of the lull of the waves.

After a day at the beach, on the way home, you cannot miss the chance to visit the village of Sirolo. This fisherman’s village has sea views that seem infinite.

“The Friar’s Beach” or Spiaggia del Frate

This beach is located on the slopes of another characteristic village of the Conero Riviera: Numana. It owes its name to an ancient friars’ convent that once stood here.

In order to reach this beach, you’ll want to park your car in the lot located at the town’s entrance and walk down to the beach, passing through the Hotel dei Gigli’s gates.

The sand is finer here than at some of the other Conero coves making it more suitable for families.  Crystal clear water is enclosed by natural rock walls, which makes the area safer for children. This beach offers both an equipped bathing establishment and also space to set up your umbrella at your leisure (“spiaggia libera” in Italian).

After a day of fun in the sun, don’t skip a visit to Numana Alta with its small houses and its romantic views.

Mezzavalle Beach

The “hippest” beach on the riviera.

This corner of paradise is only reachable after a descent consisting of seven hairpin bends. If you’re looking for total relaxation surrounded by peace and quiet in nature then this is the beach for you.

To reach it, you can leave your car in the parking lot at the top of the “stradello” (this is the name of the paths that lead to the beaches), or in the nearby parking lot where buses leave for Portonovo.

A barrier will indicate the beginning of the dirt road and its unforgettable views. There are no umbrellas on this beach, but there is a small kiosk where you can cool off. For this reason, it is less suitable for families or if you’re looking for all the extra comforts found at a bathing establishment. But if you’re looking for a wild, uncontaminated location, then this is paradise.

In fact, the patrons who populate Mezzavalle are all young. You’ll notice their makeshift sun shades and their positive energy. Thanks to its isolated location, you’ll feel like you’ve landed on a deserted island.

The most amazing thing about this place is that it also offers an all-natural spa. In fact, walking north, you will arrive at the Trave beach, where you can scoop up mud rich in clay and spread it all over your skin to let it dry in the sun. After a nice swim in the crystal clear waters, your skin will be smoother than ever.

Make sure that you have a pair of sneakers for the descent; flip-flops never have a happy ending.

These are just a few of the many beaches of the Conero Riviera, but there are many others starting from the famous bay of Portonovo.

In addition to the sun, don’t forget to go inland as well and explore the many culinary options that the area has to offer ranging from fish stew on the coast to ciuscolo (a spreadable salami). You won’t be disappointed.

So all that’s left is to pack your bags and go explore this beautiful, untouched area of Italy. 

Read more about the Conero Riviera and Ancona  

Article and photos by Chiara Croce

Chiara is a lawyer but always has her suitcase and notebook ready for her next adventure. 

You can read her personal blog (in Italian) here: Storie Itineranti