Monte Conero, the elbow of the Adriatic coast in Italy

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Monte Conero, the only stretch of limestone rocky coast between Trieste and the Gargano, splits the long sandy beaches of the Adriatic coast in two and is therefore often called the "Elbow of Italy". Along the coast there are steep cliffs into the sea but that descend more gently towards the interior, a spectacular landscape whose high coastline is the result of thousands of years of erosion by the waves. An area where it is wonderful to hike through the deep ravines of the regional park.

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However, our starting point is a super romantic route through the hinterland. The point of departure is the Borgo Belfiore, a charming estate with self catering apartments close to Arcevia. Along the way we pass through charming towns such as Jesi and Osimo, where you can wander the old streets and soak up the local atmosphere.

This route may take a little longer, but the beautiful views and quaint villages are well worth it. If you are short on time, the A14 highway along the coast is a quick and easy option. You'll also get to see Ancona, which, despite having been bombed during World War II, still retains much of its history.

Jesi, prime example of well preserved historic architecture

The perfectly preserved walls were built between the 13th and 14th centuries on the ancient Roman base. Equipped with gates, square, polygonal and cylindrical towers and crenellated ramparts, it was further extended in the 15th century by the great military architect Baccio Pontelli. The Cathedral of San Settimio stands in Piazza Federico II, on the site of the ancient Roman Forum, where Emperor Frederick II of Swabia was born on December 26, 1194. In Piazza Ghislieri is the Federico II Stupor Mundi Museum, the first great multimedia museum dedicated to the Swabian Emperor, which tells the life and deeds of Frederick II in sixteen themed rooms. The late 15th-century Palazzo della Signoria, a masterpiece of civil Renaissance architecture, is located in Piazza Colocci. Not to be missed is the Sala Maggiore, with its wooden ceiling from the 16th century and old shelves from the 18th century from the Palazzo Pianetti Vecchio in Via Valle.

Subterranean Osimo

Osimo is located on a hill 265 meters above sea level. In fact, the historic center is located on two hills facing each other, the highest of which, where the Cathedral is located, is called Gòmero. The gap between the two hills was once visible in the old center, but with each reconstruction the gap was increasingly flattened. From the 3rd century B.C. it was an important Roman city, built with impressive walls around the city (174-175 B.C.), which are unique to this day among the cities of the Marches. The Romans also built the Fonte Magna, a fountain dating back to the 1st century. The most interesting part of Osimo is underground, traversed by a dense network of tunnels, corridors and underground chambers excavated at different levels, often connected vertically by shafts or chimneys through which you can walk.

Loreto, world famous pilgrimage site

An absolute must is Loreto, one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Europe. Even if you're not religious, the Basilica della Santa Casa with its stories of the Black Madonna and stunning murals won't leave you untouched. The duomo is beautifully located on a hill with a lovely little square, perfect for a nice cappuccino or ice cream. 

Monte Conero 

From Loreto, it's only a 15-minute drive to Sirolo, which sits atop the Conero Hill. From here, with the rocks of "Due Sorelle" rising above the water, there is a phenomenal view of the busy beach of Numana and Ancona.

From across the Marche region, Monte Conero stands out like a dark green dome plunging into the sea. For those who want to avoid the crowds, it is possible to descend to the north of Sirolo, especially during the tourist season. This will allow you to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature. Like all high coasts, the Conero Riviera is subject to landslides. The most famous is the prehistoric one, which created Portonovo.

Portonovo, beach and mussels

Portonovo is located in the green Conero Park, famous for its uncontaminated nature and the beauty of its beaches. The bay is completely immersed in the green of the Conero Park, among the rocks covered with the green of the typical vegetation of the area. For the high quality and purity of the sea water, all the beaches in the area have been awarded the Blue Flag.

There are free beaches and beaches with facilities. The beaches are mainly pebble and gravel. There are also many characteristic restaurants along the coast, which set their tables directly on the beach, giving you the opportunity to taste excellent seafood in a unique setting. Speaking of seafood, you must have a taste of the "moscioli", the wild mussels of the Conero. And if you still remember the summer hit of 20 years ago, "Clandestino", be sure to pay a visit to the bar with the same name.

Castelfidardo, going home with a brand new accordion

For music lovers, here's another jewel: Castelfidardo, famous for its accordion museum. Perfect if you love the sound of an accordion or are just curious about this musical instrument. A friend was so inspired that he went home with a new accordion "straight from the factory"!