THE CONERO PARK: NATURE, SEA AND WONDERS IN THE HEART OF MARCHE REGION

In the heart of the Adriatic Sea, where the gentle hills of the Marche region meet the sea near Ancona, lies one of Italy’s most fascinating and unspoilt corners, the Conero Regional Park: 6,000 hectares of extraordinary natural habitat, a true paradise of biodiversity, famous for its scenic trails, hidden beaches and villages rich in history. The perfect place for an authentic experience of nature, culture and relaxation.

The undisputed star of this protected area, which encompasses centuries-old holm oak woods, fragrant Mediterranean scrub, lush vineyards and striking cliffs plunging into the blue sea, is Monte Conero, a large limestone massif that dominates and stands out on the coast, offering views of rare beauty. There are 18 hiking trails that wind between the coast and the inland areas, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in spectacular landscapes and breathe the pure air of a natural oasis that seems suspended in time.

The symbol of the park is the ‘Due Sorelle’ (Two Sisters), a pair of striking sea stacks that mark the northern boundary of a beautiful beach of white pebbles and gravel. Legend has it that an enchanting mermaid lived in these waters and, with her voice, lured sailors to imprison them with the help of a sea demon, punished by the gods by being turned into a rock broken in two: the Due Sorelle.

But for those who love the sea, the coast offers many other dream beaches, many of which can only be reached on foot or by boat, such as Mezzavalle, Portonovo, San Michele and Sassi Neri. For those who love sports, the Conero Park is a true paradise and offers something for everyone: from rock climbing to canoeing and SUP along the coast, from mountain biking on the hills and mountain trails to birdwatching, which allows you to observe various rare and protected species, to snorkelling, scuba diving and nautical tourism, which sees this area included in the ‘From Porto Recanati to Comacchio‘ route of the national project “Scopri dove ti porto” (Discover where I will take you)

The Conero Park is not only nature, but also culture and tradition. The villages that surround it – Sirolo, Numana, Camerano and Portonovo – preserve a historical and artistic heritage rich in charm: picturesque alleys, Romanesque churches, mysterious caves and small museums tell ancient and fascinating stories. Particularly evocative are the caves of Camerano, carved out of sandstone in ancient times and immersed in an almost magical atmosphere, revealing an underground world full of secrets. In the Conero Park, the pleasure of discovery is combined with that of taste: the area is famous for Rosso Conero DOC, a robust and refined wine produced from Montepulciano vines that grow on the slopes of the mountain, accompanied by a seafood cuisine that combines tradition and creativity, enhancing the genuine flavours of the territory.