Most travellers only see Ancona, Italy from the window of a ferry bound for Croatia or Greece. But when you’re thinking about where to visit in Italy, this historic Adriatic port city in Le Marche deserves more than a passing glance.
And the best way to experience it? By walking. This Ancona walking tour will take you from the ancient harbour to the panoramic cliffs of Passetto, showing you just why this city is worth slowing down for.
Fun fact: Thanks to is position on an ‘elbow’ of land that protrudes from the east coast, Ancona is the only place in Italy in which you can see both the sun rise and sun set on the sea.
If you want to experience more of Ancona on foot from home, take a look at my YouTube video.
And for more photo walking tour Italy information, check my guide to photographing Rome.
1: The Arch of Trajan
Begin your walk at the Port of Ancona, where history stretches back to Roman times. The Arch of Trajan, built in the 2nd century AD, still welcomes travellers to the city today. It once marked the entrance to the harbour and is one of the finest Roman arches in Italy.
📸 Photo tip: Capture the arch with the sea in the background for a dramatic reminder that this has been a crossroads of trade and culture for centuries.
If you have time, a little further along the port stands one of Ancona’s most recognisable landmarks, Lanterna Rossa. This bright red lighthouse stands guard at the entrace to the city’s port, and is a favourite sport for walkers and photographers, especially at sunset. From here, you can take in sweeping views of the waterfront and the coastline beyond.
And if you stay for more than a day in Ancona, Lanterna Rossa is one of the spots from which you can see the sunrise and the sun set over the sea.
Stop 2: The Cathedral of San Ciriaco
From the port, head uphill through the narrow and cobbled streets of the city centre and head towards Ancona’s Cathedral of San Ciriaco. This Romanesque church sits proudly on the Guasco hilltop, offering sweeping views over the Adriatic. The cathedral combines Roman, Byzantine, and medieval elements, reflecting the city’s layered history.
📍 Why visit: It’s a gentle climb but it’s worth it, as the panoramic views are some of the best in Ancona.
Stop 3: Piazza del Plebiscito
Known locally as il salotto di Ancona (Ancona’s living room), Piazza del Plebiscito is a lively square filled with bars, cafés and historic buildings. The city gathers here for an evening aperitivo or weekend events.
🥂 Tip: Stop for a spritz before continuing your walk, or come back after your walk to soak up the atmosphere in the evening. And make sure you visit Chiesa di San Domenico at the top of the steps.
🥂 Tip: Stop for a spritz and soak up the atmosphere before continuing your walk.
Stop 4: Passetto beach and the Adriatic Cliffs
No walk through Ancona would be complete without heading to Passetto Beach.
The walk from Piazza del Plebiscito takes around 20–30 minutes. From Piazza Cavour, continue along Corso Garibaldi, then follow Viale della Vittoria – a long, straight avenue lined with shops and cafés.
You’ll come to Passetto Square, marked imposing Monumento ai Caduti. Take the grand staircase down to the beach for great views or the water, or take the lift for one euro each way.
Along the promenade you’ll find Ancona’s colourful grotte. These fishermen’s caves were carved into the rock and used to store boats and fishing gear. They are now akin to beach huts on the British seaside, as people use them for storing their beach gear.
They make this spot one of Italy’s most unique seaside experiences.
Photo tip: Late afternoon is perfect for wide shots of the Adriatic, as golden afternoon light paints the cliffs.
Check out my walk along Pasetto beach and see the colourful grotte for yourself below.
Optional Stop: The Mole Vanvitelliana
If time allows, detour along the port to the Mole Vanvitelliana.
This impressive 18th-century pentagonal fortress began life as a quarantine centre. Today, it hosts exhibitions and cultural events, and is another reminder that Ancona has layers beyond what most tourists see.
If you have time, enjoy a quayside drink at Bacca, a small bar offering views of the building across the water.
Conclusion: Why Ancona is Worth a Stop
Many travellers bypass Ancona on their way to better-known destinations like Rome, Florence or the Amalfi Coast.
But this port city rewards those who linger.
By walking its streets, from its Roman arches to dramatic seaside cliffs, you’ll see a side of Italy that’s authentic, welcoming and far less crowded than its famous neighbours.
So next time you’re planning a trip through Le Marche or catching a ferry across the Adriatic, give Ancona a day and let it surprise you.
For more travel and walking tour destinations, check out my guide to Bath, and consider subscribing to my YouTube channel for more videos from the UK, Italy and around the world.
Have you been to Ancona? Are there any other places you’d recommend visiting there? Let me know in a comment.
Postcards From Dan 