ONE DAY IN ANCONA, ITALY: THE 6 BEST THINGS TO DO IN 2025

Do you want to visit one of Italy’s underrated destinations during your trip in 2025? Then spending a day in the charming city of Ancona is a a great start! Same as Rimini, Ancona nestles along the breathtaking Adriatic Coast in the east of Italy.

Ancona is the capital of the Province of Ancona. The Picentes tribe (ancient Italic people) first settled here from the 9th to 3rd century BC before the Greek took over around 387 BC. Later the Romans occupied Ancona as a naval station during the Illyrian War in 178 BC.

Today this city offers a mix of historic attractions, culture, stunning sea views, yummy food, and unique accommodations. This travel guide will show you how to make the most of your time during One Day in Ancona, Italy.

Ancona is also a popular port city, where you can easily hop on a cruise ship or ferry to Croatia or Albania.

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Walk along Spaggia del Passetto (Passetto Beach)

Address: Via Panoramica, 60123 Ancona AN, Italy

Without a doubt, one of Ancona’s most picturesque spots is Spaggia del Passetto. While there’s just a small sandy beach area, many locals come here for sunbathing, swimming, and the beautiful scenery. In fact, Passetto Beach is in the Top Ten of the most Beautiful City Beaches in Italy!

You can’t miss the rugged cliffs and Passetto Caves with their colourful doors here. They were built by local fishermen from the mid 19th century to the 1960’s to store fishing equipment and boats. Another highlight of Passetto Beach is an amazing rock formation called Seggiola del Papa (the Pope’s Chair).

You can either take an elevator or walk down a bunch of steps down to the scenic beach. If you’re walking, watch out for cute little lizards, who often like to run around on the rocks. If you’re lucky, they may even pose for a picture for a few seconds! 😀

Monumento ai Caduti (World War I Monument)

Address: Piazza IV Novembre, 60123 Ancona AN, Italy

The impressive World War I Monument is only a few steps from Passetto Beach. It was completed by the local architect Guido Cirilli in 1930 and was unveiled in 1932. The monument honours the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.

The World War I Monument was built out of Istrian stone and has eight fluted columns. Its base features helmets and swords, which are symbols for defense and attack. A small altar lies in the middle of the monument as well.

If you look closely, you’ll find verses of the poem “All’Italia” by Giacomo Leopardi written on the monument. It’s a patriotic poem representing the Italian soul from the 1800s.

Finally, many people come here to celebrate the most important Italian holidays, such as Liberation Day (April 25) and Republic Day (June 2).

Hike Up to Cattedrale di San Ciriaco (Ancona Cathedral)

Address: Piazzale del Duomo, 9, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy

If you can’t get enough of historic landmarks, there’s no way to miss the beautiful Cattedrale di San Ciriaco. It sits proudly on Monte Guasco (Guasco Hill) and overlooks Ancona’s Old Town and port district. Its origins date back to the 6th century, but a new church was built here between 995 and 1015.

Bombings damaged Cattedrale di San Ciriaco during World War I and II, but it was rebuilt right after. It also had to be restored after an earthquake happened here in 1972.

Two marble lions guard this stunning Roman Catholic church that is known for its Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic elements. Besides, Cattedrale di San Ciriaco was built to honour Saint Cyriacus and is the seat of the Archbishop of Ancona.

While I worked up quite a sweat during the 20-minute hike up to Cattedrale di San Ciriaco, it was so rewarding to finally arrive at the top! I highly recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing a water bottle and sunscreen. Alternatively, you can take bus #11 from the city centre up to the cathedral.

Check out the Anfiteatro Romano ruins (Roman Amphitheatre)

Address: Via Birarelli Giuseppe, 3, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy

Another historical attraction of Ancona are the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre only a few minutes from Cattedrale di San Ciriaco. It was built between the 1st century BCE and the 1st century CE during the rule of Emperor Augustus.

Although not as well preserved as the Colosseum in Rome or the Verona Arena, the Roman Amphitheatre in Ancona is worth visiting. Back in Roman times, it was a place of the arts, but also a gladiatorial school.

The Roman amphitheatre was first discovered in 1810 and more parts of the theatre appeared during excavations in the 1930’s and after the Ancona earthquake in 1972.

As of February 2025, the Roman amphitheatre in Ancona is currently closed because of restorations. But you can still see it from the outside.

Stay at the Charming B&B Arts and Music

Address: Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi, 110, 60121 Ancona AN, Italy

If you’re an art lover spending the night in Ancona, staying at the B&B Arts and Music is a must! Pretty much everywhere you look, you’ll find some cool artsy or musical decor (I had to look twice sometimes to find them all 😉 )

For example, there’s a piano in the lobby, a gramophone, violin, paint tubes and drumsticks in a bowl in the breakfast room, and music-themed mugs! Each of the three rooms has a different art theme. Mine was the paint room with crayon-shaped bedside lamps, crayon clock, and a pillow with crayons on it!

I loved staying at the cozy B&B Arts and Music. It’s right in the city centre and I would have loved to meet the owners in person to compliment them on the effort they put into this place. They quickly responded to any questions though and the B&B was super quiet and clean.

I just wasn’t a fan of the packaged up breakfast in the morning, because it felt less personal. This didn’t match with the warm vibe of this place, in my opinion. But this wouldn’t stop me from staying at the B&B Arts and Music again! 😀

Try out Ancona’s versatile Restaurant scene

Ancona has tons of awesome restaurants and cafés to offer to locals and visitors.

Here are two places I ate meals during my time in Ancona:

Rosa Cremeria Food

Address: Corso Giuseppe Mazzini, 61, 60100 Ancona AN, Italy

Rosa Cremeria Food is right in Ancona’s city centre. While they are known in town for their ice cream, the menu also offers homemade pizza, pasta, seafood dishes, sandwiches, and burgers! They have some vegan and gluten-free options, too.

I really loved their Pizza Margarita Super (with buffalo cheese) and the service was quick and friendly. The prices were also very reasonable (many pizzas are less than 10 EUR)! Unfortunately, I was too full to try their ice cream this time!

Rosa Cremeria Food is open daily from 7 am to 12 am.

Zucchero a Velò Café

Address: Via Mario Torresi, 18, 60127 Ancona AN, Italy

If you’re into cycling and yummy veggie food, stop by Zucchero a Velò Café! The first thing I noticed was the awesome bike-themed decor inside this cute café!

It has a cafeteria with homemade sweet pastries and they serve savory dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! There’s a brunch on Saturdays and Sundays as well. Zucchero a Velò Café is open daily (except Mondays) from 10 am to 11 pm.

The menu features international cuisine, such as New York Cheesecake, Buddha bowls, vegan Chicken Nuggets, tapas, and more! I tried their vegan burrito, which is filled with broccoli, leeks, walnut cream, and chickpeas. While the fillings were quite unusual, it was very good and kept me full for a long time!

Wrap Up: One Day in Ancona, Italy

Whether you’re visiting Ancona for a day or spending the night, this charming city along the Adriatic Coast will surely knock your socks off on your Italy trip in 2025! It’s a great spot to escape tourist crowds and Ancona has many stunning and unique attractions to offer.

My favourite thing to do in Ancona is Passetto Beach, where I hung out for several hours, just walking around, sitting on the rocks, and watching the ocean. Climbing up one of small cliffs was a great workout and it was fun watching locals spending their free time here.

I also had a blast while hiking up the path to Ancona Cathedral and watching the city from the top of Monte Guasco. Staying at the cozy B&B Arts and Music and feasting on some tasty food at Rosa Cremeria and Zucchero a Velò Café were just another bonus.

Need more inspiration for your Italy trip? Then check out these posts:

The Ultimate Guide to 48 Hours in Venice, Italy

Why Joining a Cooking Class in Italy should be on your Travel Bucket List

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