This Jewel of a place is located on the coast line of Monte Conner National Park, south of Ancona.
One can arrive here by one narrow paved road, walking along the coast, boat or by hiking down steep paths.
What is offered here
The coast is high and rocky with its highest point at about 400 meters and the beaches are not sandy but are covered with white stone pebbles and shells.
Along the beaches and scattered along the woods are a few hotels, campsites, bars and divine restaurants with renowned chefs that serve the freshest of seafood, the dish most famous here is “Moscioli” this is the dialectal word used here for wild mussels, which is prepared in many different ways.
Between the cliffs and sea, there is a densely wooded area that is also covered with Mediterranean vegetation, this is for those who like to rock climb or hike trails.
The natural environment of Portonovo is a wonderful place to visit if you like to hike, snorkel, dive, kayak, windsurf, rock climb or just leisurely lay on the beach working on your tan.
Panoramic View, photo taken by a friend, photographer MauriFunk.
We decided to to visit Portonovo by sea, so off we went in our kayak. Here in Portonovo you can also rent one by the hour or day, the prices are honest. In kayak or sub board you can visit tiny beaches along the coast even nude if you like.
Beautiful views by sea
How often can you get a beach all to yourself? This was my first time
This beach is called Due Sorelle (Two Sisters) for the formation of 2 rocks in the sea. We did not have this beach to ourselves, here one can take a 2hr hike, that I tried once but was too steep so I never completed it ( I chickened out). Or there is a boat from Numana that will bring you here.
When we got back from kayaking we had lunch on our camper, yes we came here by camper. We parked in the public parking lot even though there is a campsite where you can even set up a tent. But we heard the restaurant/Bar in the campsite was very good so we decided to walk down to get dessert. When we got there, we asked what was for dessert. The response was, “It’s a surprise!”
It was the fluffiest upside down tiramisu I have ever had, yummmm.
We saw this sign and decide to explore, we were told there are seaside terraces that way. curiosity got the best of us.
WOW! How beautiful, earlier we explored the beach and sea south of here so we decided to walk north along the shoreline to see more of Portonovo.
Ways to jump into the sea and we came to yet another beach that was a little more populated. Because here there is an ancient fishing village a few restaurants with beachside umbrella with chairs you can rent and hotels. Oh and also access to the natural lakes of Conero.
This is the restaurant “Il Molo” and rentable umbrellas & lounges
To the right is restaurant Da Emilia and ahead is…..
center of mussels
The bay of this old fishing village is where the famous wild Mollushi / Mussels. Today was not the day but you can come here during the week and buy mussels by the bag or you also can just go snorkeling and get them yourself.
This is the ancient fishing village.
Past the fishing village, this is the beach, there is a jetty where boats park and you can swim to the beach to sunbathe or eat at any of the restaurants. Photo was taken by MauriFunk
Walking back we were pleasantly surprised by a Lake and information about the birds of Conero National Park.
Here we have birds of all kinds for the bird lover/watcher.
Walking back to our camper through the wooded area were plenty of places to take a quick shower or get a drink of water.
Also for the kids there was a hidden park that looked like lots of fun.
Wonderful camping area, equipped with clean bathrooms and showers, yes I checked.
All in all I had a wonderful weekend in Portonovo and highly recommend this place that I will be returning to visit.
Marche Magic 
Love that beach “Due Sorelle”. Such beautiful images here Issa. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!!! I really had such a good time!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This place is so stunning!! Thank you for sharing those candid pictures…
Cheers, Charu
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I am so glad you are enjoying my site, it means alot. I love your philosophy in untraveled routes…. I feel this beautiful earth we live on is our home. and we should meet and get to know as much as possible of our home planet… blessings ur way.
LikeLike
Looks amazing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
absolutely a magical place lost in another time.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really need to explore more of Italy whilst here 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This past weekend we went with our camper to Diamante the village of murals it was fabulous.. we even went swimming in the sea. ;0)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are campsites still open this time of year?
When we had Reg (motorhome), we struggled to find anywhere open in Italy during winter..maybe sites close starting from December.
Have driven through Diamante but haven’t stopped there; it’s not too far from Cosenza. You should have stopped by for an Apero or Espresso 😉
LikeLike
😉 next time because we are planning on going back, and yes many are open year round. I use an app called park4night.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cool, I’ll be waiting for you 🙂
Thanks for the app name, which I’ll keep for the future as we don’t have a MH or even a car these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you get a chance to visit Diamante do it!. The murals all over the village are amazing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will do now that you’ve told me about these murals – they sound great!
LikeLiked by 1 person