Where nature caresses the sea: the most beautiful free beaches of Conero for a dream summer

The Conero Riviera is one of the most fascinating wonders of the Adriatic Coast, an area where wild nature meets the traditional maritime culture of the Marche region. Situated south of Ancona, it develops along a coastal stretch dominated by the imposing Mount Conero, a cliff overlooking the sea that creates a unique landscape.

Here, the sea boasts shades ranging from turquoise to cobalt blue, and along the coast, there are several wild beaches, many of which are still free and accessible only on foot or by sea.

Choosing the free beaches of Conero means experiencing summer authentically: no chaos from beach establishments, just the sound of the waves, the singing of cicadas, and the beauty of untamed nature with breathtaking views all around.

From the coziest coves to the large isolated expanses, each beach has its own soul and can offer different emotions. For an unforgettable summer, away from crowded beaches, Conero is the ideal choice. If you love trekking, clear waters, and stunning landscapes, you can say you are in a slice of paradise here.

Spacious, long, wild, overshadowed by the majestic backdrop of Conero. Mezzavalle Beach is one of the favorites for those seeking a true connection with nature. It stretches for about 1.5 km and is completely free, with clear waters and gently sloping seabeds, making it suitable even for those who enjoy swimming quietly.

Mezzavalle can be accessed on foot - trekking shoes or sneakers are recommended - through a fairly steep but scenic path that starts just before the roundabout leading down to Portonovo or by sea. It's not easily accessible to everyone, but the effort is richly rewarded by the beauty of the place. There is also a second path leading to the beach that is less steep. This path can be accessed from the northern side towards the Trave rock.

On the beach, there is only a small seasonal bar-restaurant. Mezzavalle, popular among locals, is perfect for swimming enthusiasts, snorkeling, and nature photographers. Please remember that camping and lighting fires on the beach is prohibited.

Portonovo is one of the best-known locations of the Conero. Despite the many beach establishments and restaurants offering typical seafood dishes from the Marche (don't miss the moscioli, the wild mussels of Conero) found on this beach, you can also frequent very scenic free areas.

One of these is the Vela area, named for the triangular-shaped rock that emerges from the waters. This area is also close to small lakes for nature exploration and historical monuments such as the Clementina Tower and the Church of Santa Maria di Portonovo.

Portonovo is characterized by pebbles and rocks, turquoise sea, and the green backdrop of Mount Conero - hence it is also called Baia Verde. This area is perfect for those seeking tranquility just a stone's throw from history, away from the chaos of the high season.

Access is very convenient. There are paid parking areas nearby - during the high season, it's advisable to reach the beach early in the morning - and shuttle buses are available in summer. Alternatively, a walk from the farther parking areas can also bring you to Portonovo on foot.

Perhaps the most iconic of the entire Conero Riviera, Two Sisters Beach gets its name from two twin stacks that emerge from the sea, reminiscent of two sisters embracing. This beach is completely free and lacks facilities, characterized by white pebbles and blue, crystal-clear water.

This beach is only accessible by sea, with ferries provided by the Conero Ferrymen departing from Numana, Marcelli, and San Michele, or by private means such as canoes and SUPs from the beaches of Numana, Sirolo, or Portonovo. This limitation helps maintain its untouched and less crowded state - especially in the low season - granting a sense of isolation and peace.

For a day at the Two Sisters, be sure to bring everything you need: water, food, and an umbrella. There are no kiosks or shaded areas. It is highly recommended for nature lovers, those who enjoy silence, wild beaches, and postcard-worthy views. Smoking is not permitted on the beach.

During the high season, this cove is overwhelmed by many tourists, so it's advisable to take one of the first morning ferries or reach it at dawn by canoe to enjoy a paradisiacal spot without too much crowd.

However, until September 14, 2025, the presence of canoes, SUPs, windsurfing, or similar on the beach or the shoreline is forbidden, so it is important to remember to dock in the designated buoy field in the water in front. Additionally, please note that the Passo del Lupo trail connecting Mount Conero to Two Sisters Beach is also prohibited.

For true adventurers, Cala Davanzali - named after the owner of the quarry, Cesare Davanzali (1895-1958) - is a small cove accessible only by sea, with boats departing in summer from San Michele Beach, the Port of Numana, and Marcelli di Numana. Only a rock outcrop separates it from the nearby Two Sisters Beach.

The name "Working Beach" derives from the industrial remains of an abandoned quarry, from which white stone of Conero was extracted - still visible on the beach. All necessary items must be taken to Cala Davanzali because it is entirely devoid of services.

The features of Cala Davanzali include: white pebbles, ruins, and remnants of the train tracks, absolute silence. A place out of time and space. This beach is also reachable by canoes, SUPs, and other similar means which can be rented at the beach establishments in Sirolo - Urbani Beach, San Michele-Sassi Neri.

These two beaches are located next to each other, not far from the village of Sirolo, and represent one of the most untouched stretches of the coast. The natural environment of Mount Conero embracing the bay on both sides is unique.

San Michele is partially equipped with beach establishments but also has a large free beach area. It is characterized by pebbles and dense vegetation behind it. It is also frequented by families due to the possibility of reaching it via a walk through the woods.

Sassi Neri, as the name suggests, gets its name from the dark rocks of its seabed. A walk from San Michele leads to this completely free and facility-less beach. The water is clear, and the rocky seabed makes it perfect for snorkeling.

These two beaches can be reached on foot by descending from the village of Sirolo through paths immersed in greenery. Another way to reach the beaches is by taking the shuttle bus - circular line - which operates until August 31 linking Sirolo village with San Michele and Sassi Neri or the free shuttle with no timetable.

Shaped like a crescent moon, with crystal-clear water, sheltered by a cliff and bordered by a spectacular cave, Urbani Beach is among the most photogenic on the Conero Riviera. Although there are equipped sections with beach establishments, there is a portion of free beach that is highly appreciated.

This beach, at the foothills of the village, is ideal for those who do not want to give up all services but seek a natural and picturesque setting like that of Mount Conero.

Access is very easy: on foot from Sirolo or also by shuttle bus from the historic center. It is a good compromise between wild and comfort. From here, you can reach San Michele Beach on foot.

A little-known gem, south of Numana Alta, hidden among the cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation. The Beach of the Friar is a small cove with fine gravel, mixed sand, and limpid sea. Embraced by the greenery of the Conero Park and characterized by the white limestone rock, it is so named because a convent of friars minor stood at the top in the thirteenth century.

The Beach of the Friar is also called "Sottosanta" by the old Numana residents because right above it was the graveyard of those who succumbed to cholera, where all those who died from cholera in the 1800s were buried. Thus, "Sottosanta" means "beneath the graveyard."

The atmosphere here is intimate, peaceful, and very romantic. The cove is perfect for couples or anyone seeking a patch of sea away from the usual high-season tourist trails. The defining feature of this beach is a large white rock rising from the sea - "Sasso del Bo" (Ox).

The Beach of the Friar can be reached with a short walk from the center of Numana, through steps and scenic paths or directly via the beach from Spiaggiola (of Numana). Since the free section without beach establishment is small, it's advisable to arrive early in the morning.