If you have spent a few days eating your way through Bologna and need a change of scenery, the Conero Natural Park is one of the best day trips you can make. Two hours southeast by car or train, the park offers coastal hiking through Mediterranean scrubland, white-pebble beaches accessible only on foot, and the small clifftop towns of Sirolo and Numana — followed by a glass of Rosso Conero, the local red wine, at the end of the trail.
It is the kind of place most tourists never reach, because it sits just outside the usual Emilia-Romagna circuit. That is precisely what makes it worth the trip.
Getting there from Bologna
By car: Take the A14 motorway south towards Ancona, exit at Ancona Sud, and follow signs to Sirolo or the Conero park. The drive is approximately 2 hours (220 km). Parking is available near Sirolo and at the Badia di San Pietro trailhead.
By train: Regional trains from Bologna Centrale to Ancona take about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. From Ancona station, local buses run to Sirolo and Numana (about 30 minutes). In summer, the Conerobus shuttle connects Ancona directly to the park and beaches.
The Traversata del Conero
The main trail is the Traversata del Conero — an 8.3 km ridge walk that crosses Monte Conero from north to south, with panoramic views over the Adriatic the entire way. Allow about 4 hours. The trail is well-marked and moderate in difficulty, with some steep descents towards the coast.
The route starts near the Badia di San Pietro, a Romanesque abbey at the top of the mountain, and passes through dense Mediterranean scrub — holm oak, arbutus, myrtle — before reaching viewpoints where the cliffs drop straight into blue water. Along the way you pass the Roman Caves (Grotte Romane), ancient quarries cut into the limestone.
Wildlife includes peregrine falcons, buzzards, and — if you are quiet and early enough — badgers and green frogs in the undergrowth. The birdwatching is particularly good during spring and autumn migration.
Other trails and beaches
Shorter options include the trail from Sirolo down to the Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (Two Sisters Beach), named after two white limestone stacks rising from the water. This beach is accessible only on foot or by boat — no road access — which keeps it uncrowded even in August. The descent takes about 30 minutes; the climb back up is steeper.
Portonovo, on the northern side of the park, has a pebble beach backed by woodland and a cluster of excellent seafood restaurants. It is the easiest beach to reach by car and a good option if you want to combine a short walk with lunch.
Want to taste Emilia-Romagna's finest products?
Our half-day food tour from Bologna or Modena visits a Parmigiano dairy, a balsamic acetaia, and a prosciutto producer — transport included.
Sirolo and Numana
Sirolo sits on the cliff edge above the Adriatic — a tiny medieval village with a main square that looks straight out over the sea. It has a handful of restaurants, gelaterias and wine bars. Numana, just south, is slightly larger and has a small harbour where fishing boats land the morning catch.
Both are good bases if you want to stay overnight rather than day-trip. The evening atmosphere — aperitivo on the cliff edge with the sun dropping into the hills behind — is hard to beat.
Rosso Conero: the local wine
The Conero DOC and DOCG wines are made primarily from Montepulciano grapes grown on the slopes of the mountain. Rosso Conero is a medium-bodied red with dark fruit and a slightly herbal edge — excellent with the local seafood or a plate of cured meats. Several producers offer tastings by appointment, and the wine bars in Sirolo stock local bottles you will not find outside the region.
Combining with Le Marche food
The Conero area is the gateway to Le Marche’s food culture. If you are spending more than a day, combine hiking with the region’s signature dishes: vincisgrassi, olive ascolane and brodetto all’anconetana. The coastal towns around Ancona are some of the best places in Italy for seafood that most tourists never discover.
For more day trip ideas from Bologna, see our guides to things to do in Bologna and how to plan your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is the Conero Natural Park from Bologna?
About 220 km, roughly 2 hours by car via the A14 motorway. By train, Bologna to Ancona takes 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours, with local buses connecting to Sirolo and the park.
How long is the Traversata del Conero hike?
The main trail is 8.3 km and takes approximately 4 hours. It is rated moderate — mostly well-maintained paths through Mediterranean woodland with some steep sections near the coast.
Can I reach the beaches without hiking?
Portonovo beach is accessible by car and has parking. The more remote beaches like Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle require a 30-minute hike down from Sirolo, or a boat from Numana harbour in summer.
What is the best time to visit the Conero park?
Spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) are ideal for hiking — warm but not hot, with fewer crowds. Summer is best for the beaches but the trails can be very hot at midday. The park is accessible year-round.
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