Cheap trip to Ancona

When is the best time to visit?

Mid-April to mid-June and September are ideal: 18 to 26 degrees, less crowded than July-August and better prices. In 2026, extra cultural events are already taking place as Ancona prepares for 2028, when it will be the Italian Capital of Culture. Visit now before the international crowds arrive.

Best neighbourhoods in Ancona

• Colle Guasco The historic hill with the Romanesque cathedral of San Ciriaco, Roman remains and a spectacular panorama over the harbour and the Adriatic Sea.
• Centro Storico / Porto Antico The historic harbour centre with the imposing Arch of Trajan (115 AD), charming little squares and the Mole Vanvitelliana.
• Passetto The clifftop coast north of the city centre, with the iconic cliff beach and the famous fishermen's caves in the rocks.
• Piano San Lazzaro The liveliest working-class neighbourhood with a daily market, authentic trattorias and a multicultural atmosphere.
• Rione degli Archi / Borgo Rodi Quiet residential neighbourhoods with little tourism and real Anconitan life.

Top 5 things to do in Ancona

• Duomo di San Ciriaco (free) The Romanesque-Gothic cathedral at the top of the Colle Guasco, with a beautiful apse above the sea. The panorama alone makes the climb worthwhile.
• Arch of Trajan (free) A triumphal arch from 115 AD, dedicated to Emperor Trajan, on the edge of the ancient harbour. One of the best-preserved Roman arches in Italy.
• Passetto beach and fishermen's caves (free) Ancona's iconic cliff beach, reached via steps cut into the rocks. Unique are the caves (cantine) where local fishermen have stored their boats for centuries.
• Mole Vanvitelliana / Lazzaretto A pentagonal island in the harbour, designed by Vanvitelli in the 18th century as a quarantine building. Now a cultural centre with exhibitions.
• Parco del Cardeto (free) A historic park with an old fort, multi-faith cemeteries and sea views. Quiet and almost tourist-free.

Flights and transport from the Netherlands

Ancona airport (AOI) has no direct flights from the Netherlands. The most practical route: fly to Bologna (Ryanair or easyJet from Eindhoven or Amsterdam, approx. 1h20, often a cheap connection) and take the Trenitalia train to Ancona in approx. 1h50 (ticket 15 to 35 euros, hourly service). Total travel time approx. 4 hours. Alternative: via Rome Fiumicino (KLM direct from Amsterdam) then fast train to Ancona in 2.5 hours. Notably: Ancona is a major ferry port, with connections to Split (approx. 50 to 80 euros), Greece and Albania - ideal for a combined trip. In the city, the Conerobus bus costs 1.50 euros per ride (90 minutes).

What does a trip to Ancona cost?

Hotels in Ancona (2026) from approx. 70 to 90 euros per night (2-star), average 90 to 130 euros. Hostels sometimes from 25 euros. Food can be pricier in tourist areas: look for trattorias away from the main streets. Daily budget averages 80 to 130 euros per person. Most sights are free. For a 3-day trip (including flights via Bologna) budget around 370 to 480 euros per person.