About the Port
Ancona sits on a curved harbor along Italy's central Adriatic coast, its old town rising in tiers toward the Guasco hill. There, the Cattedrale di San Ciriaco overlooks the water, a Romanesque-Byzantine landmark built on the site of earlier temples. Down at the port, the well-preserved Arco di Traiano recalls the city's Roman past as a key harbor for the empire, while narrow lanes below the cathedral hold trattorias and markets that give the center an unhurried, lived-in feel.
The historic quarter lies within easy walking distance of the pier, making independent exploration straightforward for those who prefer to wander at their own pace. Ancona also serves as a practical gateway to the wider Marche region, including the wooded cliffs and beaches of the Conero Riviera just beyond the city. Travelers seeking a coastal Italy less trodden than its western counterparts find Ancona a fitting introduction.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Ancona.
Climb to Cattedrale di San Ciriaco
A steep walk up Guasco hill rewards with sweeping harbor views and a striking Romanesque-Byzantine interior built over an older temple site; allow about 30-40 minutes round trip from the port.
Explore the Conero Riviera
Just beyond the city, wooded cliffs drop to turquoise coves like Portonovo and Sirolo; a taxi or short drive is best for those with a few hours to spare.
Wander the Old Town Markets
Narrow lanes below the cathedral hold trattorias, produce stalls, and small shops selling local Marche wines and olive oil, ideal for a slow, on-foot taste of daily Ancona life.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Ancona
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 28, 2026 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Star | 14 | $5,399 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Neptune | 14 | $4,499 | |
| Feb 2, 2027 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Star | 14 | $5,299 | |
| May 5, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 10 | $3,839 | |
| May 12, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Boreal | 8 | $6,930 | |
| May 16, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 11 | $4,319 | |
| May 16, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Onward | 18 | $7,159 | |
| May 20, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Boreal | 8 | $6,580 | |
| Jun 2, 2027 | Oceania | Oceania Sirena | 10 | $3,199 | |
| Jun 11, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Bougainville | 10 | $9,960 | |
| Sep 8, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Boreal | 10 | $16,470 | |
| Sep 18, 2027 | Ponant Cruises | Le Boreal | 10 | $8,220 | |
| Nov 10, 2027 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Mira | 14 | $6,999 | |
| Nov 18, 2027 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Saturn | 14 | $6,499 | |
| Feb 7, 2028 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Star | 14 | $5,999 | |
| Mar 2, 2028 | Viking Ocean Cruises | Viking Star | 14 | $6,999 | |
| Sep 27, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Dumont D'urville | 8 | $8,720 |