Beeing unique between Trieste and the Gargano, Mount Conero rises up to more than 572 metres above sea level, directly above the Adriatic sea. Bright lime stones reflect the morning sun, when it rises above the eastern Adriatic, warming up the green mediteranean macchia bushes and forrests with their rosemary and holm oaks, which cover part of the 6.011 hectars of the Conero-Nature Park.

In the pliocene, about 5 million years ago, the Conero-area began to rise and parts of the geological history can be seen in the Marche and Umbria`s stone pits. One of them became world famous amongst geologists because of the typical passage from eocene to oligocene which is visible in this central Italian area.

The „Parco Regionale del Conero“ had been founded in 1987 because of its rich vegetation and fauna and due to its cultural heritage. Several rare species can be found in the nature park, such as the “Euforbia arborescens” bush, a spurge species or the wild fennel, in Italian: “Finocchio selvatico”, which is used for a national dish of the Italian Marche the “Porchetta”.

Under the mammals in the park are badger, fox and hedgehog as well as skunk and und weasel and in the last years has also appeared a population of wild boars. And not only ornithologists enjoy the herons flight over the wildlife park.

At the highest point of Mount Conero has been built a church, the Chiesa di San Pietro aside the ruins of a monastery which had been erected shortly after the year 1.000 A.D. Inside of the park lies also part of the comune of Anconas territory, the Italian Marche regions capital.

Over a stunning panoramic road you can drive to Portonovo, with its magical bay and a wonderfull sandy-fine-pebbly beach and the romanesque church “Chiesetta di Santa Maria”. The medieaval Sirolo, also one of the nature parks towns, offers at its feet some breath-taking beaches, which you must have seen! The town next to Sirolo ist Numana, a storical sea port, re-used by the Syracusians in the 5th century. (For more information about the Conero nature parks towns and villages, please click on the menu: “SURROUNDINGS”).
Below the storical town of Camerano you´ll find interesting storical buildings, Camerano is by the way called “the capital of the Rosso Conero” wine.
Our hint: hiking and walks in the Mount Conero Nature Park are most impressive in spring, because everythings blossoms – from the acacia trees with their honey-scent to the spring flowers in the forests. You may follow the signed paths and lanes by foot, on the horse back or with the mountainbike on your own or booking a guide.

What typical food could you bring home as a gift or souvenir? To be recommended are Rosso Conero red wine, Marche honey, extra virgin olive oil and lavender products.