
Portonovo Bay
A stunning white pebble bay nestled in Conero Park, offering crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffside views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat

Portonovo Bay
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning white pebble bay nestled in Conero Park, offering crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffside views.
"Probably one of the best on the east coast of Italy."

👟 Pack Swim Shoes
Essential for navigating the white pebbles and enjoying the water comfortably.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast; aim for morning to secure a spot.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The White Sandstone Beach
Portonovo Bay
A picturesque stretch of white pebbles meeting the vibrant Adriatic Sea, framed by dramatic cliffs.

Conero Park Scenery
Surrounding Portonovo Bay
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Conero Park, with lush woods meeting the sea.

Clandestino Susci Bar
South end of the bay
Experience a unique dining adventure with creative 'susci' (sushi) overlooking the stunning Adriatic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pebbles
Strategic Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Pack Swim Shoes
Essential for navigating the white pebbles and enjoying the water comfortably.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast; aim for morning to secure a spot.
💧 Hot Showers Available
Paid hot showers (around 50 cents) are available for a refreshing rinse.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Many visitors bring their own food, complementing the local restaurants.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Pack Swim Shoes
Essential for navigating the white pebbles and enjoying the water comfortably.
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast; aim for morning to secure a spot.
💧 Hot Showers Available
Paid hot showers (around 50 cents) are available for a refreshing rinse.
🧺 Picnic Potential
Many visitors bring their own food, complementing the local restaurants.
🏞️ Explore the Lake
A large lake near the beach offers a peaceful walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Portonovo Bay is celebrated for its breathtakingly picturesque location and unique white pebble beach, offering clear, beautiful waters. Visitors appreciate the stunning views, the natural park setting, and the dining options, though some find the pebbles challenging and parking can be a hassle.
"The location of the beach is very picturesque. The beach is all white sandstone. I reccommend swim shoes as the water is very rocky as well. I prefer sandy beaches as it's very difficult to in and out of the water with all the rocks."
P Talamonti
"Even if it is a small beach I love it. It's never crowded and the water is clear"
Sava Teodor
"Really nice pebble beach, situated in a national park. You can find a place to park your car if you go early, 0.80 eur/h or 5 eur/day. A few restaurants with fresh fish. Paid or free beach, as you prefer. When you get inside the water, there is sand. And the view is spectacular, probably one of the best on the east coast of Italy. You can get a hor shower for 50 cents, also the toillet is paid. Near the beach you can go for a walk around the big lake."
Miri Dinescu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Portonovo Bay from Ancona by bus for approximately 4 euros round trip. A free shuttle service often operates from the drop-off point down to the beach itself, making access convenient.
Yes, parking is available but can be competitive. Options include hourly or daily rates (around 0.80 EUR/h or 5 EUR/day). Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
While it's possible to walk from nearby areas, it's more common to use public transport or drive. The surrounding Conero Park offers scenic walking trails, but direct access to the bay might require a shuttle or short walk from parking areas.
Often, a free shuttle service is available to take you from the parking areas or drop-off points directly down to the beach, especially during peak season.
Access to the beach can be challenging due to the pebbles. While shuttle services help, the terrain itself might be difficult. It's advisable to check specific accessibility options with local authorities or hotels.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Portonovo Bay itself is generally free. However, there are costs associated with parking and potentially for using facilities like paid showers or specific beach clubs.
Yes, Portonovo Bay offers both paid beach areas (managed by beach clubs like 'La Spiaggina') and free sections where you can set up your own spot.
Portonovo Bay is a natural area and is generally accessible throughout the day. However, specific beach clubs or restaurants will have their own operating hours.
For paid beach clubs like 'La Spiaggina', it's often possible to book chairs and umbrellas in advance, especially during the busy summer months.
The Conero Park itself is a protected natural area and generally does not have an entrance fee for general access. However, specific activities or guided tours within the park might incur charges.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The beach is characterized by white sandstone pebbles, not sand. This unique feature makes it visually striking but requires appropriate footwear.
Yes, the water is consistently described as clear and beautiful, often with shades of turquoise and cobalt blue.
Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can enjoy dining at al fresco cafes, explore the surrounding Conero Park, and visit unique spots like Clandestino Susci Bar.
While not as common as on sandy beaches, some water activities might be available. TikTok videos show an aquapark in the nearby Sanxenxo area, which is a different Portonovo location.
The view is spectacular, with the bay nestled between mountains and the sea, often considered one of the best on the east coast of Italy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Local mussel dishes are a specialty, and fresh fish is widely available at the restaurants along the beach.
Yes, there are several al fresco cafes and restaurants, particularly on the south part of the beach, offering fresh seafood and local cuisine.
Clandestino Susci Bar offers a unique dining experience with its creative 'susci' and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, making it a memorable option.
Absolutely! Many visitors choose to bring their own food and drinks, especially for picnics on the beach.
While there are restaurants, bringing your own food is a great way to save money. Some beach clubs might also offer more affordable snack options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic cliffs meeting the sea, the unique white pebbles, and the panoramic views from higher vantage points within the Conero Park.
Drone footage of Portonovo Bay showcases its stunning natural beauty, with the bay and surrounding landscape offering dramatic aerial perspectives.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for capturing the bay's scenery. Midday can also be striking with the clear blue water.
The distinctive white pebble beach, the rugged coastline, and the charming al fresco cafes are all iconic elements to capture.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A polarizing filter can enhance the blues of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bringing picnic supplies is a great idea for families, offering a cost-effective and convenient way to manage meals. While there are restaurants, having snacks and lunches readily available can be a lifesaver with kids. The surrounding Conero Park offers opportunities for gentle walks, providing a change of scenery from the beach. The free shuttle service also makes getting to and from the beach easier with strollers and gear.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for public transport from Ancona, which is an affordable way to reach the area. Parking fees can add up, so if possible, utilize the bus and the free shuttle service. While paid showers are available, consider rinsing off at your accommodation if possible to save on small costs.
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoy strolls along the pebble beach during sunset, or explore the serene trails within the Conero Park for a more intimate experience. The tranquil atmosphere, especially during the shoulder seasons like September, can enhance the romantic ambiance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Pebble Beach Experience
Many visitors find the pebble beach to be less crowded than sandy alternatives, offering a more tranquil atmosphere. The clarity of the water is exceptional, often described as turquoise or cobalt blue, inviting swimmers to enjoy the refreshing sea. Despite the pebble terrain, the seabed transitions to sand once you're in the water, making swimming itself a pleasant experience.
For those who prefer sandy shores, Portonovo might not be the ideal choice. However, for travelers seeking a unique natural beauty and a less commercialized beach experience, the white pebbles of Portonovo Bay are a significant draw. The visual impact of the white stones against the blue sea is truly memorable.
Navigating Parking and Access
Once parked, a convenient free shuttle service often operates to transport visitors from the parking areas directly down to the beach. This service significantly eases the access, especially for those with mobility concerns or carrying beach gear. This shuttle system is a lifesaver for many visitors, making the journey from car to shore much more manageable.
For those arriving by public transport, buses from Ancona are a viable and affordable option, costing around 4 euros for a round trip. The bus drop-off point is usually followed by the shuttle service, ensuring a relatively seamless journey to the bay. The surrounding Conero Park also offers opportunities for scenic walks, but direct beach access might still require utilizing the shuttle or a short walk from designated parking zones.
Culinary Delights of Portonovo
A standout dining experience is the Clandestino Susci Bar, which offers a creative take on sushi, referred to as 'susci'. This unique establishment provides a gastronomic adventure with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, blending culinary innovation with the stunning natural beauty of the bay. It's a place where creativity and professionalism are evident in every dish.
For budget-conscious travelers, bringing your own food and drinks for a picnic is a popular and practical option. Many visitors are seen enjoying their own provisions on the beach, complementing the dining experiences available. This allows for flexibility and can significantly reduce costs while still enjoying the picturesque surroundings.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit