What to Do in Ancona Before Your Ferry: how to make the most of even just a few hours
If you're taking a ferry from Ancona and have a few hours before departure, you don't necessarily have to spend them waiting at the port. Ancona's historic centre is close to the ferry area, and several of the city's main sights can be reached on foot.
Whether you have one hour or most of the afternoon, here are a few ways to make the most of your time before boarding.
Photo by winalist.com
Can You Visit Ancona Before Your Ferry?
Yes. Ancona's historic centre is close to the port, so you can see several landmarks without planning a full day in the city.
If you only have a short amount of time, stay around the Old Port and the city centre. With a few more hours, you can walk uphill towards the Roman Amphitheatre and San Ciriaco Cathedral, visit a museum or head towards one of the city's parks and seafront areas.
The key is to choose your itinerary based on how much time you have and leave enough time to return for boarding.
What to See in Ancona Near the Ferry Port
Several of Ancona's historic landmarks are within walking distance of the port.
The closest is Trajan's Arch, which can be reached from the port area in around 5 to 7 minutes on foot. Allow around 15 minutes if you want to stop and take a look around.
Trajan's Arch is one of Ancona's main landmarks. It was built as a monument honouring the Roman emperor Trajan rather than as a city gate. A short distance away, you'll also find the Clementine Arch, an 18th-century gateway designed by Luigi Vanvitelli.
From here, you can continue towards the Teatro delle Muse, Ancona's main theatre. It takes around 8 to 10 minutes to walk there from Trajan's Arch.
If you have more time, continue uphill towards the Roman Amphitheatre. Built into the natural slope of the hill, it is one of the city's main reminders of its Roman past. Allow around 25 minutes for a relaxed visit.
At the top of Guasco Hill stands the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, dedicated to Ancona's patron saint. The cathedral combines Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine elements and overlooks the city and the port.
Allow around 20 to 30 minutes to see the cathedral and take in the view. If you want to spend more time there, plan for up to around 50 minutes.
If you visit these places without rushing and mainly focus on seeing them from the outside, allow around 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 and a half hours, including walking time. The actual time will depend on how many stops you choose and how long you spend at each one.
Explore Ancona with ClueGo, one riddle at a time
If you have a few hours before your ferry and want to explore the historic centre without having to plan every stop yourself, ClueGo is an option.
ClueGo is a self-guided city exploration game that combines walking with puzzles. It takes place in Ancona's historic centre and works through a Web App, with no download, guide or booking required. At each stop, you solve a puzzle connected to what you can see around you while discovering monuments, stories and details you might otherwise miss.
The route takes around 2 to 3 hours, covers approximately 3 km and can be started whenever you want. You explore at your own pace, and the experience is available in English and Italian. Discover the ClueGo route in Ancona.
Cardeto Park
If you'd rather spend some time outdoors, head to Cardeto Park. It is one of Ancona's largest green spaces and stretches along the coast, with views over the Adriatic Sea.
Inside the park, you'll find several places of historical interest, including the old lighthouse and the Jewish cemetery, as well as walking paths surrounded by different types of vegetation.
From the port, allow around 20 to 30 minutes on foot to reach the park.
Passetto
Photo by milazzo.life
Another option if you want to spend some time by the sea is Passetto.
The upper part of the area is a seafront viewpoint with green spaces and views over the Adriatic. At its centre stands the War Memorial, from where the monumental staircase leads down towards the sea.
At the bottom, you'll find the beach and the distinctive fishermen's caves carved into the rock.
Passetto is a good choice if you want a break with a sea view. Compared with Cardeto Park, it feels more urban and is better suited to combining a walk through the city with time by the coast.
Mercato delle Erbe
Photo by Tripadvisor
For a quick break in a historic setting, you can stop at the Mercato delle Erbe, Ancona's covered market.
The building dates back to the 1920s and is known for its iron and glass structure. Its central location makes it a practical stop if you have limited time and want something to eat before returning towards the port.
Archeological Museum (perfect if it’s raining!)
Photo by Paolo Zitti - Tripadvisor
If you'd prefer to spend some time indoors, especially on a rainy day, visit the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche.
Located in Palazzo Ferretti on Guasco Hill, the museum holds archaeological finds covering the history of the region from prehistory to the Roman period.
It's a good option if you have enough time for a museum visit before heading back towards the port.
Discover the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche.
What to Do in Ancona Depending on How Much Time You Have
If you have around 1 hour
Stay close to the port and the historic centre. You can see Trajan's Arch, the Clementine Arch and explore part of the Old Port without moving too far from the ferry area.
If you have 2 to 3 hours
You have enough time for a more complete walk through the historic centre, including some of Ancona's main landmarks. You could also choose an activity such as ClueGo, which takes around 2 to 3 hours.
If you have more time
You can move further away from the port and consider Cardeto Park, Passetto or the National Archaeological Museum of the Marche.
Even a few hours can be enough to see part of Ancona. The most important thing is to choose an itinerary that matches the time you actually have before boarding.
Make Sure You Leave Enough Time to Return to the Ferry
Before leaving the port area, check your ferry company's boarding instructions and allow enough time to get back.
The ferry terminals and boarding areas may not be in exactly the same place as the parts of the port you pass while exploring the city. Don't plan your visit around the exact boarding time: leave a comfortable margin for walking back, reaching the correct terminal and completing any required check-in procedures.
If you're travelling with a car, luggage or have already been given specific instructions by your ferry company, follow those instructions rather than relying only on the walking times in this article.
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Yes. Ancona's historic centre is close to the port, and several of its main landmarks can be reached on foot. The best itinerary depends on how much time you have before you need to return for boarding.
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The historic centre begins close to the port area. Trajan's Arch, one of Ancona's main landmarks, is only a short walk from the Old Port.
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If you only have around an hour, stay close to the port and focus on Trajan's Arch, the Clementine Arch and the Old Port.
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With 2 to 3 hours, you can explore more of the historic centre, including some of its main monuments, or choose a self-guided activity such as ClueGo.
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Yes. The ClueGo route in Ancona is available in English and Italian.
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No. ClueGo works through a Web App, so there is no app to download.
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Check the boarding instructions provided by your ferry company and leave enough time to return to the correct terminal. It's best to allow a comfortable margin rather than planning to arrive at the exact boarding time.