SPORT
The coast of the Riviera del Conero is amazing. There is a variety of beaches, with coves, bays, grottos and pinewoods stretching out under the sheer cliff of the Monte Conero overlooking the limpid sea; a rare oasis of peace and beauty. Apart from these natural wonders, the Riviera del Conero offers the chance to do several sports and is a place for plenty of fun thanks to a number of organised events and establishments which liven up the season.
• Centro SubMonte Conero, to admire the marvellous seabed. Diving into the sea is easier than you think. Contact the Centro Diving Pad (Tel. 335 6625339 or 071/9331367) www.centrosubmonteconero.it
ITINERARIES
The Parco del Coneroa protected area since 1987, is an unmissable destination for excursionists and nature lovers. It is populated by rare bird species and there are 18 itineraries crossing areas of holly-oaks, pine trees, wild strawberry and gorse.
Some recommended walks:
- Traversata del Conero: visits all places of major interest;
- Sentiero della Scalaccia: visits the fishermen’s beach and grotto;
- Itinerario Sacro: visits the most secluded hideaways on the Monte Conero;
- Sentiero delle Due Sorelle: a spellbinding path to the enchanting “Due Sorelle” beach;
- I boschi del Conero: visits the woods in the Parco del Conero;
- Il Passo del Lupo: a route full of extraordinary panoramas;
- Il Conero e la notte: a guided, nocturnal walk in the woods, looking at the stars.
CYCLE TRACKS
Thanks to these cycle tracks, several mountain-bike routes of varying difficulty may be followed. For example:
- the River Musone cycle track (18 km long, easy, a climb of 130 metres) starting from the Parco del Conero, descending towards Numana seafront, proceeding towards Marcelli and the mouth of the River Musone;
- the short, lower loop of the Conero (14.6 km long, easy, a climb of 325 metres) starting from the Parco del Conero in the direction of the valley of the Betelico torrent up to San Lorenzo and proceeding towards the “Pin” archaeological area;.
- the short, upper loop of the Conero (15.5 km long, medium difficulty, a climb of 1,000 metres) starting from the Parco del Conero towards Portonovo up to Pian di Raggetti. Continues through the Parco, crosses Pian dei Ciliegi and reaches the valley of Rio Pecorara. Proceeds to Monte Colombo up to Ponte del Varolo.
HORSE-RIDING
You can go horse-riding along the routes in the Parco del Conero. There are also excursions and bivouacs, even at night, so as to see the sun rising over the sea. Horse-riding classes for children and beginners, team-penning competitions, horse therapy, pony rides, classes in side-saddling and cowboy-style riding, horse jumping.
Riding schools:
- Il Cirfoglio via Molinella 1 Sirolo – tel. 348/3358078 or333/4722546
- Il Corbezzolo via Piancarda 124 Massignano – tel. 338 8315104
- Hornos via Marina II 16 Marcelli – tel. 338/3335399
CONERO GOLF CLUB SIROLO
The Conero Golf Club, inside the Parco del Conero, is only 2 km from the Villaggio Taunus.
The golf course is over 60 hectares and includes the championship 18-hole course (71 par) and the executive 5-hole course (17 par). The ground is slightly hilly and there is a wonderful lake. There are also beginners’ courses and equipment can be hired.
The property features a bar, restaurant, swimming pool.
PLACES FOR FUN
KARTING CLUB PISTA DEL CONERO (via Scarfiotti Marcelli – Porto Recanati tel. 071/9776640)
On the seafront between Marcelli and Porto Recanati, you can hire a go-kart and feel the thrill of Formula 1 racing. There are baby go-karts for children. Mini-golf, skating rink, rubber trampolines.
FANTASY ANCONA
The Centro Extasy in Ancona, (Baraccola area, near the Auchan hypermarket), has games and fun for all age groups: Disco Dome, Octopus Slide, Sea-Urchin Bed, Sandy Shore Multichallenge, Dragon Slide, Peter Pan, Basket Ball, Football Shoot-out.
Centro Extasy via Umani 1 Ancona - tel. 071/2868538
PARCO ZOO FALCONARA
This zoo covers an area of approximately 60,000 square metres and is situated on a hill in Falconara Marittima. It houses many species of animals. Recent restyling has optimised the spaces allotted to the various species and has considerably improved public viewing. There is also a fun park for children with games, an educational centre, swings, slides and playhouses, a picnic area, bar, sandwich bar and restaurant.
MALIBU ACQUAPARK
Only a few kilometres from Numana, this well-kept and extremely fun aquapark has swimming pools, hydromassage, water games, tennis, five-a-side football, beach volley and baby games.
Telephone: 071/9798567
Other aquaparks:
- Verde Azzurro holiday centre – contrada San Faustino 7 – Cingoli tel. 0733/615262
- Eldorado – on the SS 76 road Exit Apiro Mergo – Piani di Apiro – tel. 0733/611432
“LE PIETRE DEL DRAGO” DINOSAUR PARK:
This park is approximately 15 km from the “Grotte di Frasassi” going towards Matelica and covers an area of 13 hectares where 14 life-size dinosaurs have been placed, as if in their natural habitat. There is a paleontological museum which, by means of fossil exhibits, illustrates the evolution of life on Earth.
DANCE HALLS, DISCOS & NIGHT-LIFE:
Along the seafront of Numana, in Via Litoranea, you can dance the night away to great music on the seashore in the Bellariva and Cavalluccio beach establishments!
Proceeding towards Marcelli and Porto Recanati, other good spots are the Cayo Coco ice-cream bar and the Lola disco-dance place. The refined and exclusive Babaloo, in Porto Potenza Picena, is a beautiful disco-dinner hall, surrounded by water, with a floating dance floor.
The dance floor of La Conchiglia Verde disco in Sirolo, is in the woods.
For those who prefer a quiet chat and a drink or water-ice with friends in a totally unique scenario, places like the Bar Conero and the Bar Belvedere, which are on the road climbing Mount Conero, are recommended.
Every evening, in the town squares of Numana, Sirolo and Marcelli, there are various events and displays organised by the Local Town Council, with singers, actors and comedians.
