A cylindrical mountain that juts out into the Adriatic breaking miles of low sandy beaches along the east coast of Italy. On a clear day, from the top, one might see Yugoslavia in the distance, but is garanteed an eye-full of blue ocean from horizon down to the impossibly steep edge. At the base of Monte Conero there is Porto Nuovo with its landmark Tower and other communities. One can join the locals, at one of the many, albeit rocky, yet smooth white and clear water beaches. The farther you venture from the "developed" beaches the less clothes you see. In fact around the cliff edge you will see many Italian men sunbathing nude upon the rocks like sea lions.

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  • . There could hardly be a more enticing spot for a course than Monteconero ? a wooded mountaintop in the Conero regional park, with panoramic views of the sea, the Adriatic coast, the hills of the Marche and the distant peaks of the Appenines. The Hotel Monteconero, where the course will be held, began life as a Camaldolite abbey; we rehearse in the Romanesque church of St Peter dating back to 1038, that still stands in the centre of the complex. In 1958 the site, derelict and long since deserted by the monks, was bought by the Melappioni family, who transformed it into a hotel; the current third generation of proprietors have maintained and developed a reputation for gastronomic specialities of the Marche region. There is a swimming pool and a tennis court, and beaches nearby at Sirolo. For those able to extend their stay, places of interest in the area include Loreto, Urbino, Gubbio and Ascoli Piceno. </see>
  • . Just south of Ancona rises the solitary limestone peak of Monte Conero whose steep slopes slide down to the sea and the prettiest beaches on the whole of the Northern Adriatic shore. The beauty of the place means that its three small resorts offer standing room only in July and August; come in late May, early September or, best of all, June.

    Portonovo From Ancona, the first port of call is Portonovo, the smallest retreat on the Conero Riviera. Gasp at the picture postcard views out to sea as you wind down the dead-end road to this collection of hotels, restaurants, campsites and makeshift beach huts on a narrow strip of beach. The strand is split in two by the Fortino Napoleonico, a squat, blank-eyed fort built in 1808 by Napoleon's Italian Viceroy to fight off English ships. It is now a most singular hotel </see>

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  • . The Riviera del Conero is the closest resort area to Ancona.

    What is distinctive about the area is the huge Monte Conero headland dominating the coastline in a stretch of the Adriatic sea flat for miles either way.

    The area, and especially the Monte Conero, is therefore an unusual microclimate of beaches, reefs, coves and cliffs.

    It is an area of uncontaminated beauty.

    From the towns of Numana and Camerano there are also day trips to bays inaccessible by land, two examples being 'Gabiani' (Seagulls) and 'Due Sorelle' (Two Sisters).

    The beach at Sirolo was voted the 'Queen of Italian Beaches' in 1996 while the Monte Conero was declared Marche's first regional park in 1987.

    It was in this area that a huge great white shark was seen in the summer of 2000.

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  • . The Monte Conero coast offers spectacular views, clear waters and some of the best beaches in Italy.

    Unlike most shores along the Adriatic Sea, the beaches on the Monte Conero riviera, are pebbly: this peculiarity keeps the water clear, and of a very inviting hue of turquoise.

    The coastline is spectacular, with the green of the mountain plunging dramatically into the sea.

    The coast is rather steep and it might take a little effort to reach the shores but you_fll be rewarded by the quiet atmosphere and the breathtaking views.

    Sirolo, Numana and Potonovo Bay offer the most popular beaches of the area and the coast is peppered by lovely seaside restaurants.

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  • . Conerello

    If you are a veteran of mystical searches, if you were uselessly engaged in the search for the perfect margarita and you are at risk of getting sucked up by the search for the perfect hand made fettuccine , look no further.

    Don_ft waste your precious vacation time, or your family resources in a useless quest. The perfect fettuccine live here, at the trattoria Conerello.

    Like in most tales the treasure is hidden in a humble dwelling, a trattoria nested on the side of Monte Conero, just outside of Sirolo , at the entrance of the Theater Le Cave.

    Don_ft be fooled by the simplicity of the place or the plain menu. The menu has never been changed within living memory only because it is perfect.

    You_fll find fettuccine and occasionally ravioli or gnocchi, and as second course coniglio in porchetta (rabbit with herbs), pollo alla cacciatora (chicken with olives) salad and verdure al gratin (roasted vegetables). It_fs all you need for a sumptuous meal.

    We often go to the Conerello the first night of our holiday in Italy to start off in the right direction and we were never disappointed.

    It is open only from Easter until September, on Sunday night it only offers cold dishes.For reservation call 0719330736

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  • . We recently visited the Marche region of Italy and can't say enough good things about the Hotel Monteconero. It is located at the top of the mountain, looking down on the blue sea and the small town of Sirolo. In the evening, you can take long strolls along the well marked paths or drive the beautiful Conero Coast.

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