Car Hire in Ancona

About Ancona

Ancona is a city and port in central Italy, more precisely in the Marche region. The city is also the capital of the province of Ancona and the region. Ancona is an important city mainly because of its port, as the port of Ancona is one of the most important civil ports on the Adriatic Sea. But Ancona is much more than just a port. It is also the economic and demographic centre of the region.

In addition, Ancona has great tourist potential with many great historical, cultural, religious and natural sites to visit. Ancona has some fantastic beaches to offer where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in true Italian style. There are some luxury hotels around the beaches and overall a great offer with many restaurants and bars offering traditional Italian food and drinks combined with menus from other parts of the world.

The unique thing about Ancona is the successful mix of modern and old. This makes Ancona an even more inviting destination. For art lovers, Ancona is also a top location with many museums and galleries as well as a quality cultural and art program, especially in summer.

A great advantage of Ancona is, of course, its accessibility to other parts of Italy, Europe and the world, mainly thanks to its natural harbour, but also thanks to its international airport and good road infrastructure. Interestingly, Ancona is located directly opposite Zadar, from where you can also get to Ancona by boat or ferry.

Since the city has had great importance in the past and until today, it was also attacked in wars. Ancona was bombed in both the First and Second World Wars. After both wars, the city was renovated and given a modern look that blends with the old parts of the city, creating a unique setting that is truly worth seeing. So, if you are planning a road trip through Italy, be sure to put Ancona on the list of cities you will visit or stop in. There is also a great way to start your road trip here in Ancona because as mentioned before, Ancona is very well connected to the other parts of the country and the world, so if you are coming to Italy by plane or by boat, ferry, cruise ship... . You have the option to rent a car here and take a road trip in this region or even beyond. One thing is for sure, Italy has so much to offer that you will find something for every tourist or traveller. All you need to do is make a good plan, buckle up and drive safely.

Basic info and car hire in Ancona

• Location: Le Marche region, Italy
• Population: 101,300
• Official language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Ancona has a humid subtropical climate 
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Ancona are in good condition.
• Car hire in Ancona:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Ancona is at the Ancona Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Ancona!

 Driving in Ancona

Due to the importance of the port of Ancona and the high volume of passengers heading to the port of Ancona each year, the city can be quite stressful to drive in, especially during the peak summer season. Of course, most traffic jams occur on the way in and out of the port, while other roads in and around the city are not as congested.

To explore Ancona, it's best to park your car in one of the many parking lots and explore the city on foot. If you are planning a road trip in this region, Ancona is a good starting point. You can even arrive here with your car via ferry, or you can get here by plane, boat, cruise ship, hitchhiking, train or bus and then rent a car and continue your journey at your convenience, pace and preferences. One thing is for sure, you will enjoy driving through Italy, especially because this part of the country is well maintained in terms of roads and driving conditions. You can choose between local roads and more modern expressways and highways. It's entirely up to you which way of travelling you prefer.

It is good to know that the police in Italy are very strict. So make sure you follow all the rules and obey all the traffic signs on the road. Above all, stick to the speed limits, because there are many speed checks and you can get a fine even if you are not a resident. But of course, it is good to obey the speed limits and other rules not only because of the police but also for your safety and the safety of other road users.

• Age limits: 21 years old-25 for larger vehicles
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passport), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance.   
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle (2 are required for all vehicles registered in Italy and 1 if coming from abroad), high visibility vest (recently made compulsory)- First aid kit (not compulsory, but we strongly recommend you have it with you, just in case).
• Children in the car: Children up to the age of 10 may only be taken in the back seat and a suitable child seat must be available up to a height of 1.50 meters.
• Driving side of the road: Right hand
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h.

Popular day trips from Ancona

Ancona is part of the Marche region, which is a fantastic destination for tourists and travellers from all over the world. If you rent a car in Ancona, you can make countless day trips in this region, because there are many great places to visit. For example, you should take a trip to the beaches of the Riviera del Conero, the Frasassi Caves and the Valadier Temple, Urbino, Acqualagna and the Furlo Pass, Gradara, the Sibillini National Park and Lame Rosse, Loreto, Monte Conero... 

What to see in Ancona

Ancona is not only a transportation hub for tourists from all over the world who come to Italy for a holiday or just take a ship or a plane to another destination where they will spend their holiday but also a great city to spend a few days here and explore its beauties and secrets. You can admire the old and the new style of architecture and life, which combine in a unique view that is a hallmark of the city of Ancona. Besides many historical, cultural and religious sites, you can also enjoy great beaches and delicious cuisine here, so all in all Ancona offers you a complete holiday experience. It's up to you what kind of sightseeing and what kind of holiday you prefer.

While in Ancona, be sure to visit the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, also known as the Cathedral of Ancona. It was built in the 11th century on Mount Guasco. It has a great location, overlooks the whole city and is one of the most iconic and important religious buildings in the city. Besides the great view of the city of Ancona, the cathedral fascinates with its facade and, of course, with its interior, which is a must-see.

Another place you should not miss in Ancona is the Roman amphitheatre-Anfiteatro Romano. This amazing building, or more precisely its remains, are located near the Cathedral of San Ciriaco and represent one of the most important Roman buildings in the city. The main purpose of this theatre in the past was the gladiator school. But it was also used for other purposes, such as cultural events, markets, religious objects...

The Arch of Trajan - Arco di Traiano - is another important monument in the city. It was built in honour of the Roman Emperor Trajan, who protected the city during the great invasions in the past. It is about 19 metres high and is made of Turkish marble. It is located in the port and is one of the most visited and photographed sights of Ancona.

The port of Ancona is one of the most important ports on the Adriatic coast, both from a commercial point of view and for fishing and cargo. It is known that this was the first Italian port for the international traffic of people and vehicles. Every year more than a million people are handled through this port and it is connected to many countries: Croatia, Greece, Albania, Turkey... This port is unique because of the many historical sites you can see here, and it is a really pleasant place where you can walk and enjoy the view of many different fishing boats and ships, cruise ships, yachts and so on. And it's good to know that watching a sunset from the port is a wonderful experience, so be sure to plan an evening to watch the sunset in the port of Ancona.

Ancona is also known for its great museums. There are many different museums here and for anyone interested in history and museums, Ancona is an ideal place to visit because you can learn a lot about Italian history and also about the history of mankind. For example, you can visit the Museo Della Citta di Ancona, located in Piazza del Plebiscito, which houses many different artefacts that will help you understand the history of the city and the region. Another museum worth visiting is the National Archaeological Museum, where you can learn many things about the beginnings of civilization in the Marche region and its development in the past.

Other museums and galleries you should visit: Ancona Cityscape Gallery Francesco Podesta, Omero Tactile Museum,...

If you are looking for a great beach combined with natural sites, you should visit the beach and caves of Passeto or the bay of Portonovo.

Drive your rental car beyond Ancona

When you are in Ancona, you have the perfect opportunity to explore the Le Marche region. Renting a car is the best solution, as the roads here are in good condition and you can explore this part of the country according to your plans and preferences. There are many fantastic places you can visit here, there is something for every tourist or traveller. If you prefer a more active holiday, you should visit the mountains, as the Apennines are part of the region and you can do a variety of activities here. There are also many beaches that you should not miss. Besides the beaches, there are also many cities, towns and villages that will enchant you. All you have to do is make a good plan and drive through beautiful Italy.

But there are so many other regions in Italy that are worth exploring. For example, if you have decided to stay in the Umbria region and make a road trip through it, one of the activities you should put on your wish list is undoubtedly truffle hunting. This region is famous for its truffles and truffle hunting is truly a unique experience. In the countryside, you will find many experts searching for these "black diamonds". Besides truffle hunting, you can also learn a lot about the history of the region and the daily life of the locals. The Marmore Waterfalls are another sight not to be missed during your trip to the Umbria region. These are the largest man-made waterfalls in the world and the second-largest waterfalls in Italy. These amazing waterfalls were created by the Romans who wanted to divert the Velino River to use more fertile land. For this reason, the Marmore Waterfalls are one of the most visited attractions in this region. For people who prefer a more active holiday, there are many activities here, for example, rafting on the Nera River, cycling in nature, visiting the Monte Cucco Regional Park, a side trip to San Pietro

There are so many places to visit in Italy that you need to make a good plan if you want to take a road trip through Italy. Italy is a very diverse country with so much to see and do. But one thing is for sure, there is something for every kind of tourist here. Italy is known for its fantastic beaches, amazing cities, a large number of historical, religious and cultural monuments, great gastronomy, volcanic islands, the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, beautiful lakes and rivers, breathtaking landscapes, etc.

The capital is Rome, which of course you must see. It is known as one of the most iconic cities in the world and certainly, the city most talked about in the history of mankind. Travelling from the north to the south of the country, you can experience so many different landscapes, people, cultures, cities and traditions that make Italy a special place. If we then add the truly rich and turbulent past of this boot-like country, there is no doubt that you should visit Italy at least once in your lifetime.

If you prefer winter and winter sports, then you should go to the Dolomites, because there are some of the most famous ski resorts in the world, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo. However, if you are more interested in history, you should visit Pompei and other cities in the south of the country.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Ancona

Wherever you go in Italy, you will always find something delicious on your plate. Italy is one of the most popular destinations for foodies from all over the world. There are so many different recipes from this country and each recipe is unique and a little different depending on the region you are in.

In Ancona, you can enjoy many traditional and authentic seafood dishes in the city's restaurants. Be sure to try the wild mussels of Portonovo, Ancona's stockfish, brodetto...

But of course, we can not forget to mention the great Italian wines you can taste here.

Best restaurant in Ancona

ANburger - Fatto con il cuore

AMA officina della pizza

Wokaway

Il Casa Mia

Zucchero a Velo

Il Molo Portonovo | Ristorante e Balneare