The Park of Conero, an oasis of serenity

The Scoglio della Vela, the Sail Rock... across from Portonovo.

For further information about the territory of the Conero nature reserve and about its magnificent natural, cultural, and wine and food heritage, and to see photos and videos of this beautiful wildlife oasis, you can visit the reserve's main website at www.parcodelconero.eu

It lies on a stretch of the coastline and over an extensive hillside, offering unique scenic views and a historical atmosphere,
Mount Conero, at an altitude of 572 meters and rising directly from the sea, is part of a unique promontory that extends from Trieste to Gargano.
The presence of abandoned caves transforms the Park into an open book of geological history encapsulating the stratigraphical succession of the Umbrian and Marche regions.

Founded in 1987 to protect the wealth and variety of the flora and fauna, and cultural treasures of the area, the Conero Regional Nature Reserve (Parco Regionale del Conero) boasts numerous botanic specialities such as tree spurge, wallflowers and wild fennel. As it is a protected area it is a haven for various mammals, such as badgers, foxes, polecats, hedgehogs, and weasels. There are also wild boar and roe deer that, though not native, have been adopted by the protected area.

A noted migration destination for birds of prey, it is valuable for bird-watching enthusiasts, and it is often possible to see the beautiful sight of herons in flight or resting on stopover points.

The Ancient Greeks landed here in the 4th century BC, having travelled up along the southern coasts in their search for towns to establish. At Conero the Dorians heaved anchor and settled, calling the promontory "Komaros" (strawberry tree) and the northern curve of the mount "Ancon" (elbow).