Ancona Playbook: Your Unrivalled Experience Down in Serie D

Ancona’s history has been troublesome to say the least. Born in 1905, they have been declared bankrupt and reborn on so many occasions it can be hard to keep count.

Existing mainly at the lower end of the calcio pyramid they have sporadically poked a head above the parapet to mingle with the giants.

They hit their stride in the second half of the 1980s and into the 1990s when, under coach Vincenzo Guerini they secured promotion to Serie A in 1992. Their stint there lasted only a year but they were involved in some memorable games, including a cracking 4-4 draw with Genoa, a 7-1 mauling by Fiorentina and a 5-3 victory over Pescara.

They also made the final of the 1994 Coppa Italia despite being in Serie B, but were no match for Sven-Goran Eriksson’s classy Sampdoria, who bulldozed them 6-1 across two legs. They again reached Serie A in 2003 but finished last and haven’t tasted top-flight football since.

Yet the club have had some notable players on their books over the decades, including Dino Baggio, Mario Jardel, Eusebio Di Francesco, Goran Pandev and Alessandro Melli.

Ancona is a city where the Adriatic Sea meets the passion of the Marche region. While the club has navigated a turbulent past, the spirit of I Dorici remains unshaken.

Whether you are visiting for a Serie D clash or to soak up the atmosphere of a community deeply connected to its team, this playbook will ensure you experience Ancona like a local.

Where To Stay

For the best experience, we recommend staying in the Centro Storico. This area places you within walking distance of the city’s major cultural sites, authentic trattorias, and the vibrant life of the port, while also providing easy access to the main transit lines that connect you to the Stadio del Conero.

If you prefer the sound of the sea, the Adriatico/Passetto district offers beautiful views and proximity to the famous cliffside beaches, all while staying well-connected.

For the heart of the city, stay at the boutique Grand Palace Hotel, and for views of the Adriatic coast, you can’t go wrong with SeePort Hotel, just a 15-minute drive from the stadium.

Where To Eat

Ancona’s culinary landscape is defined by the moscioli (wild mussels) and the fresh catch of the Adriatic. Before you head to the stadium, immerse yourself in the city’s food culture.

Sot’aj Archi is a local institution near the port. This is the place to enjoy traditional Ancona seafood in an authentic, no-nonsense setting. Perfect for soaking up the local vibe before the match. They recently fuelled up Italian Olympic medallist Tommaso Marini.

Trattoria La Cantineta in the historic centre of Ancona is a great spot for traditional food from the Marche region, with spaghetti vongole costing just €12. A 20-minute drive from the stadium, it’s a great place to grab a bite before the match.

Where To Drink

WineNot? at Grand Hotel Palace is the perfect place if you enjoy a pre-match drink with a view. This wine bar offers an extensive selection of local Marche wines, including the famous Verdicchio, in a sophisticated environment overlooking the port.

Right by the Portella Santa Maria near the old port, Bar Manganelli is a great spot to stop off for a quick spritz or a beer. With friendly service and a great view, it’s also perfect for a morning cappuccino.

While you’re in the Marche region, look for Borghetti or Baldoni coffee liqueurs on the menu. Both are historic Ancona brands.

Don’t Forget

Tickets – For matches at the Stadio del Conero, tickets can be purchased through the authorised online ticketing platform TicketOne. The atmosphere is more traditional and intimate down in Serie D, and prices are generally very affordable. Always check the club’s official social media pages for specific matchday ticket office hours if you’re buying on the day.

Kick-off times – While scheduling in the lower leagues is generally more stable than Serie A, fixtures can occasionally shift due to local logistics or league requirements. Always confirm kick-off times on platforms like Flashscore or the club’s official social media a few days before your trip.

Merchandise – Ancona doesn’t currently have a merchandise store in the centre, but you can find kits online on trusted websites such as ClassicFootballShirts.com.

Did You Know?

Ancona is one of the few places in Italy where you can watch the sunrise and the sunset over the sea, a phenomenon made possible by the unique promontory of Mount Conero that juts out into the Adriatic. While most visitors flock to the Tyrrhenian coast, Ancona’s position on the elbow of Italy (the name Ancona actually derives from the Greek word ankōn, meaning elbow) has historically made it a vital gateway to the East, serving as a primary link between Italy and the Balkans for centuries.

Despite its ancient importance, its status as a working port city has kept it largely off the radar of international tour groups, preserving an authentic, lived-in atmosphere largely untouched by modern mass tourism.

Getting There

Ancona is remarkably accessible, serving as a primary transit hub for the Marche region and the Adriatic coast. Whether you are arriving from elsewhere in Italy or travelling from abroad, the city is easy to navigate.

By Train: Ancona Centrale is a major stop on the Adriatic railway line, making it easily reachable from major cities such as Bologna, Milan, Rome, and Venice via Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa and Intercity services. The station is near the city centre and the port, with easy access to local buses and taxis.

By Air: The city is served by Ancona International Airport (Raffaello Sanzio Airport, AOI) in Falconara Marittima. Use the rail link (Castelferretti – Falconara Aeroporto station) and the Aerobus Raffaello shuttle service to get to the city centre.

By Car: Ancona is connected to Italy’s primary motorway network via the A14 Autostrada Adriatica. The two main exits: Ancona Nord (ideal for the airport and industrial areas) and Ancona Sud (best for reaching the city centre and the Conero Riviera), make it easy to get to and from the airport.

By Sea: As one of the most important ports on the Adriatic, Ancona is a major hub for ferries connecting Italy to Greece, Croatia and Albania. If you are arriving by sea, you will find yourself conveniently situated right in the heart of the city, within walking distance of the historic centre.

Need Another Football Fix?

Travel less than an hour and you can get your dose of Serie C action with Sambenedettese, a club based in San Benedetto del Tronto. Take a direct train from Ancona Centrale, which takes as little as 36 minutes, or drive roughly an hour south along the A14 motorway. If Serie A is more your thing, a train journey north to Bologna takes about two hours.