Sirolo Experience
What to do and see in Sirolo, the delightful pearl of the Conero Riviera? 10 unmissable places and FraGustoePassione’s advice on typical products, delicious stops and restaurants.
Sirolo is not one for half measures, in summer it conquers you on the first walk and living it is almost an addiction.
“Shall we have a coffee in the square? The stalls have arrived! I’m almost going to take a peek at the sea from above. Shall we go and see two shop windows?”
Any excuse is good to take a stroll. The swarm of people, accents and tourists from all over the world is contagious.
1. A Delicious Breakfast
For breakfast in Sirolo you are spoiled for choice. If you are a lover of Sabbatini traditions, the historic bakery of the country is a little hidden but rewards the most curious with soft Maritozzi covered in sugar and endorphins. The bread and tarts are also good, which in addition to the jam, from the Syrolean tradition, have a rich layer of almonds. If, however, you want to lose yourself in a counter full of brioches, pastries and mignons, you’re there Sirolese pastry shop. The Jolly Pastry Bar is also historic, where I recommend a cream brioche, but only if you don’t have cholesterol problems because here they don’t skimp on the filling!
2. A Ride in the Park
The large Parco della Repubblica is a green lung within the city and for those with children it is better than a babysitter. The little ones will find slides, wooden swings and some more innovative games. For the older ones there is an ice rink where they can improvise football games or go skateboarding. The Park is also perfect for an ice cream stop. The Gelateria il Bassotto is practically attached and trying the Monte Conero flavour is almost obligatory, alternatively there is the brand new Quattrini ice cream shop (taste tip I’ll surprise you). For a longer and more sophisticated break, still within the Park, you will find L’Officina one of the most modern and chic restaurants in the city, whose terrace is always highly sought after.
3. A Sunbath at San Michele Beach
From the Parco della Repubblica you go down a steep path, picking up some blackberries that smell of summer, down to the sea. The gaze suddenly opens, while the mouth closes in an O of surprise. You have emerged on the enchanting and wide beach of San Michele, perfect for a bath in the sun and sea. What if you get hungry? There are a series of chalets (from Marco, from Roberto, from Silvio) perfectly integrated into the landscape with quick proposals that will be right for you.
4. A Selfie at Sassi Neri
If you want to demonstrate your mettle and like challenges I recommend you walk barefoot from San Michele to the Sassi Neri (the sand is for little princesses, you get used to the pebbles first! ). Otherwise a nice pair of rock shoes are highly recommended. The Sassi Neri are a small hidden corner of paradise with dark, rounded rocks. Here it is a must to take a well-deserved selfie, even without veils if you want since you would be neither the first nor the last nudists in the area.
5. An excursion to the Due Sorelle Beach and surrounding areas
Boat trips to the two sisters depart from the port of Numana. If you want to live an authentic experience and not stop at the most famous beach, I recommend Me Piace Joy’s Boat or the Oro del Conero Boat gozzo, complete with an aperitif, sunset and stories about the sea. As an alternative for sports enthusiasts, you can rent a canoe or SUP at the Silvio Sud establishment to reach what are considered the most sought-after coves by sea. The 2 Sorelle, 2 large fascinating rock “icebergs” that rise from the sea, is certainly the most comfortable but also the most popular. For more privacy I recommend the Gabbiani and Lavori beaches: ideal places to forget about the rest of the world (also because cell phones generally don’t work!).
6. A Dip and Lunch at Urbani Beach
For another sunbath, there is Urbani beach, more convenient because it can also be easily reached by car (there are a couple of paid car parks more or less nearby). The suggestive natural caves, the small pier from which many dive and the cheerful restaurants on the beach (Vittoria, La Grotta, La Paranza) make it a privileged destination. Among the seafood specialties I suggest you try the piñata made of crustaceans and molluscs and the spaghetti with the famous wild moscioli (don’t call them mussels!). They have been a Slow Food presidium for some years and are only fished between May and September in the area between Portonovo and Sirolo. As evening falls there is the brand new and sophisticated Casacon, just inaugurated, the ideal place to find a bit of worldliness between one cocktail and another and treat yourself to a big evening of dancing with Deejay.
7. A visit to the Abbey of San Pietro al Conero
After this half day at the seaside, the time has come to explore Monte Conero. Climb the curves and reach the top. It is obligatory to pass the imposing arch and visit the enchanting Romanesque church Badia di San Pietro al Conero with the old Benedictine monastery attached. It is mandatory to pass the imposing arch and visit the enchanting Romanesque church. The essential shape “without a pointed roof”, the fascinating crypt and the capitals of the columns, each different from the other, rich in floral motifs and monstrous enchanting creatures, will amaze you. of San Pietro al Conero with the old Benedictine monastery attached. From the sacred to the profane, if you pass by here at lunchtime, a grill or a sausage sandwich at Bar Conero, a la Cima or Metà Monte is highly recommended. For a more substantial stop, the gnocchi and tagliatelle with meat sauce from Trattoria Conerello are also unmissable and timeless.
8. Excursions to Belvedere Nord and Pian Dei Raggetti
The Conero paths are decidedly fascinating to explore on foot or by mountain bike and are suitable for both beginners and experts. In season I recommend taking advantage of one of the many strawberry trees to taste the small globular fruit (from the Greek Kòmoros which for many gave rise to the name “Conero”) and follow the path up to Belvedere Nord or Pian dei Raggetti. You will be repaid by a breathtaking view from the sea to the Sibillini. If you are not satisfied with panoramic views, I advise you to book the exclusive “isolated” table just for two at the La Ginestra in Fiore restaurant. You will hardly find a more romantic place! The gourmet breakfasts are also very nice.
9. A Walk in the Alleys
Squeezed between the walls, lively, full of flowers and with some cats and sheets hanging out, the Alleys are one of the most photographed places in Sirolo. You can’t help but love them, especially when the kitchens of the historic Trattoria Sara and the Ristorante della Rosa open. Next door you can also find the innovative Pa’ un bel Po’ (for lovers of street food and delicious delicious fish sandwiches). And again, the charming and romantic Locanda Rocco. Aromas of raguse in porchetta, traditional broths and mixed fries from the Adriatic mix, leaving everyone inebriated and happy. I recommend that, returning to Corso Italia, go and say hello to Elgide at the Latteria, currently the most historic shop in Sirolo and why not, get a bag of hot Ascoli olives at the Bottega dei Sapori Nostrani. Remaining in the Region, the Marche-style platter at Drogheria di Elena is unmissable and they sing to us with a glass of Rosso Conero (good!). If instead you want to sit in an easy place, away from the chaos, to drink a craft beer and have a good chat with friends, I recommend Mi Và, Fra Piada and Cassone (in Via Dante 2B near Coal, the only supermarket in the center of Sirolo) Here you will find, in addition to myself who will give you live tips of the day, classic or gourmet piadinas filled with local specialties and many delicacies.
10. All Roads Lead to the Piazzetta
The Piazzetta is the center of the country, the one overlooked by the Church of San Nicola di Bari with its beautiful bell tower. People come here to have a chat, to let the children run around, see shows, have a spritz at the historic Bar Il Grillo or an aperitif sitting at one of the many tables in the charming clubs and bars that populate the little square. Any examples? La Taverna, L’Oasi, Central Love Caffè, Bar Gelateria del Conero and the brand new Antipasteria di Mare with delicious fish tapas at all hours. And again, here you can stock up on paccasassi and typical products in the little shops that sell the best of the Marche but above all look out from the Sirolo balcony with a view of Conero, where you can take the photo-postcard of the Sirolo 2024 summer!