Portonovo

The reef beaches and natural creeks of Portonovo lie at the foot of Mount Conero in a nature park where Mediterranean brush prevails.

Of particular interest are the two salt lakes where migrating birds stop to rest, many different flower floral species, a Watch Tower and the Napoleonic Fortress which is today a hotel.

The Abbey of St. Maria of Portonovo is close to the hotel. The church was built in the year 1000 by the Benedictine monks while the convent was built in 1225; after being abandoned after a landslide it was restored in 1897; today it is a small but important Romanesque work of art in Marche Region.