It’s been a surprising off-the-radar but not out-of-the-box destination this summer: Ancona (pronounced AHN-coh-nah), an enchanting Italian seaside town in the picturesque Marche region on the Adriatic coast. Now, thanks to the availability of Ryanair flights between London Stansted and Ancona for £23, visitors looking for an alternative Italian break can have stormed in like a breath of fresh air. Walking into Ancona is like travelling back – there’s a sense of Greek antiquity entangled beautifully with the elegance of Italy.

Greek Origins and Cultural Significance
Founded around 387 BC by Greek settlers from Syracuse, Ancona proudly showcases its Greek heritage even today. The city’s name itself derives from the Greek word “Ankōn,” meaning “elbow,” a reflection of its distinctively shaped harbor. Initially, Ancona served as a pivotal Mediterranean trading hub, attracting merchants and craftsmen whose contributions significantly shaped its early development.