Riviera del Conero, spiaggia Mezzavalle. Foto © Sauro Strappato
If you are on holiday in the Conero Riviera a day at the splendid Mezzavalle beach is not to be missed. A dream beach, one of the best beaches in Italy, thanks to its wild charm and waters ranging from emerald green to crystal blue. There are no lidos, but only an untouched nature. A long beach of gravel, sand and white pebbles and the greenery of the Conero Mount that stands in the background. In the central zone there is its only restaurant where you can taste excellent dishes based on fresh fish. There are also showers and public toilets. In its northern part, the less crowded and the wildest one, you can find a real natural Spa. Looking at the cliff you can see a green clay natural quarry, take some, wet it, spread it on your body, wait for it to dry, wash out and you will feel your skin smoother and healthier than ever!
THE TRAILS TO GET THERE
The main trail is about 300 metres further north of the great roundabout of Portonovo, to the right of which you can park your car in case you do not find a place in the two small free parking areas along the road right at the starting point of the walking trail. The most famous “stradello” (small trail) of Ancona starts with a first very steep stretch where you can stop at the various viewpoints and admire the beauty of the bay. The trail continues with an easier second part less steep and past a series of hairpin turns it reaches the centre of the bay, near the only restaurant. You take about 20 minutes to get there. Wear trekking or tennis shoes. Don’t use sandals or flip-flops! It’s dangerous! Once at the bottom the scenery in front of you will repay your fatigue.
The second trail n. 310 leads to the northern part of Mezzavalle and starts at km 5.400 of the SP1 of Conero where you can see a gate, a small road along a grove of reeds opposite a bus stop. Turn right walking along the cliff and continue until you reach the shore. At the moment the trail is forbidden, due to landslides so we strongly advise not to use it! The only solution to get to Mezzavalle by sea is to rent a canoe from the bay of Portonovo and you will take about a half an hour of paddling to get there. The view of the beach and wild green of the Conero from the sea is unique! It is not allowed to go to the beach by boat because some buoys were positioned purposely very far from the shore and it is impossible to swim to it.
