Monte Conero – Portonovo

Portonovo, on the seaward flank of Monte Conero near Ancona, is historically known for easy thermal and soaring flight right along the Adriatic coast. That history matters more than current access, though: flying here has been prohibited since August 2013 under a Parco del Conero ordinance, with fines for anyone who flies in violation, and the traditional take-off field beside the roundabout above Portonovo is separately marked off-limits. Older rules describing seasonal access — open to all pilots outside summer, members-only from June through mid-September — no longer apply now that flying is banned outright. The area itself is reached from the Ancona exit off the highway, following signs for 'Riviera del Conero Portonovo'. When flying was permitted, pilots used a top landing or came down on the beach directly below launch at Mezzavalle and walked back up — but none of that is current guidance, since the site is now closed to flying.

Launch & conditions

The historic take-off beside the roundabout above Portonovo is explicitly marked forbidden — this is not a legal place to launch.

Getting there & local rules

The area is reached from the Ancona exit off the highway, following signs for 'Riviera del Conero Portonovo' in either direction.

Local rules & hazards

Flying at this site has been prohibited since August 2013 under a Parco del Conero ordinance, with fines for violators — treat it as closed rather than as an active flying site, whatever older seasonal-access rules once said.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Monte Conero – Portonovo, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Monte Conero – Portonovo with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.