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38 maltatoday SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER 2017 Travel THE NATIVE Travelling is always a risky business – getting stuck in a touristy area with terrible meals. The same can be said of sightseeing, hotels and nightspots. Travelling to a place where you know people to recommend the right places makes your stay all the more enjoyable. Ester Mocchegiani, was born in Corridonia, Le Marche and lived there for 27 years. If you're visiting Le Marche, these are the places she recommends to hang out like a native. NEED TO KNOW How to get there By plane: Airport Falconara-Ancona (AOI). From Malta the easiest way to get to Riviera del Conero, Marche is by flying to Rome and then getting the direct train to Ancona station. By train: Direct trains to Ancona station from all the main Italian cities. By car: Highway A14 - from Bologna to Ancona or from Pescara to Ancona or follow Highway A24 and then A14 from Rome. By ferry: Ferries are available from Croatia (ZARA/SPALATO/ DUBROVNIK > ANCONA) or from Greece (PATRAS > ANCONA) Best time to visit May, June, September. You can also enjoy Le Marche during the winter months if you are passionate about skiing as there are numerous ski resorts in the Appennini Mountains. BEST SPOT FOR SIGHTSEEING If you decide to visit Le Marche region, the Conero Riviera cannot be missed. One of the most peculiar and stun- ning areas which definitely de- serves to be mentioned is the Conero Natural Park. Char- acterised by the intense blue of the sea and the green of the cliffs, this park is an excellent representative of the famous Adriatic coast. Il Conero, a 512-metre high moun- tain, is also abundant in stunning stone caves. My memory of this place always brings back long days walking down to the stone caves cross- ing labyrinthine natural passages and catch- ing glimpses of the sea between century-old trees. There are also many other corners to uncover: from cities like Ancona, Camerano, Sirolo or Numana to the vari- ous paths that venture into the flora and fauna of the park, up again to the Portonovo and Due Sorelle bays with their uncontaminated shores, crystal water and the historic jewels like Santa Maria of Por- tonovo Church or the Bosis Tower. BEST PLACE TO EAT In the most panoramic and peaceful place of the Conero's park, my favourite place to go and eat is the restaurant Fortino Napole- onico which is situated in a magnificent position among the green of the woods and the blue sea, created by an ancient Napoleonic mili- tary fortress. This corner of Marche is one of the most beloved and unique in the Adriatic coast and enjoy- ing a meal in this spec- tacular military structure is definitely an unforgettable experience. Fresh local fish, homemade pasta and more traditional courses are only few among the numerous delicacies you can find here. The menu is characterised by simple ingredients and soft flavours: the best way to taste what the sea gives us! Wines are also carefully curated by the maitre d' who will guide you through this magical dining experi- ence. Just decide if want to eat outside, sitting on the panoramic terrace overlook- ing the Bay of Portonovo or inside, in the oldest room presided over by a large fire- place in the centre column, and embrace the charm of Conero. Buon Appetito! Le Marche, Italy Ester Mocchegiani was born in Corridonia, Le Marche, and has lived there for 27 years