Rimini
Thanks to its numerous points of interest, historical attractions and beautiful beaches, Rimini is the ideal destination for a trip combining history, culture and relaxation.
The Emilia-Romagna coastline stretches for around 120 kilometres along the Adriatic Sea and is home to numerous seaside resorts, mostly characterised by sandy beaches and well-equipped beach clubs. Thanks to the beauty of its shoreline and exceptional tourist facilities, Emilia-Romagna is considered one of the most important summer destinations not only in Italy but across all of Europe. Seaside tourism in the region began in the second half of the 19th century with the development of the first hospitality facilities along the coast, originally intended for the nobility and middle classes seeking respite from the summer heat.
Rimini, one of the iconic cities of the Riviera Romagnola, pioneered this phenomenon, becoming the region’s first seaside resort as early as the 1840s. Over the following decades, tourism evolved and diversified, attracting an increasingly wide and varied clientele. After the Second World War, the Romagna coast experienced an economic boom that transformed entire resorts into mass tourist destinations, with the construction of hotels, beach clubs and restaurants. It was during this period that the shoreline became known not only for its sea and beaches, but also for its entertainment and leisure offerings, including nightclubs, theme parks and a wide range of sports activities.
Today, the expansive beaches, golden and soft sand, gently sloping seabeds and the high quality of services on offer make this coast perfect for families, couples and young people. This is complemented by an extensive network of beach clubs equipped with every comfort, including sunbeds and parasols, entertainment services, play areas and beach sports facilities. Many coastal resorts in Emilia-Romagna are also famous for their vibrant nightlife and attract thousands of tourists each year from both Italy and abroad.
The Emilia-Romagna coastline can be divided into two main tourist areas: the Lidi di Comacchio, located in the northern section, and the better-known Riviera Romagnola, which extends from Ravenna to the border with the Marche. Each area has distinctive characteristics that make it unique, offering visitors different experiences based on their preferences. Whilst the Lidi di Comacchio are known for their unspoilt nature and tranquillity, the Riviera Romagnola is celebrated for its lively entertainment, cosmopolitan atmosphere and world-class tourist facilities.
The Riviera Romagnola stretches for almost 91 kilometres from the mouth of the Reno river, which separates the Valli di Comacchio from the Province of Ravenna, to the headland of Gabicce Mare in the Marche, and is probably the most famous and popular seaside area in Emilia-Romagna. This stretch of coastline includes renowned seaside resorts such as Cervia, Milano Marittima, Riccione and particularly Rimini, which is considered the capital of seaside holidays in Italy. The beaches of the Riviera Romagnola are famous for their expanse, fine sand, crystal-clear water and the large number of hotel facilities, as well as for the lively cosmopolitan atmosphere with plenty of bars and events.
The Riviera’s shoreline boasts well-equipped beaches that offer visitors a wide range of services such as parasol and sunbed rental, restaurants, bars and entertainment activities for all ages. Entertainment is one of this area’s main strengths: many beaches organise beach volleyball tournaments, fitness classes and entertainment for younger visitors, whilst in the evening many beach clubs transform into open-air venues where you can listen to music and enjoy beach parties.
The water in this stretch of coast is not only clear and crystalline but also features sandy seabeds that slope gently, making it highly appreciated by non-swimmers and families with small children. Additionally, many beaches have repeatedly received not only the Blue Flag award but also the Green Flag designation, as child-friendly destinations approved by Italian paediatricians.
Continuing along the coast southwards in Rimini Province, you’ll find Bellaria-Igea Marina, much appreciated for its accessibility, hospitality and excellent services. With a shoreline stretching almost 7 km, there are numerous beach clubs as well as play areas, entertainment activities and restaurants. Continuing further, you’ll encounter some of the most famous resorts on the coast, including Rimini, Riccione and Cattolica, all known for their long stretches of golden sandy beaches, excellent accommodation facilities and vibrant nightlife.
Amongst the undisputed capitals of the Riviera Romagnola is certainly Rimini, with its extensive stretches of golden sandy beach and a tourist offering that includes beach clubs for all needs, historic nightclubs and theme parks. Rimini is ideal for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a trip with friends focused on entertainment. The beach at Riccione, by contrast, is appreciated for its perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment, with beach clubs offering dedicated wellness spaces but also beachfront nightclubs, such as the renowned Samsara Beach famous for its sunset aperitivos.
Finally, the beach at Cattolica offers a quieter atmosphere compared to Rimini and Riccione, ideal for those planning a family holiday or seeking calm and relaxation whilst still having easy access to the sea. The shoreline, stretching for around two kilometres, is well-maintained and equipped with modern, functional beach clubs perfect for spending days by the sea in complete tranquillity.
Heading south along the coast, the first beaches you encounter are those in the Ravenna area. In particular, the first resort is Marina Romea, with a shoreline of around 2 km surrounded by the Po Delta Park and characterised by fine, soft sand that is much appreciated by families with small children. Continuing, still in the municipality of Ravenna, you’ll find the famous Marina di Ravenna, characterised by a long stretch of fine sand washed by calm seas ideal for swimming. The beach is well-equipped with facilities offering numerous services, from children’s play areas to beach volleyball and tennis courts, to the opportunity to participate in water sports such as sailing and kitesurfing. Beyond relaxing on the beach, Marina di Ravenna is known for its vibrant nightlife, which includes bars, restaurants and venues that come alive during aperitivo hour and continue late into the night.
One of the most famous beaches on the coast, however, is undoubtedly Milano Marittima (in the municipality of Cervia), known for its exclusive beach clubs and fashionable venues. The shoreline of Milano Marittima stretches for approximately 4 km and is equipped with high-end beach clubs offering all services to guarantee a day of comfort and entertainment. Here you’ll find renowned establishments such as Paparazzi Beach 242 and Papeete Beach, which welcomes many celebrities and is also a benchmark for those who love the cosmopolitan lifestyle. Another beautiful beach in the Cervia area is undoubtedly Pinarella, famous for its coastal strip surrounded by a 25-hectare pine forest that separates the beach from the town centre. Its splendid natural environment, excellent services and facilities make it a much-appreciated area for families with children.
The most famous beach in Forlì-Cesena Province is undoubtedly Cesenatico, a town known for its Canal Port designed by Leonardo da Vinci, its rich maritime tradition and splendid beaches. The seabed is sandy, slopes gently and the waters of Cesenatico have repeatedly received the Blue Flag award. The heart of this seaside resort is undoubtedly the Spiaggia di Levante (East Beach), located south of the port and featuring a stretch of fine, golden sand and numerous beach clubs with all necessary services. Behind the beach stand the famous “Giardini al mare” (Sea Gardens), a green space stretching over two kilometres and crossed by cycling and pedestrian paths, ideal for walks, jogging or moments of relaxation amid nature.
The Lidi di Comacchio are located in the northern part of the Emilia-Romagna coast and represent an area of great natural value, famous for the presence of the Valli di Comacchio (Comacchio Valleys), an important wetland area. This stretch of coast comprises seven main lidos: Lido di Volano, Lido delle Nazioni, Lido di Pomposa, Lido degli Scacchi, Porto Garibaldi, Lido degli Estensi and Lido di Spina.
The beaches of the Lidi di Comacchio are distinguished by their fine, golden sand and gently sloping seabeds, making them safe and particularly suited to families with small children. Here, the sea is generally calm and clean, often awarded Blue Flag status as a guarantee of water quality and environmental sustainability.
Amongst the most popular lidos is Lido degli Estensi, known for its lively atmosphere and the presence of numerous beach clubs equipped with beach volleyball courts, children’s play areas and catering services. This lido is frequented by both families and young people, thanks to its numerous entertainment options.
Another destination of great interest is Lido delle Nazioni, which boasts both free beach areas and zones with beach clubs offering all necessary services. Additionally, there are children’s play areas, beach volleyball and beach tennis courts, and various entertainment activities are organised for both adults and children. However, Lido delle Nazioni is famous for its artificial basin known as the Lago delle Nazioni (Lake of Nations), where you can enjoy activities such as windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and kayaking.
Another frequently visited area is Lido di Spina, the southernmost of the lidos and known for its historic pine forest, offering everyone a stay focused on nature and relaxation. Tranquil and residential, this lido allows you to relax in the sun or practise water sports such as windsurfing and sailing. Furthermore, there is a pedestrian path connecting Lido di Spina directly with the beaches of the Ravenna area.
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