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Roman Foundations and Early Medieval Heritage

The Riviera Romagnola coastline of Emilia-Romagna traces its origins to Roman times, when the Via Flaminia and its branch, the Via Emilia Scauri, connected the Adriatic ports to the hinterland. Near present-day Rimini (ancient Ariminum), Roman triumphal arches and sections of city walls still stand as testaments to imperial urban planning and coastal defense. Maritime “Villae Maritimae” dotted the shore, supplying fish salting-works (cetariae) whose garum trade linked local products to markets across the Mediterranean. Following the fall of Rome, the region’s name—Romagna—derives from the Latin “Romania,” reflecting its status as part of the Byzantine Exarchate of Ravenna until the Lombard invasions reshaped political boundaries.

Medieval Castles and Fortified Towns

As feudal lords and ecclesiastical authorities vied for control, the inland territories above the beaches witnessed the rise of fortified castles and communal communes. Cesena’s Rocca Malatestiana, perched on a hill overlooking both town and sea, exemplifies Gothic-Renaissance military architecture commissioned by the Malatesta dynasty. Meanwhile, Cesenatico’s harbor canal—designed by Leonardo da Vinci in 1502—fostered a fishing community whose colorful “bragozzi” boats still line the historic port, offering a living museum of Adriatic maritime heritage.

Maritime Republic Influences and Trade Networks

Although not a sovereign republic like Genoa or Venice, Romagna’s coastal towns participated in Adriatic trade under the protection of the Republic of Venice from the 15th to 18th centuries. Salt pans near Cervia—famously known as the “White Gold” of Romagna—provided essential seasoning and preservation commodities. The extraction of sea salt followed ancient techniques: seawater evaporated in shallow “saline” basins, with wooden windmills pumping water between ponds. The Torre San Michele, Cervia’s iconic salt museum housed in a former watchtower, illustrates these traditional practices.

Evolution of Beach Tourism and Coastal Development

By the late 19th century, Emilia-Romagna’s Riviera Romagnola emerged as a pioneering “beach resort Italy” destination. Ferries and early steam-hauled trains from Bologna and Milan delivered aristocratic and bourgeois visitors to Rimini’s wide sandy shores. The 20th century saw the advent of private “stabilimenti balneari” — beach establishments with sunbeds, umbrellas, and wooden bathing huts — transforming the coastline into a network of branded resorts: Bagno 26, Bagno 65, and beyond. Post-war economic growth fueled mass tourism, giving rise to a system of modern “Adriatic beach resorts” spanning over 110 kilometers of coastline.

Rimini: Center of Riviera Romagnola Attractions

Rimini stands at the heart of Emilia-Romagna’s coastal tourism, combining ancient monuments with contemporary entertainment. The Arch of Augustus, dating to 27 BCE, marks the southern entrance to the old town, while the Malatesta Temple (Tempio Malatestiano) showcases Renaissance art under Leon Battista Alberti’s direction. Along the seafront, the Viale Vespucci promenade is lined with hotels offering “all-inclusive beach packages,” water-sports centers, and bicycle rental stations for exploring the Lungomare Borgo San Giuliano, where Fellini murals pay homage to the director’s Rimini childhood.

Riccione Nightlife and Wellness Tourism

South of Rimini, Riccione is synonymous with “Riccione nightlife” and wellness retreats. The Viale Ceccarini shopping street, illuminated by designer storefronts, leads to the Piazzale Roma, where pulsating discos and beach clubs host international DJs. Simultaneously, the “Thermal Baths of Riccione” exploit natural sulfur springs to offer mud baths and inhalation therapies, catering to health-oriented visitors seeking “spa weekend Emilia-Romagna.” Modern wellness centers integrate thalassotherapy, leveraging seawater minerals for circulatory and respiratory treatments.

Unique Coastal Environments and Protected Areas

Beyond the bustling resorts, Emilia-Romagna’s coastline hosts protected ecosystems that balance tourism with conservation. The Parco del Delta del Po extends into the northeastern boundary, where salt marshes, wetlands, and pinewoods provide habitat for migratory birds such as flamingos, herons, and avocets. Guided “birdwatching tours Riviera Romagnola” depart from Comacchio, offering glimpses of the Po Delta Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO for its biodiversity.

Pineta di Ravenna and Coastal Pine Forests

Ravenna’s Pineta di Classe, established by Theoderic the Great in the 6th century, served as a buffer against sea incursions and malaria-bearing mosquitoes. Today, the “Pineta di Ravenna cycling routes” thread through umbrella pines and holm oaks, connecting the city’s mosaic of Byzantine mosaics to the Adriatic beaches. Interpretive trails explain local “dune stabilization” measures, where sand-binding grasses and maritime pines prevent coastal erosion and preserve the “Riviera Romagnola dunes.”

Marine Protected Areas and Coastal Geology

The Marina di Ravenna Marine Protected Area safeguards seagrass meadows (Posidonia oceanica) and intertidal zones vital for juvenile fish nurseries. Geologically, the coastline reflects Holocene alluvial deposits from the Marecchia and Rubicon rivers, forming wide beaches of fine quartz sand. Beach nourishment projects maintain sand volume, while coastal engineering employs submerged breakwaters to dissipate wave energy—ensuring the famous “Adriatic calm seas” that attract families to “family-friendly Riviera Romagnola resorts.”

Gastronomy and Enogastronomic Routes

Emilia-Romagna’s Adriatic cuisine fuses seafood traditions with inland specialties. Fishing villages like Cattolica and Cesenatico serve “fritto misto all’italiana” — a crispy medley of squid, shrimp, and small fish lightly battered and fried. Inland, the gastronomic wealth of Parma and Modena contributes “Prosciutto di Parma” and “Aceto Balsamico di Modena” tasting experiences along the “Enogastronomic highways” that wind from the Apennines to the sea.

Piadina Romagnola and Street Food

The quintessential street food, “Piadina Romagnola,” is a thin flatbread made with lard or olive oil, water, flour, and salt. Artisanal piadinerie line the Lungomare, filling rolled piadine with crescenza cheese, prosciutto crudo, rucola, and squacquerone. Seasonal variants feature figs and walnuts or stracchino cheese with aromatic herbs. Food tours labeled “best piadina Riviera Romagnola” guide visitors through traditional bakeries still employing wood-fired ovens.

Wine Routes and DOC/DOCG Labels

Riviera Romagnola wine itineraries highlight Albana di Romagna DOCG, a crisp white with floral aromas, and Sangiovese di Romagna DOC, a robust red with cherry and spice notes. Vineyards near Forlì and Faenza offer cellar tours and barrel tastings in ancient “cantine” carved from tufa. Agriturismi on the hillsides pair panoramic sea views with gourmet dinners featuring tagliatelle al ragù and piantina di mare (seaweed) risotto, illustrating the convergence of marine and mountain terroirs.

Cultural Festivals, Events, and Entertainment

Throughout summer, coastal towns host “Riviera Romagnola events” ranging from music festivals to historical reenactments. Rimini’s “Premio Fellini” film awards celebrate the city’s cinematic heritage, while Cesenatico’s “Sagra del Pesce” honors the fishing season with communal tables serving fresh catches. The “Notte Rosa” nationwide summer festival transforms the entire coastline with pink-themed street performances, fireworks, and open-air concerts, drawing millions of visitors.

Mirabilandia and Theme Park Attractions

Mirabilandia, one of Italy’s largest amusement parks, sits near Ravenna and offers roller coasters like “Katun” and the water-ride “Splash Battle.” The adjacent Sea Life Aquarium provides “educational marine exhibits” featuring jellyfish, sharks, and coral reefs. Mirabilandia’s seasonal events—from Halloween Horror Nights to Christmas illuminations—complement the traditional seaside leisure of sunbathing and beach volleyball.

Historical Centers and Architectural Gems

While the beaches dominate, the hinterland reveals medieval gems: the Malatesta fortress in Santarcangelo di Romagna, Dante’s socket in Ravenna’s basilicas, and the Faenza International Museum of Ceramics showcasing centuries of majolica artistry. Heritage trails like the “Romagna Tesori Nascosti” guide visitors through small borgos with Romanesque churches and renaissance palazzi, blending cultural tourism with seaside relaxation.

New Tip: For an authentic Riviera Romagnola experience, time your visit to coincide with the sunrise yoga sessions held on the beach at Rimini’s Bagno 81—where the calm Adriatic backdrop enhances wellness rituals before the day’s crowds arrive.

Interesting Fact: The thermal waters of Bagno di Romagna, just inland from the coast, have been used since Roman times for their sulfur-rich hot springs—today they feed spa complexes that capitalize on “Emilia-Romagna wellness tourism,” linking mountain springs to seaside leisure in a continuous health route.

A comune in the Province of Rimini

Hospitality has been our watchword for over 150 years: on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, from Bellaria-Igea Marina to Cattolica, and throughout the territory of the Malatesta Seignory, the warm welcome given to holidaymakers and visitors is not just a business, but a passion, rooted deep in the past.

Public administration and individual operators are busy 365 days a year, to ensure that your stay is peaceful, pleasant, fun, and full of interesting things to do if you are on holiday; and to ensure comfortable efficient services for those of you travelling on business or to attend trade fairs and conferences. That ancient tradition of hospitality which has made this area the principal tourist field in Europe, is today joined with innovation and a gift for creating fashions and trends.

The beach, the sea, water parks and amusement parks, castles and villages of the Malatesta Seignory, discotheques and nightspots, cultural events and entertainment, sports grounds and well-being, good cooking and genuine wines: if you browse through our Site you will find them all, and you can get to know our land and the opportunities it offers visitors, and discover in real time all that we are doing to make you feel at home.

All of the tourist offer of the Province of Rimini - accommodation facilities, restaurants, water and amusement parks, sports and free-time facilities, fitness centres, shows and events, monuments and museums, and nature trails - within a mouse's reach. Enter, and discover the thousand faces of this land that is a European leader in terms of holidays. Follow your desires and interests and "create" your ideal holiday.

Two bus routes linking Rimini Riviera to the Malatesta Seignory through the Conca and Marecchia valleys. A tour specially designed for visitors, a short journey introducing the beauties of our countryside – castles and fortresses, historic villages, country festivals – and the special features of local cooking and traditional Romagna hospitality.

The Marecchia valley route linea Valmarecchia departs from Rimini heading north towards Bellaria and stopping at Santarcangelo di Romagna, Villa Verucchio (Tenuta Amalia), Verucchio, Torriana and Montebello. The Conca valley route linea Valconca departs from Riccione and goes through Misano Adriatico and Cattolica bifore heading inland, stopping at Morciano di Romagna, Montefiore, Saludecio, Mondaino and Montegridolfo. Travellers on this route can, if they wish, take a shuttle bus from Morciano di Romagna and visit the Onferno Caves.

Journeys by both routes will include an outward journey, a stop lasting some time at the final destination, and a return journey, making a circular trip. This means that visitors will be able to choose where they stop for refreshments, aided by guided visits which the Town Hall or Pro Loco will organise. The evening departure will also pick up visitors who stopped at intermediate destinations during the afternoon trip and take new passengers to have dinner in one or other of the destinations along the route. Latest return to the Riviera 24.00 hours.

As has now become tradition, the international freestyle champions will also battle it out on almost 40,000 sq m of beach, with a central court (the Beach Arena), which is situated in front of the Grand Hotel of Rimini made famous by Fellini in his films, as part of the world Acrobatic Paganello. In other words, spectacular acrobatic Frisbee manoeuvres to the sound of music. And then there’s funky, skater, kite surfing and bungee jumping displays, and lots more besides.

All around, there’s a colourful and spectacular village called Paga Villane, which is dedicated to fun and free time and which will be brought to life by dancers, musicians, actors, singers and jugglers. Spectators will also be involved in precision Frisbee throwing competitions, a kind of Frisbee golf match on the beach, and even children can experience the thrill of this sport as there will be a court set up especially for them. And let’s not forget the spectacular beach parties, including a welcome party on Thursday evening, and those in the best nightspots on the Riviera.

One of the fundamental characteristics of the Ultimate competition, and one that sets it apart from all other sports, is the lack of referee. Indeed, the presence of a referee is not provided for at any level of international or European competition; a referee is simply not part of the rules and regulations.

Basically the players referee themselves, in keeping with the spirit of loyalty and responsibility that characterises the sport. Any disagreement that may arise, whether due to a catch made outside the court or due to physical contact that hinders the action, is resolved between the players. When an agreement cannot be reached then the Frisbee is given back to whoever launched it last and the action begins again.

A competitive spirit is encouraged and indeed, is the basic ingredient for the Ultimate competition. Like in all other sports, the objective is to win but never to the detriment of loyalty, honesty and the pure joy of playing. It may seem strange but it’s true, that’s how it works and it always works well! At the end of each match, the teams chat and joke about the match before saying their goodbyes. At the end of each tournament, the fairest and friendliest team is presented with the “Spirit of the Game” fair play award that is almost as coveted as the final victory itself.

A “jewel of the sea” that relaunches sailing tourism on the Rimini Riviera. The Marina di Rimini, an extremely modern and functional wet dock, is already operational and has given the city a new heart, which is in an important strategic position for all marine enthusiasts. With 660 berths, 60 for craft in transit, and covering a surface area of 108,000 square metres, Rimini Marina is one of the leading harbours in Italy and indeed the Mediterranean, thanks especially to the extremely advanced construction techniques used to build it. The new quays can be reached via the old canal port, which means that boats and other craft can enter the marina no matter what the sea conditions. The port is on average 4 metres deep and is therefore, also suitable for larger boats. The marina has parking facilities for 500 cars, including garages and both covered and uncovered parking spaces.