Some people are already meeting up with friends and relatives to talk about their next holidays by the sea. Generally everyone agrees on Emilia Romagna region because of its equipped beaches, good food, sport, fun and affordable prices! So why don't you spend your holidays in Misano Adriatico in the province of Rimini? Famous location for the MotoGP race, this place is perfect for couples and families with young children or teenagers.
Getting around in Misano Adriatico
The oldest part of the city is Misano Monte which is located in a panoramic position on a hill just 3 km away from the sea. Here you can visit the Church of San Biagio, patron saint of the town, the remains of the Malatesta Castle and the Oratory of Agina. The centre includes the sea area and that of the Town Hall, while in the hamlet of Portoverde you can find a prestigious leisure port with a small equipped beach, exclusive seafood restaurants, nightclubs and shops. I recommend a walk at sunset, even if you're not travelling by boat!
Things to do during your holidays in Misano Adriatico
Beach and seafront
Beaches in Misano extend for about 3 Km and offer many services. The main entrance is from Piazzale Roma, where there are two fountains perfect for cooling down a bit during hot summer days. The low and sandy seabed is perfect for children, moreover a system of barriers forms small coves where the sea is always calm and shallow. All beach resorts have games and activities for kids. There are even baby changing cabins!
If you don't like sitting still under the sun there are many sport fields, otherwise, you can choose among many water sports such as surfing, windsurfing or you can even rent a paddle boat, canoe or jet ski...I'll tell you more about this soon! Many group activities such as dances and water gym will ensure you a lot of fun! The seafront has been recently renovated making it perfect for your evening walks.
Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli
If you are a motorbike enthusiast you'll definitely know the Misano World Circuit auto track. It is located in the district of Santa Monica and was designed in 1969. Following the various extensions it has reached its current length of 4226 meters within an area of about 600 thousand square meters and a capacity of 75000 visitors between grandstands and parterres. Today it is named after Marco Simoncelli, the young racer from Romagna who died during the Malaysian Grand Prix in 2011. Active all year round, it hosts the riders of the Moto GP with the Gran Prix of San Marino and the Rimini Riviera in September, the superbikes in June and national and international motor races. During the weekends when there are no races or events, practice days are organised for the public on open tracks.
Sports
Not only for car and motorcycle races, Misano will be able to conquer every kind of sportsman, especially cycling and watersports lovers. It is possible to cross the Valley of Conca by bike, passing through a wildlife oasis of about 702 acres including a bird observatory with various species such as herons, pelicans and storks. There are three paths with varying degrees of difficulty: easy (blue route) of about 7.5 km of flat asphalt; middle (green route, with gravel) of about 7.4 km in the river area; difficult (orange route, with gravel) about 13 km among the hills. The city has joined the initiative of bike sharing with 20 bikes distributed throughout the city, so if you are interested in hiring one just take contact with the local Tourist Information Office. Beaches are equipped for different watersports, from the cheapest ones as wind surf and paddle surf to the most expensive ones, such as sailing boat, water scooter and water skiing. It is possible to do sea excursions on a motorboat to different destinations, such as Baia Vallugola, the natural park of San Bartolo, Pesaro, etc.
Shopping
No doubt it's women's favourite sport ;) The main area is among the streets Piemonte, Marconi D'Annunzio and the square Piazza della Repubblica. In addition to clothing, souvenir and sea equipment stores, there are also many pubs, bars and restaurants for a tasty break.
For shopping of big brands I suggest a visit to San Giovanni in Marignano, about 5 km away, where you will find various outlets. The weekly street market takes place every Friday morning in the street Via Verdi.
Fun for all ages
After the beach, younger children can continue to have fun among inflatable playgrounds, swimming pool balls, playrooms, trampolines and mini golf... I'm sure they'll fall asleep in a second at night! For those who love nightlife there are trendy clubs and discos, such as Byblos Club set in a Mediterranean style villa, Villa delle Rose and Peter Pan.
Local cuisine
No presentation is needed for a cuisine that is known and appreciated all over Italy and Europe! Piadina romagnola, homemade pasta and fresh fish from the Adriatic are some of the traditional dishes that you can find at the restaurants in Misano, along the promenade and the port of Portoverde. Enjoy a romantic evening with your other half in one of the elegant seaside bars!
Events
Among the sporting events not to be missed there's obviously the Superbike race in June, the Grand Prix of San Marino and Rimini Riviera in September and the Handball Festival in July. In mid-June in the town of Villaggio Argentina there's the Cherry Festival (Sagra della Ciliegia), with food stalls, shows and music entertainment. Every evening between July and August there is the International Festival of Piano Interpretation, with free concerts in Gradara and Misano Adriatico.
