Riccione is a lively seaside resort of the Emilia Romagna region in the heart of the Adriatic coast and at a short distance from Rimini. It is very famous among the youth for its nightlife and trendy discos located in the surrounding hills, but it's also very popular among tourists of all ages and not just for the sea!
Here's a list of things to do and see during your holidays or on a day trip!
Spending a day at the beach
There's no doubt that many tourists choose Riccione for the quality of its beaches: 130 kilometres of clean sand, with equipped bathing facilities and also free areas. The great organisation as well as the kindness and professionalism of the lifeguards are known worldwide! If you don't like lying down on your sunbed for too long, you'd be happy to know most beach resorts offer playing fields for any sport activity, entertainment with dancing and courses of all kinds, mini gyms and the unmissable paddle boats. Other services and facilities are bars, restaurants and for those who just cannot help it... good wi-fi connection! If you travel with your faithful four-legged friend, you'll find suitable beaches.
Making a stop at the amusement park
A perfect alternative for those travelling with friends and children. You'll be spoiled for choice!
Top attraction is Acquafan, a huge water park with games for children and adults. Next to it, there's Oltremare park, with many sea creatures and dolphin shows. It also hosts Imax, a large theatre displaying 3D movies on the great mysteries of nature. If you're looking for the perfect kid-friendly beach, I recommend you Beach Village, a water park with bathing facilities for children like games, slides, pools and with many dining options.
Doing shopping in the city centre
You've probably heard about Viale Ceccarini, a real paradise for shopaholics and main entertainment centre of Riccione. It is a large pedestrian area leading down to the waterfront and also well connected to the train station. Shops, bars and restaurants fill every corner of this road which leads to two perpendicular streets, Viale Dante and Viale Gramsci, that are also full of shops, clubs and pubs. Armani, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferretti, Max Mara, Trussardi, Rolex, Cartier and many other luxury boutiques are present. And if your budget is tight, don't be discouraged! There are also much more affordable stores like Zara, Sephora, Benetton etc.
Visiting Riccione Paese
It's the old part of the city, home to stores, historic shops and cafes: here is where the daily life of Riccione takes place. Don't miss the Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery Villa Franceschi, the Cultural Centre of Pesa with the Town Library and the Local History Museum, with a collection of artifacts relating to Riccione and its surroundings from prehistoric times to the Roman era. I suggest you to go up the hill behind Riccione and reach the Agolanti Castle, the residence of a noble family from Florence. Today it is owned by the town and used as a setting for many important events.
Walking among the beautiful Art Nouveau Villas
Leave behind the railroad through the underground pedestrian walkway, you'll find yourself in a boulevard dotted with Art Nouveau villas and cottages, built between the late 1800s and the early 1900s. Some of them are now home to museums and cultural sites, while many others have become luxury hotels. At corner of Lungomare della Repubblica and Via Giardini rises the famous Villa Mussolini, purchased by Donna Rachele Mussolini in 1934; a free guided tour is offered. In Via Gorizia 2 there's Villa Franceschi, today the seat of a Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery; in Via delle Medaglie you'll find Villa Lodi Fè.
Relaxing at baths
If you are looking for a little relaxation, you'd better visit the Baths of Riccione, located on the seafront in the tourist area. They use the beneficial properties of waters from 4 different sources: Adriana, Celestina, Claudia and Isabella. In addition to the classic baths, you can give yourself moments of complete rest with massages and advanced treatments.
Tasting piadina romagnola and other typical dishes
It wouldn't be a vacation in Romagna without the legendary piadina romagnola!! You'll find it everywhere and of the better quality, always prepared with the finest ingredients. Latest variant to the classic salty version is the sweet one, filled with Nutella! Another highlight of the local cuisine is homemade pasta, such as tagliatelle, tagliolini, strozzapreti and tortellini. Being a seaside city, you'll find excellent fish! Try the grilled fish and the delicious brodetto (fish soup). Typical products of the hinterland are the extra-virgin olive oil, tasty cured meats, wines like Sangiovese, Pagadebit, Trebbiano and, to taste with desserts, Albana and Cagnina. You can buy them directly in one of the many local farms.
Having fun at the discos
Let's end this funny adventure with an amazing cocktail and good music in one of the waterfront clubs or in Viale Ceccarini. Here you can have dinner and dance until late at night, unless you prefer continuing your party in one of the historic discos set in the surrounding hill: Cocoricò, Peter Pan and the nearby Villa delle Rose, just name a few. The clubs along the sea can be easily reached from the old town centre on foot or by bus, whereas the discos can be reached either by car or with a night bus service usually leaving from the train station.
