What can one do in Cesenatico?
The name Cesenatico awakens the longing for vacation in me. Vacation, which in this case means lounging on the beach. Just do nothing, sleep in, soak up the sun, Cocktails slurp and from time to time seek cooling in the sea. At least in my imagination! However, when I hear the name of this town on the Adriatic coast, I also think of thousands of parasols and sun loungers Sandy beach, where holiday guests can relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Possible activities in Cesenatico
Relax on the Cesenatico seafront
Idle on the beach Lying isn't usually our way of vacationing. That's why we've avoided this part of the Adriatic like the devil avoids holy water. A mistake, as it turned out. There is a lot to do and discover in and around Cesenatico that makes a holiday in Emilia Romagna eventful.

The Cesenatico the bathing vacationer
Admittedly, the parasols and sun loungers on the sandy beach are still there today. We are here at the end of May, just before the Pentecost holidays. Therefore we have free choice. When we arrive in Cesenatico on Friday, the promenade is empty. Only now and then do I meet a walker or bather on my walk past the Bagnos, the beach restaurants. These separate the sandy beach from the shore road.
Book your hotel in Cesenatico here *
Cesenatico offers a variety of hotels for all tastes. Here is a list of the best hotels in Cesenatico.
- Hotel Lungomare*: Located directly on the sea, this hotel offers a private beach, a wellness center and a restaurant.
- Hotel Vista Mare*: The rooftop terrace is a highlight of this modern hotel, which also offers sea view rooms.
- Grand Hotel Da Vinci*: This luxurious hotel has a large pool, a private beach and a renowned restaurant.
- Hotel Caesar*: This family-friendly hotel has a children's pool, animation and bike rental.
- Hotel Sirena*: The hotel impresses with its central location, private beach and in-house gym.
- Hotel Miramare*: This traditional hotel is located near the city center and has a restaurant.
- Hotel Lido*: Here you will find a swimming pool and a varied breakfast buffet.
- Hotel Geminus*: This family-run hotel offers a garden, a play area for children and bicycles for free use.
- Hotel Maree*: Enjoy the homemade breakfast at this hotel.
- Hotel David*: In this cozy hotel you can benefit from a private beach, a pool and a restaurant.
Many hotels operate a bagno. We stay in one of these hotels. We stay in Four-star Hotel Michelangelo Valverde*. This is a family hotel that is only almost fully booked at the weekend. When we get there on Friday, there are few guests in the hotel. Therefore we have the pool, the restaurant and the premises almost to ourselves. If you are looking for a quiet stay, you should arrive during the week rather than during the holiday season.

The Bagnos of Cesenatico
We visit one of the bagnos to have an aperitivo there. There we experience a surprise: Bagno operator Andrea and his wife. The two give us a warm welcome that we immediately feel at home.
Because it's Friday, the kitchen stays cold. That's why there are antipasti from the region with the Vino Sangiovese Superiore. Piadino, which our companion Alessandra calls "the bread of the poor". This is flatbread made from flour, salt and lard that tastes best warm. Either you eat this with ham, salami and cheese. Or you can fill it with ingredients of your choice. We liked the antipasti so much that we spent the evening at Andrea's and decided not to eat at the hotel.
regulars
Andrea tells us about one of his guests from Germany, who has been spending his holidays in Cesenatico for years and is one of his regular guests. “He always comes with his wife and only asks for antipasti. But he eats them in large quantities,” he laughs. "Then he goes out into the sea or onto a canoe, where he works off the calories again." The Bagnos offer beach holidaymakers an alternative to hotel food. They can also get to know the specialties of the region and the hospitality of Emilia Romagna.

Cesenatico Sights
In addition to the beach life at Emilia Romagna Beach, there are things to see in Cesenatico. Don't miss this one. They are located away from the beach promenade in the old town and on the harbor canal.
One of the attractions of Cesenatico is the port designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Here you can admire the old ships and discover the history of the fishermen and seafarers of this area. Another highlight is the Marco Pantani Museum, dedicated to the famous Italian cyclist.
But that's not all! Cesenatico also has many other interesting sights, such as the Municipal Theater and the Parco di Levante. In this park you can relax and enjoy nature while taking a walk through the gardens.
Cesenatico map
The Cesenatico of yore
There is the other side of Cesenatico. The place where Leonardo da Vinci left his mark. It was the genius of the Renaissance who planned the port of Cesenatico. In such a way that its shape protects it from silting up. Leonardo designed the port canal in 1502. It was intended to improve the port facilities. The canal is now in Cesenatico's old town. Along the canal are the Maritime Museum, the Antiquarium, Casa Moretti and the theater as well as Piazza Pisacane with its monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi.

We walk along the canal towards the sea. We pass one restaurant after the other. Inside, the tables are already waiting for the lunch guests. Covered with tablecloths, rows of wine glasses, serviettes and floral decorations, they attract visitors. In between there is always a gelateria, in whose windows all kinds of ice cream are waiting for their buyers.

The old town is one of the sights of Cesenatico
However, we don't think about food in the morning. We want to take a closer look at the old town and follow the canal. Passing the sailing ships of the Maritime Museum, which have found their harbor here after being used in the Adriatic, we go to the sea. The closer we get to the water, the more intensely it smells of fish. On Sunday the fishermen's boats are in the harbour. Our noses immediately inform us of the function the boats are performing during the week.
We discover the fish market, above which the wind turns metal fish in circles on a wind chime. Although it's the weekend, trucks are parked in front of the warehouses. Fish are being loaded there.

In Piazza Ciceruacchio we can still see the perimeter of the Pretoria Tower. This once protected the harbor from pirate attacks. Near the lighthouse, the Da Vinci Gates keep the city safe during sea storms. Also worth seeing is the Piazzetta delle Conserve in the heart of the old town. This owes its name to the pits that were dug here in the dune sand. Fish were once stored there. It was kept fresh with ice and snow. The ice was collected in winter. Long before refrigerators were invented, it preserved food in the mines. Four of these cooling pits have now been restored and can be visited.
Excursions around Cesenatico
- In Sogliano al Rubicone you can learn how to Fossa cheese manufactures. This is a cheese specialty that only exists in this region.
- There is also a museum dedicated to music. in the Palazzo della Cultura from Sogliano al Rubicone, Elvis, Amy Winehouse and Michael Jackson make an appearance.
- Visit one of the Wineries of Emilia Romagna and taste the wines of the region.
Questions and answers about Cesenatico
What water sports can you try in Cesenatico?
In Cesenatico you can try various water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, stand-up paddling and kayaking. There are numerous schools and rentals offering courses and equipment for beginners and advanced learners.
What are the must-see attractions in Cesenatico?
In Cesenatico there are several places of interest, such as the Maritime Museum, the picturesque Porto Canale, the Piazza delle Conserve and the Church of Saints James and Philip. The Porto Canale, designed by Leonardo da Vinci, is particularly well known.
Which traditional dishes to try in Cesenatico?
The local cuisine of Cesenatico is known for its fresh seafood and fish dishes. Traditional dishes include brodetto di pesce, a fish soup, cappelletti al ragù di pesce, pasta stuffed with fish sauce, and sarde in saor, marinated sardines.
How to enjoy the beaches of Cesenatico?
The beaches of Cesenatico are ideal for relaxing, sunbathing and swimming. Most of the beaches are private and belong to bathing establishments that rent sun loungers and parasols. There are also some free beaches where you can stay without paying a fee.
What events are held in Cesenatico each year?
Cesenatico hosts several events throughout the year, such as the International Sailing Regatta, the Fish Festival “Azzurro come il Pesce”, the Wine Festival “Calici di Stelle” and the Christmas crib on the water where historic boats are festively decorated.
Travel Arrangements:
Parking at the airport
Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.
Arrival by plane or train
Arrival by plane, bus or train*. Lufthansa and Air Dolomiti fly to Bologna. Book your flight here.* You can then travel by train to Cesena: Timetable and booking*.
Car Rentals:
Cheap rental cars – book here!
Hotels in Cesenatico:
Hotels in Cesenatico * you can book for example under this link.
Camping:
One campsite is the Cesenatico Camping Village, Viale Giuseppe Mazzini, 182, 47042 Cesenatico FC, Italy. A Rent a motorhome you can here. Or would you rather stay in one roof tent on the car? Also the overnight stay in camping tents is possible. With our Motorhome packing list You'll never forget anything again.
Italian Adriatic Travel Guide
- Luxury Camping on the Adriatic Sea in Italy: Your Ultimate Guide
- Camping in Cesenatico Italy
- Adriatic vacation
- Beach vacation on the Baltic Sea
- Torrone - nougat from Italy
- Italy for connoisseurs
- Explore Binz Ostseebad
For example, Judith Weibrecht gives tips for active vacationers between Cesena, Cesenatico and Faenza:
Emilia Romagna by bike - From bike to tide
Visit one of the Fossas in the hinterland:
Where can you find regional cheese specialties?
Gudrun Krinzinger also has tips for connoisseurs:
Tips for Cesenatico
A trip tip from Cesenatico for music lovers
Elvis lives in Emilia Romagna!
If you like wine, you should remember this tip:
Wines grow in Emilia Romagna
Antje Gerstenecker from mee(h)rerleben also reports on Cesenatico:
Cesenatico - Why the port city is worth a visit
Where is the best place to experience the "Dolce far niente"?
The gastronomy of Cesenatico

Slow Travel Destinations you can find it here, for example. Discover Cities in Italy also here.
Source: On-site research. We would like to thank the Cesenatico Bella Vita Union in cooperation with 21 Grammy. However, our opinion remains our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Last update on 7.09.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX / Affiliate links / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API