Riccione: the green pearl of the Adriatic where the sea means glamour
This place is one of the most popular seaside resorts on Emilia Romagna’s Adriatic Riviera. Featured in songs and films, it has become famous throughout the world for its lively and fashionable spirit. We’re talking about Riccione, the Green Pearl of the Adriatic, which has been enticing families and young people for decades with its elegant and party-loving atmosphere.
What makes Riccione special? Its large, well-equipped beach, the fashionable clubs that stretch from the sea to the hills, the luxury boutiques of Viale Ceccarini, unique events such as the Pink Night at the beginning of summer, and the large water parks such as Oltremare and Aquafan just a stone’s throw from the centre.
Riccione can be explored and enjoyed at any time of the year, but to experience it at its finest, it’s a good idea to plan your holiday here between spring and summer. You can expect an unrivalled welcome, with tranquillity, fun and a touch of glamour awaiting you.
The two-sided soul of Riccione, from the seafront to Viale Ceccarini
Summer life in Riccione has two main landmarks. The first is the famous seafront promenade that stretches for more than 11 kilometres from the Marano area, bordering Rimini, to Fontanelle Abissinia, before giving way to Misano Adriatico.
Along this tongue of extremely fine sand are 148 establishments that promise to meet a wide range of requirements. Those looking for a five-star experience even on the beach should concentrate on the most central area, which includes bathing establishments no. 40 to no. 77. The reason is simple: the entertainment on offer for young and old is unparalleled and the facilities are state-of-the-art, including swimming pools, whirlpools and vascular paths and areas for beach tennis or beach volleyball matches and tournaments.
The harbour divides the city in two, and it is in this area that visitors to Riccione will find the second landmark: Viale Ceccarini, a place where the sea air meets fashion and glamour.
This elegant district starts from the large Piazzale Roma, dominated by Tonino Guerra’s “Bosco della pioggia” fountain, and extends inland in a succession of boutiques, shops with attractive window displays, restaurants and bars for outdoor aperitifs. Here, the hustle and bustle of tourists and visitors of all ages never stops, not even in the evenings, as venues organise outdoor events, concerts, fashion shows and exhibitions to enjoy with a delicious drink in your hand.
And if you are in Riccione at the beginning of July, you cannot miss Pink Night, the most famous event on the Adriatic Riviera, which transforms the city and the entire coast into a big party for three days with music, concerts and exclusive events from dusk to dawn.
The most popular nightclubs on the Riviera
Riccione shares with Rimini the accolade of being the most popular city among people who want to party all night long. Cocoricò with its glass pyramid and Pascià are within walking distance of each other in the hills of Riccione and ensure unique evenings all year round.
The summer schedule is undoubtedly the fullest of the year, but the winter line-ups are no less impressive. If you are in town to watch a sports competition at the Swimming Stadium or to attend an event at the futuristic Palazzo dei Congressi, why not check out the social profiles of these venues and get ready for a morning of music and cocktails?
Culture and amusement parks complete Riccione’s wide range of activities on offer
Riccione also has plenty to satisfy those who want to explore places of cultural interest during their holidays. Villa Franceschi, a small Art Nouveau jewel that’s only a stone’s throw from Viale Ceccarini, houses the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art with its large collection of works from the 20th century to the present day. On Viale Milano, close to Piazzale Roma, stands Villa Mussolini, Il Duce’s historic holiday home, which has now been converted into a venue for important exhibitions and events.
And what about amusement parks? Aquafan stretches over more than 1,000 square metres with pools and slides of all kinds and adrenaline-filled attractions such as Kamikaze, Twist and Surfing Hill.
Next to this water park is the Oltremare theme park, which has over 30 years of history. Here, you can embark on a journey through the wonders of nature. Highlights include the dolphin lagoon for guided tours, shows and close encounters with many of the park’s iconic dolphins such as Ulysses, Mia and Grandma Pelé.
The Eagle Experience allows you to learn more about eagles, owls, hawks, buzzards and vultures, while the Australia Experience is dedicated to the hemisphere of Oceania with lots of wallabies, palaeontology experiences and plenty of activities for the little ones.