Riccione Tourism

Riccione offers over 45 activities and experiences that go far beyond the sea: water sports (SUP, sailing, pedalos), 40 km of cycle paths along the Adriatic Cycle Route towards Rimini, amusement parks for all ages, the Cetacea Foundation’s turtle rehabilitation centre, excursions to Gradara and San Marino, spas and wellness facilities all year round, and a nightlife that attracts young people from all over Europe.

For families with children, there is the Riccione Family City 2026 programme, with free events from March to September, including the Kids Family Festival and the Tulip Park.

Read the full guide: 46 things to do in Riccione →

In summer, Riccione offers 134 beach establishments along 6 km of coastline, a traffic-free promenade perfect for cycling, and an evening scene that includes shopping on Viale Ceccarini, aperitifs on the beach and venues such as Cocoricò and Peter Pan. From May to September the town is in full swing: amusement parks are open, there are outdoor events and concerts, restaurants and beach bars on the sand.

Compared to other destinations on the Romagna Riviera, Riccione stands out for its concentration of amenities in a compact area: hotels, the beach, the town centre, spas and nightlife are all within walking or cycling distance, with no need for a car.

Riccione is one of the most popular destinations for Italian families because its beaches, hotels, parks and facilities are designed to make holidays hassle-free. The beaches are equipped with play areas, lifeguards and shallow waters suitable for children. Aquafan, Oltremare and Riccione Avventura are right in the town; Italia in Miniatura and the Cattolica Aquarium are less than 15 minutes away.

Family-friendly hotels offer children’s menus, kids’ clubs and beach access included. The 40 km of cycle paths allow you to get around safely with child seats and cargo bikes. In 2026, the Riccione Family City programme will add free events dedicated to children throughout the season.

The Riccione Thermal Baths are open all year round and offer thermal pools, wellness programmes, beauty treatments and inhalation therapies. The Perle d’Acqua Park centre has outdoor pools with thermal water and hydromassage, and is the ideal solution for rejuvenating weekends or rainy days during the summer.

In autumn and winter, Riccione never stops: the town remains lively with markets, Christmas events organised by the council (concerts, Ferris wheel, ice skating), and a New Year’s Eve programme that attracts visitors from all over Italy. Many hotels remain open all year round with more affordable off-season rates.

Riccione is an excellent starting point for exploring the Romagna hinterland and nearby towns. Gradara (20 minutes) boasts one of Italy’s best-preserved medieval castles. San Marino (30 minutes) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with three panoramic towers on Mount Titano. Rimini can be reached in 23 minutes by Metromare: the historic centre, Tiberius’ Bridge, Borgo San Giuliano and the Cinema Fulgor dedicated to Fellini.

Even closer: the Vallugola Bay and San Bartolo Park for those seeking a different kind of sea and nature from the Romagna beaches, and Santarcangelo di Romagna (15 minutes) with its tuff caves and authentic medieval village.

Discover all the places near Riccione →

Summer, from May to September, is the best time: the town is at its best, with beaches, parks, evening events and nightlife all in full swing. May and June offer the best weather with fewer tourists, and are ideal for those who want to enjoy Riccione without the crowds of July and August.

Easter and the spring bank holidays are excellent for a first taste of the season: the weather is pleasant, the beach reopens, many hotels offer special packages and the parks kick off the season.

Christmas and New Year are a great time to visit thanks to the events organised by the local council — concerts in the square, a Ferris wheel, ice skating — and the spas open all year round. It’s a different Riccione: quieter, less touristy, but with its own unique atmosphere.

General rule: hotels by the sea or on the seafront always cost more than those a few hundred metres further inland. This applies to all areas of Riccione. Most accommodation is located on the sea side of the railway line, so the beach is always within walking distance.

The central area (Viale Ceccarini, the harbour) is the most expensive and the most convenient: shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife are just a short walk away. Ideal for those who want to be at the heart of it all.

To the south, the Abissinia and Fontanelle area — towards Terme and Misano — is greener and quieter, with fewer hotels and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for those seeking relaxation and less crowded stays.

To the north, the Alba and Marano area offers generally more affordable prices and a wide range of accommodation. The Marano sul Mare area is the youngest and liveliest, with beach clubs and bars frequented mainly by young people.

By car: A14 Bologna–Ancona motorway, Riccione exit. It takes about 5 minutes from the toll booth to the centre. Free parking is available in the outlying areas; in the town centre and along the seafront, parking is paid and fills up quickly in summer — cycling is the best way to get around.

By train: Riccione station is on the Bologna–Ancona line, served by regional and Intercity trains. It is a 10-minute walk from the station to the sea.

By plane: the nearest airport is Federico Fellini in Rimini (RMI), about 15 km away. Alternatively, Bologna (BLQ) is about 130 km away and is connected by train.

In Riccione, most hotels offer a range of accommodation options. The choice depends on how you want to spend your holiday: here’s what each option includes and who it’s best suited to.

All-inclusive is the most convenient option, especially for families. It includes meals, drinks and often beach service with parasols and sun loungers. Clear costs, no surprises, ideal if you want to spend the day between the hotel and the sea without a care in the world.

Full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel. It offers a good balance between comfort and price: you always eat at the hotel but without the extra services of all-inclusive.

Half board (breakfast and dinner) is the option most often chosen by those who want freedom during the day — beach, day trips, lunch out — and to return in the evening without having to worry about dinner.

Bed and breakfast (B&B) is the most flexible option. Perfect for those who want to explore Riccione, try the restaurants and piadina kiosks, and organise each day independently.

For those travelling with children, the most convenient choice is the all-inclusive option: meals, drinks and beach access are included, so you don’t have to worry about a thing and the costs are clear from the moment you book. Full board also works well for families who prefer regular meal times and always eating at the hotel, especially with young children.

Couples often choose half-board or B&B. These options give you freedom to come and go as you please during the day: you can have lunch at a beach bar, take a trip to Gradara or San Marino, try a traditional trattoria, and return in the evening knowing that dinner (in the case of half-board) is already waiting for you.

Romagna’s cuisine is one of the reasons people return to Riccione. The piadina is everywhere: kiosks prepare it fresh with squacquerone cheese, rocket, prosciutto and dozens of variations. You can enjoy excellent dishes of Adriatic fish — mixed fried fish, spaghetti with clams, sardoncini scottadito — in the restaurants by the harbour and in the beach bars.

For those eating in hotels, Romagna cuisine is the norm: fresh handmade pasta (tagliatelle, cappelletti, passatelli), grilled meat, seasonal vegetables. Many hotels also offer gluten-free menus and children’s options. In Riccione, you can eat well at any price point.