Riccione beyond the beach: nature, culture and amusement parks

Imagine the taste of salt on your skin, the sound of waves and a cocktail in your hand, with the freedom to try something new every day.
Riccione offers all this and more: a summer energy and party atmosphere, as well as a slower pace of life, wonder and discovery.

Known as the ‘Green Pearl’ of the Adriatic, it is one of the most iconic destinations on the Romagna Riviera. Here, summer is not just a season: it’s a way of life.
While its lively, well-kept beaches are perfect for those seeking relaxation and fun, the boutiques and clubs in the town centre have been setting summer trends for decades.
But that’s not all: thanks to its gentle, village-dotted hills and the surprising nature of its hinterland, not to mention the amusement parks that thrill adults and children alike, Riccione is the holiday destination of choice for those looking for a different, special experience every day.

Beach and seaside life: sport, relaxation and style

The Riccione seafront is an elegant promenade lined with fine sand, beach clubs and modern bars.
Here, the day begins with a cappuccino by the sea, followed by a swim and some beach sports, before finishing with an aperitif at sunset accompanied by live music.

For families, there are areas dedicated to children and pets; for those who prefer a more active holiday, there are beach volleyball and beach tennis courts, paddle courses, aquagym, yoga, sailing and kite surfing; for the more romantic, summer nights are coloured by soft lights and glamorous evenings in the seaside bars.

Beyond the sea: villages, nature and amusement parks

Culture: the enchanted villages of the Val Conca

For those who want to immerse themselves in history and authenticity, just head inland.

The Val Conca, which can also be explored by bicycle, is home to some of the most charming villages in Romagna, suspended in time and immersed in breathtaking hilly landscapes.

Passing through San Giovanni in Marignano, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, also known as the Village of Witches, you will reach:

→ Montefiore Conca: the medieval capital of the valley, Montefiore is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Not only is it one of the most intact and fascinating villages of the Malatesta Seignory, but from its castle you can admire a view that stretches as far as the Apennines of the Marche region.

→ Saludecio: characterised by an unmistakable profile of bell towers, towers and walls, this charming village features murals dedicated to important and curious 19th-century inventions, stone alleys and a Renaissance atmosphere..

→ Mondaino: perched on the ridge that divides Romagna from the Marche region, the village of Mondaino is famous for its circular square and historical re-enactments. The hill where deer once grazed is now home to a fascinating re-enactment called Palio del Daino (Deer Palio).

→ Montegridolfo: a few kilometres from Mondaino stands Montegridolfo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, completely restored and surrounded by high walls: the ideal place for a walk through history and silence.

Nature: the Onferno Natural Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Just a few kilometres from the coast, nestled in the hills of the Conca Valley, lies one of Romagna’s most extraordinary natural sites: the Onferno Nature Reserve. This biodiversity hotspot boasts grasslands and forest trails, as well as a fascinating underground world.

At the heart of the reserve are its karst caves, carved out by water over thousands of years, which are now open to visitors accompanied by expert guides who recount the area’s history and secrets. As you walk through the cool, evocative underground tunnels, you can discover one of Italy’s most significant bat colonies, comprising thousands of specimens from seven different species that have made the natural tunnels their home.

Grotte di Onferno - Riserva Naturale via Facebook — Grotte di Onferno – Riserva Naturale via Facebook

The Onferno Caves have recently been recognised by UNESCO as a site of universal value due to their unique characteristics and global significance.

The reserve also offers a small natural history museum, picnic areas, hiking trails and restorative silence — perfect for those seeking an authentic break in close contact with nature. It is an unmissable spot for discovering the most mysterious and fascinating side of the Riccione hinterland.

Amusement parks: adrenaline and discovery for all ages

The Riviera has always been synonymous with fun, and Riccione is home to some of Italy’s most iconic attractions:

→ Cattolica Aquarium: the largest aquarium on the Adriatic Coast tells the story of the relationship between humans and animals (over 400 different species including sharks, jellyfish and penguins) and invites visitors to learn about and protect our planet’s immense marine heritage.

→ Aquafan: Europe’s most famous water park, with adrenaline-fuelled slides, wave pools, relaxation areas and summer shows for young and old alike.

→ Oltremare: an educational park where you can discover the natural world through science and adventure. Here you can observe dolphins, birds of prey and parrots up close, as well as discover the evolution of the world and the origins of mankind in evocative and interactive settings.

Riccione is more than just a seaside resort: it is the ideal starting point for experiencing the Romagna Riviera in all its forms, inviting you to live every day as a different adventure, from the beach to the hills, from the tranquillity of the villages to the thrill of the amusement parks.