Cesenatico
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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Although not as famous as some of the bigger resorts further down the Adriatic Coast, the seaside town of Cesenatico is arguably the prettiest in Emilia Romagna, largely due to its wonderful sailboats.
The town boasts a huge expanse of sandy beaches, behind which, the land side area is made up of a system of canals, built with the help of Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century in order to reach the main town of Cesena, some 15 kilometres away. One such canal, the Porto Canale Leonardesco, is where the open-air Museo della Marineria, displays its magnificent array of boats. |
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Spectacular display of ship's sails
The brightly-coloured sails of the boats offer a quite startling spectacle, lining the canal on both sides as it heads seawards. The wide-open spaces of the canal are punctuated at regular intervals by some wonderful fish restaurants as well as numerous bars and cafes. Just before you reach the sea, the town's main marina comes into view with its own impressive collection of modern yachts.
Away from the Porto Canale Leonardesco which roughly splits the town in two, a smaller canal sits a few blocks back from the seafront, following the same direction of the sea.
Around the canal streets there are brightly-coloured houses while the main promenade offers some slightly grander buildings, many of which are hotels. For a town of its size, Cesenatico has an enviable number of accommodation options with some 165 hotels alone, in addition to the many B&B's and private apartments.
Unlikely to get the juices flowing of most visitors but interesting nevertheless is Cesenatico's skyscraper which at 118 metres high, was once among the top 30 tallest buildings in Europe. It takes its place just behind the seafront where it looms over the beautifully-manicured Piazza Andrea Costa which itself sits in front of the Grand Hotel Cesenatico.
Away from the Porto Canale Leonardesco which roughly splits the town in two, a smaller canal sits a few blocks back from the seafront, following the same direction of the sea.
Around the canal streets there are brightly-coloured houses while the main promenade offers some slightly grander buildings, many of which are hotels. For a town of its size, Cesenatico has an enviable number of accommodation options with some 165 hotels alone, in addition to the many B&B's and private apartments.
Unlikely to get the juices flowing of most visitors but interesting nevertheless is Cesenatico's skyscraper which at 118 metres high, was once among the top 30 tallest buildings in Europe. It takes its place just behind the seafront where it looms over the beautifully-manicured Piazza Andrea Costa which itself sits in front of the Grand Hotel Cesenatico.
Cesenatico travel
In terms of travel, Cesenatico is well-connected by rail; its train station is located at the edge of the town centre and offers services to Ravenna (25 minutes) in one direction and Rimini (31 minutes) heading the opposite way.
It's also possible to reach Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna in an hour and 38 minutes without changing train. The most convenient airport for Cesenatico is Rimini & San Marino Airport which is just a half an hour drive away (28 km), while Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is a decent alternative at just over an hour away (104 km) along the main motorway.
It's also possible to reach Bologna, the capital of Emilia Romagna in an hour and 38 minutes without changing train. The most convenient airport for Cesenatico is Rimini & San Marino Airport which is just a half an hour drive away (28 km), while Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is a decent alternative at just over an hour away (104 km) along the main motorway.
Comune di Cesenatico
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Province: Forlì-Cesena
Region: Emilia Romagna Population: 25,958 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 45 km² Highlights: Museo della Marineria, Porto Canale Leonardesco Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2021 - 2022 Close by: Cesena, Forlì, Rimini, Ravenna, San Marino, Pesaro Recommended accommodation: Hotel Vista Mare & Spa |
