Top 10 beaches in Emilia-Romagna
Emilia-Romagna is home to a long and lively Adriatic coastline, with golden sandy beaches, charming seaside towns and plenty of hidden coastal gems. Here are 10 of the best beaches to visit in Emilia-Romagna.
10. Lido degli Estensi
Just outside the lagoon town of Comacchio, Lido degli Estensi is one of the liveliest beaches on the northern Emilia-Romagna coast. Its long sandy shoreline, beach clubs and relaxed seaside atmosphere make it a great place to combine a beach day with a visit to nearby Comacchio.
Why visit: Long sandy beach, lively atmosphere and easy access to Comacchio.
Hidden Italy tip: Spend the morning exploring the canals of Comacchio before heading to the beach in the afternoon. The town lies only a few kilometres from the coast.
9. Cattolica
At the southern end of Emilia-Romagna’s coastline, Cattolica offers a wide sandy beach backed by a colourful and lively seaside town. The calm, shallow Adriatic water makes it particularly popular for relaxed swimming and long summer days by the sea.
Why visit: Golden sand, shallow water and a classic Italian seaside atmosphere.
Hidden Italy tip: Stay until the evening and walk along the waterfront when the beach clubs begin to quiet down.
8. Cesenatico
Cesenatico combines a broad Adriatic beach with one of the most characterful historic centres on the Riviera. Its colourful canal harbour, traditional fishing boats and long sandy coastline make it much more than just a beach destination.
Why visit: Sandy beaches combined with a beautiful historic canal town.
Hidden Italy tip: Leave the beach before sunset and wander around the canal harbour before dinner. Cesenatico is one of the historic seaside towns highlighted by the region itself.
7. Riccione
Riccione is one of the most famous resorts on the Riviera Romagnola, known for its long sandy beach, stylish beach clubs and lively summer atmosphere. The wide shoreline stretches for kilometres, giving you plenty of choice between busy establishments and quieter sections.
Why visit: Long sandy beach, stylish beach clubs and a lively Riviera atmosphere.
Hidden Italy tip: Walk or cycle along the seafront early in the morning, before the beach fills up for the day.
6. Pinarella di Cervia
South of Cervia, Pinarella feels noticeably greener than many of the larger resorts along the Adriatic. A beautiful pine forest runs directly behind the sandy beach, creating a peaceful natural buffer between the town and the sea.
Why visit: Golden sand, shady pine forest and a relaxed atmosphere.
Hidden Italy tip: Bring or rent a bicycle and follow the paths through the pine forest before spending the afternoon on the beach. The coastal pinewoods continue around Pinarella and nearby Tagliata.
5. Lido di Spina
Lido di Spina lies close to the lagoons and wetlands of the Po Delta and combines a spacious sandy beach with a green, pine-covered setting. It feels calmer and more residential than many of the larger resorts further south.
Why visit: Wide sandy beach, pine trees and easy access to the Po Delta.
Hidden Italy tip: Combine your beach day with an early-morning or evening trip into the Po Delta for one of Emilia-Romagna’s most unusual landscapes.
4. Marina Romea
Surrounded by pine forest, lagoons and the landscapes of the Po Delta, Marina Romea is one of the greenest seaside destinations in Emilia-Romagna. Paths through the woodland lead towards a long golden beach, while the nearby wetlands give the area an unexpectedly wild feel.
Why visit: Golden sand, pine forests and beautiful surrounding wetlands.
Hidden Italy tip: Explore the trails around the Pialassa della Baiona as well as the beach. This is one of the best places along the coast for combining sea and nature.
3. Milano Marittima
Milano Marittima offers one of the most elegant beach experiences on the Riviera. Its long sandy shoreline is backed by pine trees, stylish beach clubs and the leafy streets of one of Emilia-Romagna’s best-known seaside resorts.
Why visit: Beautiful sandy beach, pine trees and a stylish seaside atmosphere.
Hidden Italy tip: Walk north or south away from the busiest central beach clubs for a quieter stretch of sand.
2. Casalborsetti
North of Ravenna, Casalborsetti offers a much wilder side of the Adriatic coast. Its long sandy beaches sit close to the wetlands, river mouths and natural landscapes of the Po Delta, giving the area a peaceful atmosphere far removed from the larger Riviera resorts. The regional tourism board specifically describes this part of the Ravenna coast as having wild beaches.
Why visit: Wild beaches, open space and a peaceful natural setting.
Hidden Italy tip: Come around sunrise or late afternoon, when the empty shoreline and surrounding nature are at their most atmospheric.
1. Spiaggia della Bassona
For the wildest beach experience in Emilia-Romagna, head to Lido di Dante and continue towards the protected Bassona area. Beyond the small resort, the developed coastline gives way to free beach, dunes and Mediterranean vegetation beside the historic Pineta di Classe.
Why visit: Untouched coastline, dunes, pine forest and one of the region’s most natural beaches.
Hidden Italy tip: Leave the car behind and continue on foot or by bicycle through the pine forest towards the quieter stretches of beach, motor vehicles are not allowed in the protected section.
Plan your Emilia-Romagna trip
Want to see more than just the beaches? Explore Emilia-Romagna’s historic cities, colourful villages, rolling countryside and incredible food with our regional guide and seven-day road trip itinerary.
7-day
roadtrip
Explore Emilia-Romagna in seven days, combining elegant cities, medieval towns, scenic countryside, incredible food and the Adriatic coast.
EMILIA-ROMAGNA TRAVEL GUIDE
Discover Emilia-Romagna’s historic cities, colourful villages, Adriatic coast and some of Italy’s most famous food traditions.