Riccione Tourism: The Complete Guide to Your Holiday

Riccione offers over 30 activities and experiences that go well beyond the sea: water sports (SUP, sailing, pedal boats), 40 km of cycle paths with the Adriatic Cycle Route towards Rimini, theme parks for all ages, the turtle rescue centre at the Fondazione Cetacea, excursions to Gradara and San Marino, thermal baths and wellness all year round, and a nightlife that draws 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: 31 things to do in Riccione →

In summer Riccione offers 134 beach clubs along 6 km of coast, a seafront closed to traffic and perfect for cycling, and an evening scene that includes shopping on Viale Ceccarini, beach aperitifs and venues such as the Cocoricò and the Peter Pan. From May to September the city runs at 100%: theme parks open, open-air events and concerts, restaurants and beach kiosks on the sand.

Compared to other destinations on the Romagna Riviera, Riccione stands out for its concentration of services in a compact space: hotels, beach, town centre, thermal baths and nightlife are all reachable on foot or by bike, without needing a car.

Riccione is one of the top choices for Italian families because beaches, hotels, parks and services are designed to make the holiday simple. The beaches are equipped with play areas, lifeguards and shallow waters suitable for children. Aquafan, Oltremare and Riccione Avventura are right in town; Italia in Miniatura and the Cattolica Aquarium are less than 15 minutes away.

Family-friendly hotels offer children's menus, miniclubs and beach service included. The 40 km of cycle paths allow you to move around safely with child seats and cargo bikes. In 2026, the Riccione Family City programme adds free events dedicated to the youngest guests throughout the season.

The Riccione Thermal Baths are open all year round and offer thermal pools, wellness paths, 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 does not stop: the town centre stays lively with markets, Christmas events organised by the Municipality (concerts, ferris wheel, ice skating), and a New Year's Eve offering that attracts visitors from all over Italy. Many hotels stay open all year round with more affordable off-season rates.

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

Even closer: the Vallugola Bay and the San Bartolo Park for those looking for a sea and nature different from the Romagna beach, 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 city is at the peak of its offering, with beaches, parks, evening events and nightlife all running. 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 spring bank holidays are great for a first taste of the season: the weather is pleasant, the beach reopens, many hotels offer dedicated packages and the parks start their season.

Christmas and New Year work well thanks to the events organised by the Municipality, concerts in the square, ferris wheel, ice skating, and the thermal baths open all year round. It is a different Riccione: quieter, less touristy, but with its own atmosphere.

General rule: seafront hotels always cost more than those a few hundred metres further inland. This applies in every area of Riccione. Most accommodation is located on the sea side of the railway, so the beach is always reachable on foot.

The central area (Viale Ceccarini, harbour) is the most expensive and the most convenient: shopping, restaurants, clubs and nightlife a few steps away. Ideal for those who want to be at the heart of everything.

To the south, the Abissinia and Fontanelle area, towards Riccione 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 many hotels. The Marano seafront area is the liveliest and most festive, with beach clubs and venues popular especially with younger visitors.

By car: A14 Bologna, Ancona motorway, Riccione exit. From the toll booth to the town centre is about 5 minutes. Free parking is available in the outer areas; in the centre and on the seafront the car parks are paid and fill up quickly in summer, the bike is the best way to get around.

By train: Riccione station is on the Bologna, Ancona line, served by regional and Intercity trains. From the station to the sea it is just 10 minutes on foot.

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

In Riccione most hotels offer different stay formulas. The choice depends on how you want to experience the holiday: here is what each one includes and who it is best suited for.

All inclusive is the most convenient option, especially for families. It includes meals, drinks and often the beach service with umbrella and sunbeds. Clear costs, no surprises, ideal if you want to spend the day between hotel and sea without thinking about anything.

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

Half board (breakfast and dinner) is the most popular formula for those who want freedom during the day, beach, excursions, lunch out, and want to come back in the evening without worrying about dinner.

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

For those travelling with children, the most convenient choice is all inclusive: meals, drinks and beach are included, worries are avoided and costs are clear from booking. Full board also works well for families who prefer regular schedules and always eating at the hotel, especially with young children.

Couples often choose half board or B&B. These formulas leave freedom of movement during the day: you can have lunch at a beach kiosk, take a trip to Gradara or San Marino, try a typical trattoria, and come back in the evening knowing that dinner (in the case of half board) is already prepared.

Romagna cuisine is one of the reasons people come back to Riccione. The piadina is everywhere: the kiosks prepare it on the spot with squacquerone cheese, rocket, raw ham and dozens of variations. You can enjoy excellent Adriatic seafood dishes, mixed fried fish, spaghetti with clams, grilled sardines, in the restaurants by the harbour and in the beach kiosks on the sand.

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