Cattolica Aquarium

Address: Piazzale delle Nazioni, 1A, 47841 Cattolica (RN)
Maps Location: Open navigator
Phone: 0541 8371
By car: A14 Motorway, Cattolica exit
By train: Cattolica Railway Station + Bus line 125
Parking: Yes, paid

The Cattolica Aquarium, opened in 2000, is the largest on the Adriatic coast and the second largest in Italy. Spanning an area of 110,000 square metres, it houses over 3,000 specimens from 400 different animal species and offers a journey through the biological evolution of the Earth and its marine ecosystems.

Housed within a truly unique architectural complex (a former seaside summer camp from the 1930s whose shape resembles a naval fleet), this is no ordinary fish tank: it is a full-blown exploration of our planet divided by colours. Here's how to find your way around and make sure you don't miss the real stars of the Aquarium.

What awaits you: The 4 colour-coded routes

The Aquarium is organised into four distinct itineraries, each with its own colour and theme. The great thing is that you can follow them in any order you like!

The Blue Entrance: The Kingdom of Sharks and Penguins

This is the main and longest route. Here you will journey beneath the seas of the entire world. The absolute stars are the great Sand Tiger Sharks, swimming slowly and majestically in the largest tank (holding 700,000 litres of water!), alongside the lightning-fast nurse sharks. Right after, get ready to smile at the Humboldt Penguin area — always busy and clumsy on land, but true torpedoes once they dive in. A special mention also goes to the jellyfish tank: mesmerising and deeply relaxing.

The Yellow Entrance: Freshwater and toothy grins

A plunge into the rivers and lakes of the world. The undisputed stars here are two: the adorable and tireless Asian Small-Clawed Otters (watching them play is pure joy) and the far less reassuring Cuvier's Dwarf Caimans, motionless and camouflaged like logs in the water.

The Green Entrance: Scales, cold blood and fascination

This pavilion is dedicated to reptiles, amphibians and exotic insects. If you love chameleons, iguanas, brightly coloured poison dart frogs and snakes (including pythons and boas), this is your place. For children, it is a bit like stepping into a miniature jungle to search for animals hidden among the leaves.

The Purple Entrance: The Abyss and the giants

A fascinating route dedicated to the mysterious creatures that inhabit the darkness of the ocean depths and to interactive themed exhibitions, often focusing on perfect predators or prehistoric creatures. An excellent way to conclude and reflect on evolution.

💡 "Pro" tips for a stress-free visit

The Aquarium is wonderful, but on overcast days (when the beach is not an option) it gets packed. Here's how to save your day:

1. Crowd-beating strategy: If the forecast says rain, don't go at 10:00 in the morning (everyone else will). Better to show up around lunchtime (about 1:30 PM) or in the late afternoon, when the crowds thin out dramatically and you can enjoy the tanks in peace.

2. Feeding times: Always check the map at the entrance or the website to find out when the sharks, penguins, otters and rays are fed. That's when the animals are most active and there is always a biologist sharing incredible stories over a microphone.

3. Watch out for flash: Fish don't have eyelids! Absolutely avoid using flash when taking photos (especially at the shark and seahorse tanks) — it disorients and frightens them.

4. How long does it take? To complete all four routes at a leisurely pace while reading the information panels, allow approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Practical Information

How to get there: The Aquarium is located in Cattolica, at Piazzale delle Nazioni (seafront area). If you are coming from Riccione by car, it takes about 15–20 minutes. If you prefer public transport, Bus line 125 departs from both Riccione and Cattolica stations and stops just steps from the entrance.

Parking: There is a very large paid car park right in front of the building, extremely convenient (but remember to bring coins or download the parking app).

Full accessibility: All 4 routes are indoors and barrier-free. No problems for wheelchairs or pushchairs (which are very easy to manoeuvre thanks to the convenient ramps).

Where to eat: Inside there are food outlets for snacks and coffee, but since the Aquarium sits right on the Cattolica seafront, you only need to step outside to find a wide choice of piadina shops, fish restaurants and pizzerias.

A visit to Cattolica Aquarium is the kind of day that keeps the whole family happy. Enjoy the colours, lose yourself in the blue and get ready to meet the king of the seas!