⚓️☀️ Coastal Charm in Cesenatico: A Local Favourite on Italy’s Adriatic Coast

Living in Faenza means I’m spoiled for choice when it comes to weekend escapes and one of my absolute favourites for a day by the sea is Cesenatico. This pretty little port town is just over an hour away by train, making it the perfect spot for a spontaneous day out, and it’s where many of the locals head when they want to switch off and unwind.

Even though we’ve never stayed overnight, I’ve visited Cesenatico a few times now and it never loses its charm.

🌊 A Relaxed, Authentic Seaside Town

Cesenatico is everything you want from a laid-back coastal town: colourful buildings lining the historic canal harbour, traditional fishing boats bobbing in the water, and charming piazzas full of cafés perfect for people-watching. It’s got all the beauty of some of the bigger-name beach towns but without the crowds, you’re far more likely to find Italian families enjoying their summer holidays here than hordes of tourists, which makes it feel really authentic.

🛶 Porto Canale Leonardesco

One of the town’s standout features is the Porto Canale, designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci (yes, really!). The canal winds right through the centre of town and is home to traditional fishing boats that make for the prettiest photo ops. In the evenings, especially in summer, the area comes alive with people strolling along the harbour and grabbing gelato or aperitivi with sea views.

🏖️ Beach Days Done Right

Just a short stroll from the harbour, Cesenatico’s beach stretches for miles and is ideal for a proper chilled-out day. Think soft sand, calm waters, and plenty of well-run beach clubs where you can rent a sun lounger and relax. The water here is usually lovely and shallow, which makes it great for families or anyone just wanting a gentle paddle without battling big waves.

Although we tend to go to Rimini for proper beach days (and I can 100% vouch for the buzzing vibe there too), Cesenatico is a gorgeous, more peaceful alternative when you fancy something slower paced.

🍝 Food, Glorious Food

As with anywhere in Emilia-Romagna, the food in Cesenatico is absolutely spot on. Being right by the sea, expect delicious fresh seafood, grilled fish, seafood pastas, and fritto misto are menu staples here. Whether you’re stopping at a casual seaside trattoria or grabbing something to go, you’re in for a treat.

You’ll also find lots of local produce and traditional Romagna dishes, don’t leave without trying a piadina (flatbread filled with cheese, ham or veggies) from one of the beach kiosks!

🚆 Easy to Get To, Easy to Explore

One of the biggest perks of Cesenatico is how easy it is to reach from places like Faenza, Bologna, or Rimini. The train station is close to the centre, and from there it’s totally walkable. It’s also a great jumping-off point if you want to explore the rest of the Adriatic coast, with places like Cervia, Milano Marittima, and even San Marino all within easy reach.

💡 Handy Tips for Visiting Cesenatico:
• Perfect for a day trip: Quick to get to and easy to explore on foot.
• Great for couples or families: Relaxed, friendly, and full of charm.
• Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn is ideal for beach weather, but even in the cooler months the harbour and town are still beautiful to explore.

Whether you’re adding it to a longer Italy itinerary or just fancy a peaceful seaside escape away from the tourist hotspots, Cesenatico is a little gem worth discovering. It’s one of those places that doesn’t shout for attention, it simply charms you into coming back.

If you’d like help planning a visit to Cesenatico or the surrounding Romagna coast, just pop me a message – I’d love to help 💜