In the Heart of Riccione

The Green Pearl of the Adriatic

Riccione, a splendid jewel of the Romagna Riviera, blends the allure of the sea with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Emerging as a tourist destination in the late 19th century, frequented by aristocratic Hungarian and Austrian families, it became an elite destination.

The city’s destiny was shaped by Maria Boorman Ceccarini, an American philanthropist who, with her husband Giovanni Ceccarini, transformed Riccione through charitable works: from the hospital to the first kindergarten, from the canal port to a canteen for the needy. Her motto, “I have more than I need, it is my duty to give to the poor,” lives on in the glamorous Viale Ceccarini, the vibrant heart of Riccione.

In the 1950s, Hollywood celebrities like Tyrone Power, landing at Miramare Airport and spending unforgettable nights at Club Villa Alta on Riccione’s hills, enlivened its nightlife. In the 1960s, cinema icons like Totò and Sophia Loren, alongside singers like Celentano and Mina, were seen elegantly conversing on the terraces of Viale Ceccarini’s restaurants or at Dancing Savioli.

It’s no coincidence that Federico Fellini, in his iconic masterpiece “La Dolce Vita,” has a character mention Riccione as a friend’s vacation destination in a refined Roman villa scene. And who could forget Alain Delon’s intense gaze at Sonia Petrovna during a breakfast at Fino’s, with Riccione’s fishing boats in the marina as the backdrop of an iconic scene in Valerio Zurlini’s “The Desert of the Tartars.”

The world-renowned equipped beaches offer more than a day by the sea: sports like beach volleyball, paddle, yoga, and windsurfing, children’s games, and sunset aperitifs create a vibrant atmosphere. Here, under the golden sun, first loves blossom amid laughter and the magic of the Adriatic coast. The warm, carefree Romagnolo hospitality makes every experience unforgettable.

Romagnolo cuisine, celebrated worldwide, is a triumph of flavors: from hill treasures like porcini mushrooms and truffles to seafood dishes featuring “humble” fish like sardines, mantis shrimp, sole, clams, mussels, and red tuna. Piadina and homemade pasta take center stage, celebrated in gastronomic tours through the hills, where farmhouses offer authentic products and breathtaking views.

The hinterland enchants with medieval castles like Gradara, tied to the love story of Paolo and Francesca narrated by Dante, and the nearby Republic of San Marino, one of the world’s smallest countries and a UNESCO Medieval Paradise with its enchanting “Fairy Path.” Viale Ceccarini, with its luxury boutiques and trendy venues, complements the pedestrian and bike-friendly promenade, among Europe’s most beautiful, ideal for cycling and major events. Theme parks like Aquafan and Oltremare, liberty-style villas, the Territory Museum, and the Agolanti Castle enrich the cultural offering.