Those who come here to enjoy the sea know they'll find perfectly equipped beaches and clean safe waters that have continually received the Blue Flag award. A great destination for young and old alike, there's fun for everyone on the beach or at the amusement parks along the Romagnola Riviera. These are only a few reasons why this town is a perfect destination. You can see for yourself thanks to our many holiday offers to Cattolica.
Cattolica has everything. From day and night-time fun to relaxing at beautiful wellness spas near the sea or in green oases. There are also many cultural activities outside the city, and inland hamlets to be discovered, in this region rich in artistic and popular history. There are loads of sports on offer, in the sea, on the beach or at fitness centres. You can do everything from beach volleyball to cycling and even golf. Cyclists can stay at the Bike Hotel in Cattolica, with specialised services and itineraries for cycling holidays.
Concentrated in spring, summer and autumn, Cattolica's best events draw numerous tourists to the city every year. The climax is reached during the Pink Night, the longest night of the summer, when all the cities along the coast put on shows, concerts, parties and activities until dawn. Cattolica has many characteristics typical of the Romagnola Riviera. Warm and welcoming, cordial and cheerful, the Riviera has always been a world famous spot for international tourism. Nestled in an inlet at the foot of Monte San Bartolo, the city centre is concentrated in a small hub where most city life unfurls, with interesting sites, historic buildings, squares, shops and entertainment spots.
From Piazza Roosevelt you can access the city's main road, Viale Bovio which leads on to the shops and a pedestrianised street to Piazza 1° Maggio, where folks meet up year round. One point of interest in the city centre is the Piazza del Mercato, which is definitely worth a visit. The commercial heart of Cattolica in the 1900s, still today it hosts a covered market and is surrounded by shops and businesses. Other must-sees are the Church of Sant’Apollinare and the Church of San Pio V near Piazza Roosevelt. Finally, for a taste of local history and culture, the Queen's Museum reveals Cattolica's ancient nautical traditions as well as the city's Roman origins.
A great place for all ages is the Cattolica Aquarium. It is called Le Navi, The Ships, because its structure recalls a fleet of ships and is the biggest aquarium on the Adriatic. There are different routes to follow - Blue, Green, Purple and Yellow - which take you on an underwater journey of over 4 hours to discover the sea and its more than 3000 inhabitants: 400 different species from all the world's oceans and seas.
Once in Cattolica, in addition to the endless things to do, remember that you are in Romagna, one of Italy's gastronomic capitals. As you're in a seaside town, we highly recommend trying the fish, cooked according to Romagnole recipes, with a slight influence from The Marches. O’ Capitano, mio Capitano and Gente di Mare are two great places to taste local specialities. If you prefer meat or other typical dishes, Ristorante Amarcord and Osteria da Joni are wonderful alternatives. Cafés and seaside pubs will tempt your palate with typical stuffed wraps (piadine). When choosing where to stay, health and wellness have recently become a common tourist trend, so there are many hotels with fitness centres, spas and hotels offering deals to the hot spring spas. For a day trip, check out Rocca di Gradara and its Fortified Hamlet, one of the best preserved medieval structures in all of Italy. The hilltop castle is a perfect spot to visit during a last minute holiday offer to Cattolica.
