Cesenatico

In the picturesque historical center, which resides harmoniously among modern urban structures, people can still get a sense of the atmosphere of the old fishermen's village. The soft sandy beach which stretches out towards the sea, with its well-equipped beach centers, and the hinterland, with two big parks, are only a few of the distinctive features of Cesenatico. Its "Giardini al Mare” is a lively place, a long green area where people can sunbathe while walking peacefully.

The origin of Cesenatico dates back to 1302, when the harbour was dug and the fortress was built in order to defend it. In 1502, Leonardo da Vinci designed the Canal Harbour, which is still the pride of the town. On August 2 1849, Garibaldi with Anita and two hundred followers sailed from this harbour on fishing boats called "bragozzi" in order to rescue Venice. In the oldest part of the Canal Harbour, the Maritime Museum with historical boats shows the seafaring identity of Cesenatico. Not far from there, it is possible to admire Casa Moretti's spaces, with every day objects and original writings of the well-known 20th century poet.

The town is really loved by cyclists thanks to the facilities it offers and to international cycling events which are held mainly during the spring. Whereas during the summer it is mostly visited by families for the quiet and relaxing atmosphere that characterizes it.

The various lists of summer events offer concerts, themed nights with tastings, the well-known Sunrise Concerts or night classical music perfomances together with the outdoor theatre events and typical markets every evening.

You can't leave without having tasted an Adriatic blue fish dish in one of the many typical restaurants facing the Canal Harbour designed by Leonardo da Vinci and without having purchased a hand-printed cloth, a characteristic local craft.

Cesenatico's gastronomy, based on fresh fish, offers the best of the traditional fish dishes in the characteristic restaurants located along the Canal Harbour, to be tasted with the typical piadina bread.

There is a wide range of entertainment in Cesenatico's territory: from outdoor sports such as cycling, beach volley, sailing, antennis, to ship excursions which do "tourist fishing", from daily trips in the marvellous hinterland villages, to the plenty of lively street-bars and clubs along the beach animated by young people.

And in order to keep in shape, there is a variety of tennis courts and football fields, sailing clubs, windsurf, basketball, volleyball and athletics schools with very good equipment. But Cesenatico is especially the capital of cycling tourism, thanks to the equipment and to all of the services dedicated to cycling.

The Nove Colli (Nine hills), a well-known long distance cycling competition; the characteristic "Festa di Garibaldi" with the Cuccagna raffle and the "Garibaldini's" procession; the "Sunrise Concerts" in the magic atmosphere of dawn right on the water's edge; "The fish parties", gastronomic event dedicated to the Adriatic sea blue fish; the Marina nativity scene, set up on the traditional boats of the Maritime Museum.

Among of the many interesting sites those that certainly deserve a visit are the beautiful Malatesta's city of Cesena (19 km), with the old Library, declared a UNESCO monument; the hinterland hills full of lovely small towns, among which Longiano (20 km) and Gambettola (12 km); the city of Ravenna (34 km), a world heritage site and Mirabilandia amusement park in Savio (20 km); Rimini and its coast (15 km).