One of Italy’s most iconic resorts, Rimini stretches for 15 km with golden sand, rows of umbrellas, and a buzzing summer atmosphere. It’s the go-to spot for nightlife, with beach clubs that stay open late into the night.
Location: Rimini, ~1 hr 20 min from Bologna by train
Getting There: Direct train from Bologna to Rimini, short walk to beach
Best For: Nightlife, long sandy walks, lively atmosphere
Facilities: Beach clubs, restaurants, sunbeds, showers
Trendy and youthful, Riccione is popular for its stylish beach clubs and nightlife. The shallow waters also make it suitable for families, while events and concerts keep it buzzing in summer.
Location: Riccione, ~1 hr 25 min from Bologna
Getting There: Train Bologna–Riccione, 10-minute walk to beach
Best For: Young travelers, nightlife, families
Facilities: Sunbeds, beach bars, sports rentals
Cesenatico blends wide sandy beaches with history thanks to its old fishing harbor designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It’s a slower-paced alternative to Rimini, popular with families and couples.
Location: Cesenatico, ~1 hr 15 min from Bologna
Getting There: Train to Cesenatico, then walk
Best For: Families, cultural visits, relaxed seaside vibe
Facilities: Restaurants, sunbeds, beach cafés
Cervia is known for its salt pans and shaded pine forests behind the beach. The wide sandy shore and calm waters make it a favorite among families looking for a peaceful day by the sea.
Location: Cervia, ~1 hr 30 min from Bologna
Getting There: Train to Cervia–Milano Marittima station
Best For: Families, nature lovers, quiet beach days
Facilities: Sunbeds, restaurants, beach clubs
Chic and fashionable, Milano Marittima attracts a stylish crowd with its upscale beach clubs, boutique hotels, and vibrant evening scene. It’s the place to go if you’re looking for a more glamorous seaside escape.
Location: Next to Cervia, ~1.5 hrs from Bologna
Getting There: Train to Cervia, then short bus/taxi
Best For: Upscale beachgoers, nightlife, cocktails by the sea
Facilities: Luxury beach clubs, fine dining, loungers
A collection of resorts north of Ravenna, the Comacchio Lidi offer vast sandy beaches with a more local feel. Lido degli Estensi and Lido di Spina are especially popular for family outings.
Location: Comacchio area, ~1.5 hrs from Bologna (best by car)
Getting There: Train to Ferrara, then bus or drive
Best For: Families, quieter seaside, budget-friendly trips
Facilities: Restaurants, beach facilities, parking
Bologna may not have a coastline, but the Adriatic Riviera is close enough to make seaside escapes easy. From Rimini and Riccione’s nightlife to Cervia’s family-friendly calm and Milano Marittima’s stylish beach clubs, the beaches near Bologna offer the perfect complement to the city’s historic charm.