Excursions
and guided tours
Cattolica - riviera romagnola

What to see in and around Cattolica

Experience Cattolica like a local
There’s something special about Cattolica. You can feel it right away, as soon as you arrive. Its small, cozy, and welcoming city center is a little world that comes alive all year round, thanks to the locals and tourists who choose it as a place for the soul.
There’s a rare balance between the elegance of the seafront, its shops and streets, and that unmistakable Romagna warmth that makes you feel at home within minutes.
At EM | Hotel & Spa, experience Cattolica like a local. With insider tips from our staff and excursions and experiences you can book directly at reception, you’ll discover the most authentic side of the Queen of the Adriatic.

What to do in Cattolica:
our recommendations

Discover the boutiques in the city center
Step out of the hotel and you’ll find yourself right on Via Curiel, the beating heart of Cattolica, lined with storefronts and cafes. Walk down Via Bovio and Via Mancini, the streets with the trendiest shops, until you reach the elegant Piazza del Municipio, with its picturesque fountains.
Experience the charm of the harbor
Watch the fishing boats return at dawn or enjoy the golden hour at Piazzetta del Tramonto, where you can take in a panoramic view of the entire Riviera, all the way to Cesenatico.
Visit the Cattolica Aquarium
If it happens to be cloudy, spend an afternoon exploring the sea's creatures. It's perfect for both adults and children, as Cattolica's aquarium is the most important one on the Adriatic, where you can see sharks, penguins, otters, and colorful fish.
Get around by alternative means
Hop aboard the Trenino Blanco, a children's favorite, for a scenic tour of the city all the way to the Aquarium, or cross the canal harbor on the Caronte, the ferry that connects Cattolica to Gabicce Mare, Romagna, and the Marche region.
Explore the Indoor Market
Step inside this Art Nouveau property from 1926 to explore the historic shops, including fishmongers, stalls selling local fruit, and shops offering traditional products where you can discover the true flavors of Romagna.
Admire Piazzale I Maggio
With its Fountain of the Sirens, it is the symbol of Cattolica. It’s located just a 1-minute walk from EM | Hotel & Spa, and on summer evenings it hosts the famous Dancing Fountains show. Sit back with an ice cream and enjoy the spectacular lights, music, and water displays in a magical atmosphere!
Party at Lamparino
Located right on the sand in the harbor area, this venue is a regular Tuesday night destination for local residents: the evening kicks off with a live concert until 11:00 PM, followed by barefoot dancing on the beach. The music takes you on a journey through the best rock songs of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, keeping the party going late into the night.
Experience the nightlife at ALTO
Want to really feel like you’re part of the local vibe in Cattolica? Stop by ALTO, the lounge bar at EM | Hotel & Spa in the “4 Bar” district. Here, the evening unfolds with signature cocktails, gourmet dishes, curated vinyl, and live music events. Take a seat at one of the tables overlooking the pedestrian promenade to soak up the bustling energy of city center life.
Discover ALTO BAR
Spend a day on a boat
Explore the coast from a new perspective as you cruise along the cliffs of Monte San Bartolo Park. At EM | Hotel & Spa, you can book a boat excursion right at the reception: rent a rubber dinghy to navigate on your own, or choose a sailing excursion with our skipper.
Discover

What to see in and around
Cattolica

Guided bike tours

Discover Romagna with our professional cycling guides. There are several options to choose from: the trails of Mount San Bartolo overlooking the sea, the “Via del Sangiovese” routes through the vineyards, or the itineraries that wind through the rolling hills of the inland region.
Recommended itineraries

Gradara

The quintessential medieval village, famous for its fortress where Paolo and Francesca lived out their love story, as immortalized by Dante. Stroll along the ramparts to admire the hills and the sea from the top of the fortified walls. It’s a 10-minute drive away.

Gabicce Monte

A panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the perfect spot to enjoy the view of the entire coastline. Stop for an aperitif at sunset at one of the bars perched on the cliff. It’s less than a 10-minute drive away.

Monte San Bartolo Park

An amazing nature reserve facing the sea, featuring scenic trails and untamed nature. Explore the trails overlooking the water on foot or by e-bike, surrounded by the scent of broom. It’s a 10-minute drive away.

Montefiore Conca

Dominated by the massive Malatesta Fortress, it's one of Italy's most beautiful villages and a symbol of medieval power. Climb up to the terrace of the fortress to take in a panoramic view of the entire valley all the way to the sea. It's a 15-minute drive away.

Mondaino

A fortified village famous for its 19th-century circular square and for the historical reenactment of the Palio del Daino, held every August. Descend into the village’s ancient pits to discover how the renowned local cheese, “formaggio di fossa,” is made.