Free walking tours in Cattolica and what to see

Must-sees

Cattolica is a beach town at the southern end of the Emilia-Romagna coast, right on the border with the Marche. Life revolves around the sand and Piazza delle Sirene, which opens onto the sea. From there runs Via Dante, the centre's main street of shops and terraces.

Fishing boats moor in the canal harbour, which is lined with seafood restaurants. The Museo della Regina has an archaeological section and another devoted to traditional seafaring. If you travel with children, the Cattolica Aquarium occupies Le Navi, a 1930s complex of buildings whose shapes recall ships.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours or regular guided walks in Cattolica. What Civitatis offers is entry to the aquarium, a visit that works well for families. To explore the area with a guide, the option is to go to Rimini, where there are organised tours, or make your own trip to Gradara castle, in the hills inland.

How long to spend

Cattolica's centre can be seen in a couple of hours: the square, the harbour and the museum. The aquarium needs another two or three hours. Most people come for several days at the beach, and from here you can visit Gradara, Rimini or Gabicce Mare, where the Monte San Bartolo nature park begins, with paths along the cliffs.

Where to stay

Almost all of Cattolica's hotels are on the streets parallel to the beach, a few minutes' walk from the sea and the centre. The streets near Piazza delle Sirene and Via Dante are the liveliest at night. If you want more calm, the southern part, towards the Tavollo river and Gabicce Mare, is more residential. In summer occupancy is high, so book ahead.