If you are looking for family-friendly beaches and lots of fun activities for adults and kids alike, then Riviera Romagnola, on the Adriatic Coast, is where you need to go. This area attracts thousands of tourists all year round, as it can offer shallow and safe beaches, theme parks, nature, historical and cultural attractions, amazing cuisine and good weather.
Italian seaside for kids. Cesenatico, on the Adriatic Coast (Riviera Romagnola)
There are lots to do here. But one of my kids’ favourite places is the Maritime Museum in Cesenatico. This is a small but fascinating museum, dedicated to the history of the traditional navy of the Adriatic Coast.
The exhibition starts outside
And it consists of the floating section anchored in the harbour: walking along Porto Canale, you can admire ten traditional fishing boats, which used to sail the Adriatic sea over two centuries ago.
Maritime Museum in Cesenatico: Floating Section along Porto Canale
Just take a relaxing stroll along the canal, together with the locals and the tourists, maybe with a refreshing ice-cream. Enjoy the view and the sea smell. And let the kids admire the colourful sails, decorated with symbols of old fishermen families. Can you even jump on a couple of them and pretend to be a pirate?
Why not jumping on board and sail following your dreams?
The indoor section
Walking along the harbour, you will eventually arrive at the second section of the museum. This consists of an indoor space, opened in 2005, which offers a fascinating tour in the Adriatic navy traditions, with videos, workshops, displays and real ships that can be closely observed. The building itself was designed following the shape of ancient arsenals.
The indoor section of the Maritime Museum in Cesenatico.
The ground floor is dedicated to equipment, engines and construction materials: here visitors will be able to learn all about the simples materials and technologies used to sail for centuries. Kids will see ancient and modern anchors, including two wrecks dating back to the seventeenth century. They will also find interactive installations, where they can measure their skills in rigging, knots and hoists.
The exhibition continues through objects showing the life on board: fishing nests, clothing, equipment and religious symbols.
Traditional fishing nests at the Maritime Museum of Cesenatico.
Do not miss the stunning view from the two prominent terraces on the second floor!
Enjoying the view from the terrace at the second floor…
What we like about the Maritime Museum
During Christmas time, the harbour and its boats become theatre to the famous Maritime Nativity. Real size statues are placed on the ancient vessels anchored in the harbour, while stunning Christmas lights give the whole canal a soft and romantic atmosphere. This is one of the most evocative representations of the Christmas Nativity throughout Italy!
Good to know
- How to get there: by car, follow SS16 Rimini-Ravenna, SP8 Cesena-Cesenatico, Motorway A14 Bologna-Ancona exit Cesena). Follow the sign to Cesenatico Centre (centro). Please note that the Museum is located in Via Armellini, closed to the traffic. For parking suggestions, see below.
- Where to park: we suggest parking in Piazza della Rocca (on the left, before the rail crossing).
- Opening times: Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays 10 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm; starting from 25th April, open every day 10 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm; starting from 16th June, open everyday 10 am – 12 pm and 5 pm – 11 pm.
- Tickets: 2 euro (visits to the Antiquarium and to the Trabaccolo boat are included); free for children up to 6 years old; 1 euro for children from 7 to 16 years old.
- Kids facilities: sometimes, the museum organises workshops and activities for children; however, their website is unfortunately only in Italian, therefore, we suggest to write an email or call them in order to check whether there are any activities scheduled when you plan to visit. Contacts below.
- Nearby: Antiquarium, Cesenatico beaches, Butterfly House.
Information and bookings
Museo Della Marineria di Cesenatico
Via Armellini, 18
47042 Cesenatico – Forlì Emilia Romagna Italy
Tel.(0039) 0547-79205
Fax (0039) 0547-79254
email: infomusei@cesenatico.it
website: www.museomarineria.eu
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