Ravenna is a city of mosaics, but it is also a seaside destination. Just a few kilometres east of the centre, the lidos of Marina di Ravenna, Punta Marina, Marina Romea and Porto Corsini offer miles of flat, fine sand and gently shelving water along the Adriatic. This is the Romagna riviera in a quieter, greener form than the busy resorts to the south, with pine trees behind the beach and a more relaxed, family feel. In summer, rows of stabilimenti, the beach clubs that rent umbrellas and sunbeds, line much of the shore, while free public stretches allow anyone to lay down a towel. The beaches are the perfect contrast to a morning of churches.
Marina di Ravenna is the main hub. It has a long promenade, shops, bars and a harbour where fishing boats unload, and there are seafood restaurants along the canal and the seafront serving grilled fish, fritto misto and fresh clams. Punta Marina is a mellower option with a pine backdrop, and further north, Marina Romea and Porto Corsini have wilder dunes and nature areas that suit walkers. Parts of this coast are protected, and the dunes and lagoons hold birdlife.
The summer pattern is simple. Mornings are for the beach, lunch is fish and a glass of cold Albana, and afternoons are for rest. In July and August the beaches are busy, particularly at weekends, with Italian families and groups, so reserve a place in a beach club if you want comfort. In May, June and September the climate is warm, the sea is pleasant and the crowds are smaller. Outside the season the beaches are peaceful, ideal for long walks and a windswept coffee.
Getting there is easy. Buses run from the station and the centre, there are cycle paths from town, and a car takes about twenty minutes. It is possible to combine a morning in the city with an afternoon at the sea, which is one of the real pleasures of staying in Ravenna instead of Venice or Bologna. Watch for the lifeguard flags, and note that facilities and hours change with the season. Children will enjoy the shallow, sandy shore, and parents will appreciate the playgrounds and ice cream stands along the front.
What to expect
The experience
A half-day at the sea, with free public beach, optional beach clubs, a promenade and fish restaurants.
Best time
June and September for warm water and lighter crowds.
How long
Half a day.
Tips
Take the bus or a bike, book a beach club on weekends in high season, and order the fish of the day.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and summer travellers who want sand with their culture.
- Families
- Shallow water, playgrounds and gelato.
- Couples
- Sunset walks and a seafood dinner by the harbour.
- Pair with
- Pineta di Classe and a seafood lunch.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Are the beaches free?+
Public stretches are free. Beach clubs charge for umbrellas and loungers.
How do I get there?+
By bus from the station, by bike or by car. It takes around twenty minutes by road.
When is the best time to go?+
Late May to June and September offer warm weather with fewer people.
Is the water calm for children?+
Generally yes, with shallow, sandy entry, but check flags and lifeguard notices.
What should I eat?+
Fresh Adriatic fish, fritto misto, clams and local white wine.
