Cesenatico is today a fairly large community of over 20,000 people, whose economy revolves for the larger part on summer tourism.
Its beautiful Leonardo's Port is decorated by shops and gelaterie, and one portion of the channel is closed off and dedicated to the Floating Museum of Marine History, where ancient fishing boats used locally are on display. As you admire the beautiful sails, you might want to know they're all painted with natural coloring available in the past century, and each sails represent a fishing family of the area, so that the boats could be recognized at great distance.
The Lungomare is a popular spots for aperitivi and evening walks, as well as the vital center of the town during weekends year-round. Bars and cafe and restaurants and pizzerie are scattered along the 3 km stretch of road it covers.
The ancient port still exerts a special fascination with its old-time sail boats, and the golden, wide beach and low sea bottoms make it an ideal place also for families with young children, not to mention the celebrated night life of the Italian Riviera, that will certainly entice young and older tourist.
The central skyscraper is a real sore in the eye, for both local people and tourists. Built in the fifties, when a "signature building" was the trademark to distinguish one tourist town from the other, this concrete, 30-floor structure is as misplaced as a street bum at a dinner gala. Under a constant renovation process that makes it look in even worse shape than it is, all wish that it might quietly collapse one of this days and deliver us from its ugliness.
Hundreds of hotel will be able to accommodate the summer visitors, at very competitive prices, but expect fairly frugal accommodations. During the winter months, though, you'll find a pretty sleepy town with an apparent lack of things to do. Look twice, though: Romagna is very generous with its populations, providing endless entertaining options at every time of the year!
Best time to visit are probably May, June and September, although during the Holiday Season a gorgeous nativity scene is on display on the boats of the Floating Museum. don't miss the many pretty surrounding towns and castles.
Cesenatico is only a short drive to medieval beauties like Gradara, San Marino, Santarcangelo, Monte Bello, Montiano, Longiano, Torriana and so on. You won't regret a visit to the heart of Romagna!!
