When I think of Cesenatico, what comes to mind are the thousand colours of its old boats, the scent of the sea, the calm and relaxed atmosphere of the harbour.
Born as a lovely fishing port, today Cesenatico is renowned for being, along with Rimini and Riccione, one of the favourite destinations for summer holidays: in July and August the Romagna coast fills up with tourists from all over Italy and much of Europe.
I was lucky enough to visit Cesenatico just before the summer, at a time when the town wasn’t yet crowded, and I discovered its artistic, history-rich side.
But what is there to see in Cesenatico? What to do in its old town and what to see nearby?
I’ll tell you all about it below, sharing a little of my experience in this delightful town too.
Off we go!
What to see in Cesenatico: Leonardo da Vinci’s canal port
The old town of Cesenatico is small but beautifully kept, cherished in every detail by those who live here and love this place. Even though it’s a seaside resort like many along the Adriatic coast, it has a unique atmosphere, thanks in part to the canal port tied to the name of Leonardo da Vinci, which welcomes splendid vintage boats in pastel colours.
Among the things to see in Cesenatico, this is a must-stop. Along the Leonardo canal, the typical fishing boats are still moored and lovely colourful houses line the water.
Needless to say, this is also the perfect spot if you want to take a break and taste some of the specialities of Romagna: I promise you’ll be spoilt for choice.
But how did the link with Leonardo da Vinci come about?
Well, in 1502 Leonardo was in the service of Cesare Borgia, who had put him in charge of inspecting the civil and military structures of Romagna. On 6 September of that year he came to Cesenatico too and, in his notebook known as the Codex L, he left two drawings of the port: a bird’s-eye view and a scaled, oriented plan.
But be careful of something that’s often told wrong: the port had already existed for two centuries and there are no documents proving it was rebuilt on Leonardo’s designs. The name “Leonardo canal port” comes, then, from that famous visit and his sketches, not from an actual intervention. The original drawings are today kept in Paris, in the library of the Institut de France, and Leonardo’s passage through Cesenatico has nonetheless carried a strong sense of identity for the local community over the centuries.
What to see along the canal port of Cesenatico
The canal port of Cesenatico is still today the meeting point of town life.
It’s no coincidence that some of the town’s most important monuments are found right here, such as Piazza Pisacane with the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the 19th-century fish market and the characteristic Piazzetta delle Conserve.
What’s that?
The latter was once the place where ice and fish were stored in the hottest months, and where the zero-kilometre market is still held today. Here you’ll find local produce, prepared according to tradition, and the catch of the day. I warmly recommend it!
Along the innermost stretch of the canal, on the left, you’ll find the Maritime Museum of Cesenatico (Museo della Marineria). The museum is divided into two parts: one section is inside a large building, while the other is “floating” on the waters of the canal.
I found it really interesting because it let me learn the secrets of the fishermen and discover a few curiosities I’d never have imagined.
Finally, do notice the beautiful pastel-coloured houses, the ideal backdrop for a few souvenir photos: I fell for them straight away!
The Maritime Museum of Cesenatico: a museum unique in Italy
The history of Cesenatico is very ancient and, during my visit, I went through all of it.
The best way to discover it is to visit the Maritime Museum. You start from the archaeological area with Roman finds and arrive at the 1960s, when Cesenatico began to fill with bathing establishments and became the seaside resort we know today.
The Maritime Museum is unique in Italy because it includes a mobile part.
What does that mean?
Simple: in the oldest stretch of the canal port lies the floating section, about ten traditional Adriatic vessels with their brightly coloured lateen sails, hoisted every day in summer. In the museum itself, on the other hand, you can admire all the tools tied to local tradition, from the fishing boats to their equipment.
Do you know what my favourite moment was?
Climbing aboard a traditional boat, watching up close and discovering the centuries-old traditions of the fishermen of this area. If you have the time and the chance, I absolutely recommend it.
What to eat in Cesenatico
For me, typical dishes are an integral part of travelling and getting to know a place.
Romagna boasts one of Italy’s most interesting culinary traditions, and of course Cesenatico is no exception. So I found plenty to sink my teeth into (piadine included!).
I had the good fortune and privilege of taking part in an authentic fishermen’s lunch, where I tasted the genuine dishes of their tradition, with the catch of the day: rustic, for sure, but no less delicious for it.
Among the things to eat in Cesenatico I recommend risotto with the local catch, the typical grilled sardines and the delicious piadina romagnola.
Finger-licking good!
What to see near Cesenatico
Cesenatico can be a great starting point if you’re thinking of a little tour of the most important towns in Romagna while enjoying the sea. It’s very close to Cesena and Forlì, but I recommend it also if you plan to visit Ravenna, the city of mosaics, or smaller towns such as Santarcangelo di Romagna and the Republic of San Marino.
If instead you want a livelier place to enjoy the nightlife, a few kilometres away is Rimini, with its famous summer buzz and, above all, an extraordinary heritage of Roman and Renaissance art.
In short, on the Romagna riviera there’s no risk of getting bored.
How I discovered Cesenatico
I discovered Cesenatico during a blog tour dedicated to the area, together with a group of fellow travel bloggers.
Spending a few days with people who share your same passion gives you an incredible boost, and it let me experience the town with different eyes: not just sea and beach umbrellas, but history, art and authentic flavours.
If you too love small harbours where time seems to slow down, Cesenatico will win you over.
And you, are you drawn more to the charm of Leonardo’s canal port or to a plate of fish by the canal at sunset?
