From Cortona to the Romagna Riviera: A Weekend on the Adriatic

Our summer travel series “From Cortona by Car: Itineraries Between the Sea, Villages and Cool Mountain Escapes” continues. After exploring the wild beauty of Maremma, we change atmosphere completely and head towards the Adriatic Sea to discover the Romagna Riviera.

If Maremma means nature, silence and authentic landscapes, the Romagna Riviera means energy, hospitality, equipped beaches, evening life and services for every kind of traveler. It is an ideal destination for those leaving from Cortona and looking for a seaside weekend with a livelier and more dynamic mood.

Rimini, Riccione, Cesenatico, Cervia and Milano Marittima all offer different experiences that can easily be combined in the same trip. With a rental car, you can choose where to stop, change beaches, visit several towns and enjoy the Adriatic coast with complete freedom.

If you are staying in Cortona and would like to experience a completely different atmosphere, the Romagna Riviera is an ideal weekend destination by car. From the Tuscan hills, you can drive towards the Adriatic Sea, crossing inland villages, art towns and changing landscapes along the way.

Compared to Maremma, the Romagna Riviera offers a more organized and lively seaside experience. Here you will find equipped beaches, beach clubs, restaurants, nightlife, cycling paths, family activities and a long tradition of hospitality.

This itinerary is perfect for families, groups of friends and travelers looking for beaches, services and entertainment.

Anghiari , source visitarezzo.it

A cultural stop along the way

Leaving from Cortona, you may want to break up the drive with a cultural stop in the Valtiberina area. Sansepolcro and Anghiari are two interesting places for travelers who want to add art and history to the journey.

Anghiari is one of the most charming villages in the Arezzo area, with narrow streets, panoramic views and an authentic atmosphere. Sansepolcro is connected to Piero della Francesca and is a rewarding stop for Renaissance art lovers.

This detour makes the journey towards the Adriatic more relaxed and meaningful.

Rimini view from ita.travel

Rimini: Beach, History and Evening Life

Rimini is the most famous destination on the Romagna Riviera. Many travelers associate it mainly with beaches, but the city also has an interesting historic center with Roman monuments, lively squares, restaurants and bars.

It is a good choice for those who want to combine beach time during the day with an evening walk in town. The beaches are well equipped and ideal for visitors looking for comfort, services and entertainment.

For families with children, Rimini is practical because it offers organized beach clubs, many restaurants and activities for all ages.

Riccione from romagna.net

Riccione: Shopping, Beaches and a Lively Mood

Riccione is perfect for travelers looking for a stylish and dynamic seaside town. It is known for shopping, beach clubs, nightlife and a lively summer atmosphere.

During the day, you can enjoy the beach; in the late afternoon and evening, the center becomes ideal for shopping, aperitifs and dinner.

Riccione is especially suitable for young couples, groups of friends and anyone who wants to combine sea, style and entertainment.

Porto Cnale in Cesenatico from ita.travel

Cesenatico: The Charm of the Canal Port

For a more romantic and slower atmosphere, Cesenatico is highly recommended. Its canal port, connected to the town’s maritime tradition, is one of the most characteristic places on the Riviera.

Here the mood is different: quieter, more picturesque and perfect for a seafood dinner or an evening stroll. Cesenatico is ideal for those who want to experience the Adriatic coast with a more authentic touch.

Cervia from expedia.it

Cervia and Milano Marittima

Another interesting combination is Cervia and Milano Marittima. Cervia has a strong connection with salt production and offers a pleasant, family-friendly atmosphere. Milano Marittima is more elegant, known for its hotels, restaurants, pine forests and refined seaside style.

This area is ideal for travelers who want to combine beach time, green areas, restaurants and a polished atmosphere.

Why visit the Romagna Riviera by car

The Riviera is easy to enjoy by car because you can combine several towns in the same weekend. You can sleep in one place, have dinner in another and visit a third destination the next day.

A car also gives you freedom with timing and allows you to carry everything you need for the beach, especially when traveling with family.

Practical tips

For this itinerary, at least one overnight stay is recommended. A day trip is possible, but the drive can be demanding and leave little time to enjoy the destination.

Book accommodation in advance during summer, check parking options at your hotel or beach club and verify any limited traffic areas in historic centers. If traveling with children, choose towns with equipped beaches and nearby services.

Conclusion

The Romagna Riviera is the right choice if you want to leave Cortona and reach the Adriatic Sea for a lively, comfortable and varied weekend. Rimini, Riccione, Cesenatico and Cervia offer different experiences that can easily be combined in one trip.

Would you like to travel from Cortona to the Romagna Riviera? With Fratelli Rent, you can choose the right car for a seaside weekend, with space for luggage, family and total freedom. Book here: Bookin Link