Riccione lies between Cattolica and Rimini. These three towns have more or less merged together. Riccione seems more open and low-rise than Rimini, which has higher-rise buildings and is very densely populated. In the past, Riccione was a very popular holiday destination for Norwegians and Swedes. Riccione also appears more exclusive and well maintained than Rimini, and especially in the city's upper part where there are a number of older villas, gardens and green spaces. Riccione is a relatively new city, which was first known as a seaside resort in the 1950s, but unlike Rimini, Riccione is mainly inhabited in summer by Italian tourists. There are plenty of shops here, and also a wide selection of bars, restaurants and cafes. The city's main street is transformed each evening into a pedestrian area from 18.00 pm. There are some fine sandy beaches here where you can hire chairs and umbrellas. The train station is pretty central and you will hear the rumble of the trains when in the town. From here you can take a train to Rimini, about 15 minutes away, where you can visit the cosy historic centre, where there are many fine monuments. There is a wonderful market hall in the town where the locals do their daily shopping and where you can find great fresh fish and seafood. Also worth a visit especially if you come with children is the stunning and very large nature park 'Oltremare' in Riccione. Here you can both see dolphins, sea turtles and other animals living in the water.
