Discover the charm of Italian Adriatic Riviera

Foreign visitors are lured by the beauty of the Italian coastline. Indeed, the number of international tourists, according to Jfc’s Panorama Turismo – Mare Italia observatory, is expected to grow by 11.6% to over 94 million in 2024. 

Along the Adriatic Coast in particular, from Rimini and Riccione to Salento, there has been a notable increase in bookings by foreign tourists, who are eager to experience the unique mix of culture, traditions, food and wine, history and nightlife that these towns have to offer. Lesser-known resorts such as Muggia and Termoli have also experienced a surge in popularity, attracting travellers seeking an authentic and peaceful experience off the beaten track.
The beaches of the Italian Adriatic Riviera therefore continue to be a favourite choice for summer holidays. This destination is easy to reach thanks to the growing network of connections offered by Trenitalia’s Passenger Hub: a network further strengthened during the summer holidays thanks to the Summer Experience timetable.
Tourists can easily reach well-known and lesser-known beaches along the entire coast, from north to south. This accessibility not only makes these locations more attractive to those seeking a peaceful seaside holiday, but also promotes sustainable tourism development.
This goal is shared by True Italian Experience, a digital hub – whose main partner is Trenitalia – that promotes travel experiences throughout Italy.
So what are the must-see destinations on the Italian Adriatic Riviera? Let’s find out together, on a journey from North to South.

Lignano and Muggia: beaches and history on the eastern border

Two jewels on Italy’s eastern border, each with its own distinctive character. Lignano, with its golden beaches stretching for kilometres, offers total immersion in beach life, enhanced by modern bathing establishments and a vibrant nightlife. The area is surrounded by lush nature that is ideal for cycling and hiking. Muggia, on the other hand, is a hidden treasure with its charming seaside village revealing Venetian influences that can be observed in its architecture and cultural traditions. This small village can be easily reached thanks to the Muggia Link train+motorboat service.

Romagna: the beating heart of summer
Riccione and Rimini, often referred to as the pearls of Romagna, are two of Italy’s most renowned seaside destinations, popular with families and young people looking for fun. Perfectly connected to the rest of the country, they are also easy to reach by train. Riccione’s beaches are wide, sandy and well-equipped, ideal for comfortably enjoying the sun and sea. Rimini, on the other hand, is a city that masterfully balances its seaside tourist facilities with its significant cultural heritage. Its beaches are an invitation to relax and are perfect for a holiday with children, while the historical centre contains gems from the Roman era such as the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge, as well as important mediaeval and Renaissance remains. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife and many cultural events that enrich the experience for visitors, making Rimini a place where entertainment harmoniously blends with culture.

Marche: the art of balancing sea and culture
Le Marche, with its coastal towns of Pesaro, Ancona, Senigallia and San Benedetto del Tronto, magnificently combines the appeal of the sea with cultural attractions. Pesaro invites you to relax on its wide sandy beaches; Ancona, in addition to boasting enchanting beaches, is famous for its harbour and the Cathedral of San Ciriaco, located in an elevated position from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea; Senigallia attracts visitors with its renowned ‘Velvet Beach’ and its charming historic centre, full of Renaissance architecture; finally, San Benedetto del Tronto is famous for its seafront promenade.

Abruzzo and Molise: tradition and breathtaking views

Abruzzo and Molise offer some of the most beautiful and least crowded beaches on the Adriatic Riviera. Pescara, with its long sandy beach, is a paradise for lovers of sun and sea. Ortona, known for its incredible coves and the historic Aragonese Castle, and Termoli, with its quaint old town and fishing traditions, offer a dive into Italian coastal history, making these locations perfect for those seeking a relaxing and enriching holiday.

Apulia: the new frontier of international tourism

Apulia is emerging as one of the most promising tourist destinations, with towns such as Polignano a Mare, Trani, Monopoli and Bari experiencing a tourist revival. Polignano a Mare boasts a spectacular rocky coastline and houses perched above the sea, while Trani enchants visitors with its magnificent cathedral by the sea. Monopoli captivates with its mix of crystal-clear beaches and a lively old town, while Bari, the region’s lively capital, is famous for the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and its narrow streets, which offer picturesque views and unrivalled local cuisine. These unmissable destinations are easy to reach without a car. From this summer, the Espresso Salento run by FS Treni Turistici Italiani, an FS Group Passenger Division company, has also started operating. It connects Rome to Lecce with an overnight trip and stops in Foggia, Bari, Brindisi and the small towns on the Adriatic coast: Polignano, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni and Carovigno. This connection was specifically designed for tourists, joining Trenitalia’s Frecce, Intercity and Regional trains.