Nearest Beach to Bologna Italy
Top Day Trip to the Coast
From sandy shores to hidden coves, the nearest beach to Bologna Italy offers the perfect escape for a refreshing day trip from the city.
Beaches near Bologna
Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region and known as the Food Capital of Europe, offers culinary delights we explored in our article on the best food in Bologna.Â
Locals often joke that the only thing missing to make Bologna perfect is the sea. In this guide, we’ll reveal the nearest beach to Bologna, Italy, and highlight some of the best beaches near Bologna for quick day trips by train or by car.
Closest beach to Bologna. Skip to:
Closer beaches to Bologna
- Closest beach to Bologna in terms of distance: Lidi Ferraresi (about 70 km)
- Closest beach to Bologna by car: Lidi Ravennati (about 1h20)
- Closest beach to Bologna by public transport: Rimini (1h10 by direct train)
- Most beautiful beaches but further from Bologna: Tuscany coast (Versilia, Etruscan Coast, Maremma)
How Far Is Bologna from the Sea: Discover Costa Adriatica
Costa Adriatica stretches along the eastern coast of Italy, facing the Adriatic Sea, and is the main seaside destination for those travelling from Bologna.Â
From the Lidi Ferraresi down to Marina di Ravenna, Milano Marittima, Rimini, and Riccione, the coast offers a variety of beach experiences.Â
For travellers wondering how far Bologna is from the sea, the journey ranges from 70 to 120 kilometres, making it perfect for day trips or weekend getaways.Â
Those seeking the best, closest beach to Bologna will find well-equipped resorts, long stretches of fine golden sand, and shallow waters ideal for families. The Adriatic Sea here is generally calm and clear, perfect for swimming, water sports, and relaxing by the shore.
Nearest beach to Bologna Italy: the Adriatic coast
Lidi Ferraresi (easier by car)
The Lidi Ferraresi are a seven-beach destination in the Ferrara province, stretching over 28 km along the Emilia Romagna coast. Located within the Po Delta Regional Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, these beaches offer something for families with children, nature lovers, and food enthusiasts.
For those wondering about the nearest beach to Bologna by train, reaching the Lidi Ferraresi is less convenient: you first travel to Ferrara, then to Ostellato, and finally take bus 331 to the Lidi di Comacchio – as the schedule tends to change often, it’s better to check HEREÂ
By car, however, the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it far easier for a day trip. Popular spots include Porto Garibaldi, the historic Lido degli Estensi with its Marina, the green Lido di Spina, Lido degli Scacchi, Lido di Pomposa, Lido delle Nazioni, and Lido di Volano. These beaches near Bologna feature wide sandy shores, lush pine forests, and well-equipped facilities for a perfect Adriatic escape.
Lidi Ravennati (easier by car and train)
The Lidi Ravennati are another popular option along the Adriatic coast, stretching for 37 km and including Casalborsetti, Marina Romea, Porto Corsini, Marina di Ravenna, Punta Marina Terme, Lido Adriano, Lido di Dante, Lido di Classe, and Lido di Savio.Â
These beaches are surrounded by pine forests and combine lively resorts with quieter stretches of sand for those seeking a wilder atmosphere.Â
For travellers wondering about beaches near Bologna that are easier to reach by public transport than the Lidi Ferraresi, this is the answer: a direct train from Bologna to Ravenna, followed by a 30-minute bus ride, such as line 70, brings you to the coast in about 1 hour and 45 minutes. You can book the train HERE.Â
By car, the trip is slightly faster, around 1 hour and 20 minutes.Â
The nightlife of Marina di Ravenna, the alternative indie nights at Hanabi, the natural dunes around Lido di Dante and Lido di Classe, and the well-equipped shores of Lido Adriano make the closest beach to Bologna a perfect mix of fun, nature, and relaxation.
Closest beach to Bologna: Marina di Ravenna
Rimini and Riccione (easiest by train)
Rimini and Riccione are two of the most famous destinations on the Adriatic coast, easily accessible from Bologna by direct train: Rimini in about 1 hour and 10 minutes, Riccione in 1 hour and 25.Â
By car, travel time is similar, but parking can be tricky, making the train the most convenient option.Â
These are not just seaside resorts but proper cities on the coast, with less nature and more entertainment.Â
Rimini offers 15 km of sandy beaches, hundreds of resorts, lively nightlife, and a rich cultural heritage, from the Arco d’Augusto to the Ponte di Tiberio.Â
Riccione is equally renowned, with its glamorous nightlife, trendy boutiques, famous hillside clubs like Cocoricò, and waterparks such as Aquafán.Â
For travellers seeking beaches near Bologna that offer a blend of nightlife, history, and seaside fun, Rimini and Riccione stand out as the closest beach to Bologna, where you can enjoy both culture and entertainment.
The nearest beach to Bologna by train: Rimini
Tuscany coast: an alternative to Adriatic coast
The Tuscany coast is not the closest sea near Bologna, but it’s one of the most beautiful alternatives for those who can spend more than a day trip.Â
Reaching it by train requires a change in Florence and then continuing to Livorno, followed by a bus ride to your chosen destination, for a journey of at least two hours and a half plus connections.Â
By car it’s quicker, though still longer than heading to the Adriatic.Â
Yet the reward is a coastline of extraordinary variety: from the long sandy stretches of Versilia, framed by the Apuan Alps, to the rocky inlets of the Etruscan Coast, where coves and pebble beaches meet crystalline waters perfect for snorkeling.Â
Further south, the Maremma offers unspoiled natural parks, dunes, and pristine sandy shores around Orbetello and Monte Argentario.Â
This area is better suited for a longer holiday rather than a day escape, making it a fascinating alternative for those looking beyond the closest beach to Bologna.
How far is Bologna from the sea: the Tuscany coast - Castiglioncello
Not sure about Where to Stay In Bologna? Check here the Best Accommodations in town, close to all the amenities and point of interests.
Conclusions
Finding the nearest beach to Bologna, Italy is easier than many expect: the Adriatic coast sits roughly 70 to 120 kilometres from the city, making day trips viable by car or train.Â
From the pine-fringed Lidi Ferraresi and Lidi Ravennati to Milano Marittima, Rimini, and Riccione, beaches near Bologna offer everything from quiet natural stretches to lively seaside towns, so you can choose the kind of escape you prefer.
How Far Is Bologna from the Sea depends on the destination and connections: direct trains reach Rimini in about 1 hour 10 minutes and Riccione in about 1 hour 25 minutes, while reaching some Lidi requires transfers and a bus.Â
The nearest beach to Bologna by train can be very convenient for city escapes, but if you plan to explore calmer shores or the Tuscany coast you may prefer a longer stay and travel by car.
