Hotels in Cattolica

Cattolica is a small Adriatic resort town on Italy's Riviera Romagnola, sandwiched between Riccione and Gabicce Mare, and it exists almost entirely for its beach: a long, flat stretch of fine sand with the shallow, gentle water that makes it a magnet for Italian and German families with young children. There's little in the way of historic sightseeing here — this is a purpose-built seaside holiday town, heavy on gelato bars, water parks and promenade shops, not culture.

Outside July and August it can feel half-shuttered, with many hotels and restaurants closing for the off-season. It's a short drive from Federico Fellini International Airport at Rimini, which makes it an easy, low-fuss beach base rather than a destination for independent explorers. Stay as close to the seafront as possible, since the beach is really the only reason to come.