Rimini and Grado revamp 2026 summer tourism with culture, sport and lagoon adventures

The Adriatic cities of Rimini and Grado are expanding their summer offerings for 2026 to attract visitors beyond sun‑and‑sand holidays. Rimini will combine its historic Roman sites, the Malatestiano Temple and Fellini‑related attractions with a packed programme of exhibitions, music festivals and open‑air film screenings that run through August, plus the Meeting for Friendship between Peoples (21‑26 August). New waterfront upgrades and cycling routes link the city to the Valmarecchia hills and nearby medieval villages, encouraging bike‑tourism.

Grado is promoting its eight‑kilometre lagoon coastline as an alternative beach experience. A #GradoExperience campaign offers nature walks on the Island of Cona, culinary tours of the historic centre and a “Secret Lagoon” picnic trail. Evening activities such as Astrobike combine coastal cycling with guided stargazing, while the National Museum of Underwater Archaeology displays Roman shipwreck artefacts. Both destinations aim to extend the tourist season into October and diversify their appeal regardless of weather conditions.