Cesena Car Hire

Guide of Cesena

Geography

Cesena is a city located in Emilia-Romagna in central Italy, one of the richest regions in the country. It is nestled between the Savio River and a large fertile plane, close to both the Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea.

Climate in Cesena

Cesena enjoys a warm and temperate climate, with hot and muggy summers. The hottest months to visit Cesena are July and August when average temperatures average 31°C. The coldest month is January, with average temperatures of 10°C, though temperatures can plummet to 1°C. Winters tend to be rainy too, with occasional snow. November is the wettest month, so best avoided for those looking to escape the rain. Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant times to travel to the city.

Culture

Cesena was originally an Etruscan town, which was later taken over by Romans in the 3rd century. It became an important religious centre, and later became a secondary city of the Papal States. In fact, three Italian popes have been born here. During the 19th century, many of its citizens played significant roles in the unification of Italy. The city was heavily bombed during World War II, though many of its most impressive buildings survived.

Things To Do in Cesena

Explore the castle

The Rocco Malatestiana is one of the city’s most iconic sites. The current structure was built on the ruins of a Roman fortress. It features two central towers and is home to the Museum of Agricultural, which offers a fascinating insight into rural life in Emilia-Romagna. The permanent exhibition of Malatestian Ceramics should be top of your list too.

Brush up on musical history at the Museo Musicalia

Located 15 minutes from the city centre, the Museo Musicalia is one of Italy’s most important musical museums. Its seven rooms tell the 500-year history of music and are crammed full of famous and forgotten musical instruments. The crown jewel in the collection is a Da Vinci War Drum.

Visit the Unesco-listed library

Bibliophiles should add the Malatestiana Library to their bookish bucket list. The 15th-century library is now listed on the Unesco World Register and hosts a huge collection of more than 400,000 books dating back hundreds of years. With its marble columns and old-world reading pews, it’s the perfect spot to while away a rainy hour or two.

Hike up to the Abbey of San’Maria del Monte

Set high on Spaziano Hill, the Abbey of San Maria del Monte was founded in the 11th century by Benedictine monks. Don’t be put off by its plain exterior: inside the rooms are filled with frescos and exquisitely preserved centuries-old paintings.

Catch a show at the Teatro Alessandro Bonci

There are a handful of theatres in Cesena, but the Teatro Alessandro Bonci is the most impressive. Vincenzo Ghinelli designed the building in 1846 and the theatre quickly became known for its brilliant dramatic and lyric opera productions. Keep an eye out for upcoming performances.

People-watch in Piazza del Popolo

Piazze del Popolo is the social and spiritual heart of Cesena. It’s also where you’ll find some of the city’s most impressive buildings, including the Palazzo Comunale, the Loggetta Veneziana and the Rocchetta di Piazza. At the centre sits the Fontana Masini, a 16th-century fountain depicting the sea god Neptune and his bodyguard of Tritons.

Hit the bach

Cesena is within striking distance of some of the region’s most popular beaches. Lido di Savio, a 30-minute drive from the city, is one of the most charming. It boasts a long stretch of golden sand, lots of restaurants and excellent facilities during the summer, without the crowds of beach resorts like Rimini.

Eating Out in Cesena

Emilia Romagna is Italy’s most famous food region and is home to some of the country’s most favourite culinary specialities, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena, tagliatelle and tortellini. Each province and town has its own specialities – and Cesena is no exception. Local specialities include Bartolaccio (a half-moon shaped pasta filled with mashed potatoes, bacon and grana chees), Paciarela (corn flour with beans, leeks and bacon) and polpettone Romagnolo (hearty local meatballs).

When it comes to good restaurants, bars and osteria, there are dozens to choose from. Papa Real Cafe, located in Piazza del Popolo, is the best spot for people-watching. For a cheap and cheerful snack, pick up a piadina stuffed with local cheeses, meats and vegetables from Chiosco del Savio. Or for a slap-up meal, there’s Quel Castello di Diegaro, which boasts front-seat views of the medieval castle.

Transport

Airport

The closest airport to Cesena is Forli Airport (FRL), which is located 15.2 km away. However, this is a domestic airport and only operates flights to other major cities in Italy. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is the next closest airport, located 87.1km from Cesena. It’s the main airport in Emilia Romagna and is served by at least 45 international airlines, including some of the largest airlines in Europe. It’s a 1 hour 15-minute drive along the E45 to reach Cesena from Bologna airport, or you can hop on the train from the city centre.

Getting around Cesena

Cesena is a relatively compact city and you can reach most of its most famous sights on foot. There’s a good bus network run by Mi Muovo, with connections from the city centre out to the suburbs. There is also a train station, with regional trains running to Bologna, Ancona and other main cities in Emilia Romagna.

However, if you’re looking to travel beyond the main cities to some of Emilia Romagna’s more rural locations, particularly its vineyards and farms, we recommend hiring a car. Reaching these destinations often requires several transfers by public transport or a pricy private transfer. A car will give you more flexibility and the opportunity to get off the beaten path too.