Bellaria Igea Marina
Bellaria Igea Marina with children
A holiday with children in Bellaria Igea Marina can alternate between the beach, play at Parco del Gelso and walks near the Uso. Torre Saracena adds a visit to its shell collection, while the library and theatre offer indoor options. In winter, Cinema Teatro Astra has a Sunday programme for adults and children.
Parco del Gelso and other green spaces
Parco del Gelso is in Igea Marina, around a lake formed from a sand quarry. Via Ennio and Via Pisani are among the entrances listed by the Comune. Alongside green paths, it has play equipment, picnic spaces and dinosaur representations.
| Park | Reference point | Activities and spaces |
|---|---|---|
| Parco del Gelso | Igea Marina | Walk around the lake, play and picnics |
| Parco della Fornace | Via Fornace | Lake, inclusive play area and bicycle track with bends and bumps |
| Parco di Casa Panzini | Via Pisino, Cagnona | Casa Rossa garden, play equipment and picnic space |
| Parco Giovanni Paolo II | Near the town hall | Public green space, play equipment and football pitch |
| Parco di via Andrea Costa | Bellaria | Tree-lined avenue with a play area |
The park of Casa Rossa di Alfredo Panzini combines play with interest in the writer's home; the museum inside has its own opening times, shown in the listing.
At Parco della Fornace, redevelopment of the industrial area left the old kiln as a landscape landmark, and the track with bends and bumps is designed for bicycles. For a riverside walk, Sentieri per l'Uso is described on the excursions from Bellaria Igea Marina page.
Beach and seafront walks
The seafront links beach access points in the two parts of town: Bellaria north of the canal harbour and Igea Marina south. Offshore breakwaters characterise the coast. In the water, the flags and the lifeguards' instructions apply; lifeguards are on duty during the lifeguard season.
Play areas, entertainment and changing tables vary between establishments. The Bellaria Igea Marina beach page explores features and services.
The free beach in front of Parco Pavese, in southern Igea Marina, provides a geographical landmark for those bringing their own beach equipment. Facilities and the lifeguard calendar are described on the free beaches page. A seafront walk can also be chosen outside the bathing season.
Shells in Torre Saracena
Torre Saracena and Museo delle Conchiglie are at 75 Via Torre. Built in the 17th century to defend the coast, the tower preserves a collection including shells and other marine organisms. The visit's interest lies in moving between the sea observed on the beach and the forms displayed in the rooms.
Upper floors are reached by a spiral staircase, while the ground floor is accessible: with pushchairs or mobility aids, the visit covers the ground floor. Outside, Giardino delle Vele storiche explores another aspect of maritime life.
Museo della Radio d'epoca offers a different theme, especially suited to those curious about the devices and their history. In summer 2026, both museums, like Casa Rossa, opened in the evening except Mondays; openings during the rest of the year are in the place listings.
Library and family theatre
Biblioteca comunale Alfredo Panzini, at 108 Viale Paolo Guidi, has spaces devoted to children and teenagers. It is in Isola dei Platani, central Bellaria's pedestrian area: a stop among books fits into a walk in the centre.
At Cinema Teatro Astra, also on Viale Paolo Guidi, the Teatro Famiglie winter programme brings performances for children aged 3 and over and adults, including clowning, magic and drawn theatre. The 2026-27 season has three Sundays at 5pm: 15 November 2026, 17 January and 7 March 2027.
In July and August 2026, Piazza Meraviglia brought ten free evenings of juggling, magic, clowns and puppets between Piazza Alda Merini in Igea Marina and Piazza Marcianò. From 21 May to 30 September 2026, the town tourist train linked Bellaria and Igea Marina by day and evening. These events are listed under events in Bellaria Igea Marina.
Choosing activities
Parco del Gelso offers an afternoon of play and walking in Igea Marina; Parco di Casa Panzini is in the Cagnona area of Bellaria. The tower, the library and Isola dei Platani instead shape a day devoted to the centre. The location of the accommodation helps in choosing the most convenient group of places, avoiding repeated crossings of town.
For transport and orientation, the Bellaria Igea Marina guide is the reference. A comparison with other coastal destinations is on the Riviera with children page.
Sources: Cinema Teatro Astra, Teatro Famiglie 2026-2027 programme; Bellaria Igea Marina tourism portal, Teatro Famiglie, Piazza Meraviglia, 2026 town tourist train and summer 2026 museum listings; accessed on 10 October 2026. Comune di Bellaria Igea Marina, parks list and Torre Saracena listing, accessed on 8 October 2026; municipal library, museum and Sentieri per l'Uso listings accessed on 29 September 2026.