Cattolica Aquarium: Tickets, Opening Hours and What to See 2026
Cattolica Aquarium: Tickets, Opening Hours and What to See 2026
The Cattolica Aquarium is one of the most loved attractions on the Romagna Riviera, perfect for families, couples and marine life enthusiasts. In this guide you'll find updated opening hours, 2026 ticket prices, what to see inside and practical visit tips.
Cattolica Aquarium: Overview
The Cattolica Aquarium is located at Viale Torino, 32 – Cattolica, on the Romagna Riviera. It is one of Italy's largest aquariums, with over 2,000 animals from more than 300 different species.
Key facts:
- Opened: 1999
- Area: 10,000 sqm
- Tanks: 70+
- Species: 300+
- Visitors per year: approximately 500,000
2026 Ticket Prices
Standard Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €24 |
| Child (3–12 years) | €16 |
| Child (0–2 years) | Free |
Discounts and Offers
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Over 65 | €18 |
| Unemployed | €18 |
| Groups (>15 people) | €18 per person |
| Schools | special price on request |
Family Tickets
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Family (2 adults + 1 child) | €54 |
| Family (2 adults + 2 children) | €70 |
Notes
- Prices may vary by season
- Online booking often offers a 10–15% discount
- Combined ticket with Oltremare: available
2026 Opening Hours
Summer Season (June – August)
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 20:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 20:00 |
Off-Season (March–May, September–October)
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 – 19:00 |
Winter (November – February)
Reduced hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (closed Mondays)
What to See: Main Attractions
1. Shark Tunnel
The star of the aquarium: a 20-metre underwater tunnel where sharks, rays and sea turtles swim. The experience makes you feel as though you're inside the sea!
Species: Bull shark, nurse shark, rays, sea turtles
2. Piranha Tank
A tank dedicated to the most iconic tropical fish, including the formidable piranha.
3. Mediterranean Reef
A journey through the Mediterranean: corals, colourful fish, moray eels and octopus.
4. Amazonian Jungle
A rainforest trail with anacondas, crocodiles and exotic fish.
5. Polar Zone
Penguins and seals in the Arctic/Antarctic section — very popular with children!
6. Jellyfish
A tank dedicated to jellyfish: mesmerising for the beauty of their movements.
7. Sea Turtles
Areas dedicated to sea turtle conservation, with information about the protection programme.
How Long Does the Visit Take?
| Type of visit | Recommended time |
|---|---|
| Quick | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| Full | 2 – 2.5 hours |
| With children | 2.5 – 3 hours |
Tips:
- Arrive at opening time to avoid crowds
- Weekends are busier
- Weekdays = shorter queues
How to Get There
By Car
- From Rimini: SS16 towards Cattolica (15 min)
- From Riccione: SS16 north (5 min)
- Parking: on-site car park (€8/day) or free parking nearby
By Train
- Cattolica-San Giovanni station: 10 min on foot
- Bologna–Ancona line, Cattolica stop
By Bus
- Start Romagna: lines from the Riviera
- Stop: Viale Torino (in front of the Aquarium)
Practical Tips
For Families
- Pushchairs: allowed, but may need to be folded in some areas
- Baby food/bottles: you can bring food for children
- Nappy changing: facilities available
- Refreshments: internal bar and restaurant
Other Useful Info
- Photography: permitted without flash
- Animals: not allowed (except guide dogs)
- Disability access: fully accessible
- Audio guides: available in Italian, English, German, French
How to Save Money
- Book online: 10–15% discount
- Combined Aquarium + Oltremare ticket: saves 20%
- Viviparchi Card: €3 discount per ticket
- Groupon/coupons: search for deals online
- Weekdays: standard prices, fewer people
Nearby: What Else to Do in Cattolica
| Attraction | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oltremare (theme park) | 500 m | 5 min on foot |
| Le Navi (amusement park) | 1 km | 10 min |
| Cattolica Beach | 200 m | 2 min |
| Acquafan (water park) | 3 km | 10 min |
Best Time to Visit
| Period | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| June | Fewer crowds, good prices | Not yet at full capacity |
| July–August | Everything open, great atmosphere | Very busy, higher prices |
| September | Fewer tourists, prices down | Reduced hours |
| October–March | Very low prices | Very limited hours |
FAQ — Cattolica Aquarium
How long does the visit take?
A complete visit takes 2–2.5 hours. With young children, up to 3 hours.
Can I bring food?
Yes, you can bring food for children. Internal bar and restaurant available.
Is the Aquarium suitable for young children?
Yes, it is very family-friendly. Child-height tanks and dedicated areas.
Is there parking?
Yes, on-site paid car park (€8/day). Free parking available nearby.
What is the best time to visit?
June and September to avoid crowds. July–August for maximum opening hours.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
Yes, but booking online saves money and avoids the risk of selling out.
Is the aquarium accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, fully accessible.
Conclusion
The Cattolica Aquarium is a must-visit for anyone on the Romagna Riviera. Whether you're a marine life enthusiast or a family with children, you'll find something for everyone.
My tips:
- Book online to save money
- Arrive at opening time
- Combine with Oltremare for a 20% saving
- Bring your camera (no flash!)
Guide updated March 2026. Always verify opening hours and prices on the official website acquariocattolica.it
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- Data di pubblicazione e data di aggiornamento sempre visibili.
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Hai una correzione o una fonte migliore? Scrivi a info@vitaromagna.it.
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