The bond between the city of Cesenatico and the sea is very strong, and is showed in many ways. In Cesenatico the sea is not only a tourist attraction for the thousands of visitors that spend their holidays in the city every year, and its importance is also connected to its famous port and to fishing.The port of Cesenatico is one of the most important spots of the city, also for its historical value: projected by Leonardo da Vinci, at that time it was one of the most important ports of the zone, due also to its proximity to Cesena, which had been chosen by Cesare Borgia as the capital city of his dukedom. After having extended his domain in Romagna, Cesare Borgia felt the need of a new project of fortification and defence of the city, to face possible attacks of enemies. Leonardo was asked to check the existing fortifications and to suggest some improvements, and some documents tell us that the genius went to Cesenatico in September 1502 to study the city and the port, and took the measures of the canal and the piers.

The port is still considered as a nerve centre of the city, since the fish market has a considerable turnover, with many fleets of fishing boats that provide about 18,000 tons of fish every year. It is no coincidence that Cesenatico is also known for its restaurants and typical fish dishes, and is one of the favourite destinations of people who love gastronomic tourism. Some of the most famous restaurants of Cesenatico rise just near the port, but all over the city you can eat tasty traditional fish dishes, most of them prepared with bluefish. If you like first courses, like mackerel macaroni or spaghetti with seafood, but also if you prefer second courses, like fried fish or grilled bluefish, in Cesenatico you will always be sure to eat fresh fish, daily fished and sold at the port.

Sea and fish are so important in Cesenatico that they have been dedicated various events: in august the city hosts the "Grande rustida dei pescatori", a feast where fishermen offer season fish to tourists, while after summer "Il pesce fa festa" takes place. This is a traditional gastronomic event which is very appreciated by tourists and by gourmets, who are given the possibility to taste different fish dishes and discover new, delicious recipes. The event includes tasting at the Colonia Agip, on the seafront, but some stalls are set also in the historical centre, and they offer cheap and tasty typical dishes, like fried fish of the Adriatic Sea, cuttlefish with peas and fisherman risotto. Also the restaurants of the city, which offer a special menu, and special floating restaurants take part in the event. Bluefish, one of the main ingredients of the cuisine of Cesenatico, is the protagonist of "Azzurro come il pesce", another important event dedicated to fish and sea that takes place in the city in March.

In order to understand the importance and the ancientness of the bond between Cesenatico, its port and the sea, you can visit the Museo Galleggiante della Marineria, a floating museum which hosts prototypes of boats, while a section on dry land of the museum is now being built to host navy finds and show fishing and hull construction techniques.