Sprawled over a huge space at the western end of Cattolica’s beach, the Acquario di Cattolica highlights the beauty, wonder and strangeness of the world’s oceans. Go beneath the surface of the water to observe fish in their natural habitat, but come back up to appreciate the many terrestrial animals that also call this enormous complex home. Learn about saving Adriatic turtles, about mangroves and how all of us are connected.
The aquarium has several color-coded pavilions. Start on the Blue Route, the longest, which takes you on a route through the history of the planet and displays the beauty of the Mediterranean and the tropics. Watch sharks swim through the water and eels zip in and out of their caves. Wonder at the thousands of colors of fish as they move through the enormous tanks.
Make your way down the Yellow Route in search of caimans, then watch otters tease each other playfully.
Go to the darkest depths of the ocean at the Abysses, Alien Land exhibition on the Purple Route. Back on land take the Green Route, where insects and reptiles scuttle across the earth.
At the interactive In the Footsteps of the Emperor Penguins exhibit, have fun with children in your group as you play games that teach you about the life cycle of penguins.
Find the Acquario di Cattolica to the west of the town, a 13-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk from the main train station. Walk down the length of the beach in 17 minutes from the Fontana Delle Sirene. Parking is available on site for a fee.
The aquarium is open daily during the summer. It is generally closed from mid-September to mid-March, but opens intermittently and during the holidays. Daily hours vary, but are generally from mid-morning to late evening. Check online before visiting. There is an entrance fee, with discounts for children.
