Cattolica is a very small town that kind of folds into the next town along called Gabicce Mare. Both really are more for just going to beach everyday and there is not much else to do there really. Rimini on the other hand, has both the beach and a city centre plus is closer to other places like San Marino itself, Forli, cesena, and Ravenna for day trips.

I agree that Cattolica is a beach resort, however there is a nice town, a good aquarium, two excellent harbours and a tourist train through the resort and into Gradara (Hilltop village and castle museum) It is also a lot closer than Rimini to Coriano and Tavullia and Misano Simoncelli Circuit (within walking distance) Lots of bars and eating places, and good regular bus service to Riccione for some very posh shopping.

It is not as large or as busy as Rimini, but has a very good atmosphere during GP week, your choice depends on what you enjoy. If you like the bustle and business of a large resort, and enjoy clubbing, then Rimini would be good.

Hi Joanne,

I stayed in Cattolica last July with my daughter, a massive Vale fan also. I think you'll find most hotels cater well for children, there were plenty of kids around in summer so they must. Feedback seems to confirm this. Megan and I rode bicycles to Tavullia which was a bit arduous due to the uphill climb..... all the way! Had great fun though. The Valentino Rossi cafe has great pizzas and salads etc. I'd suggest hiring a car to get there. We were unable to find a regular bus service to Tavullia, the tourist bureau was unable to help us much. The busses are a bit unreliable, or so some local waitresses who live there stated. There are fantastic restaurants and it's cheap to eat out. I hope to return for the Moto GP this year. We'll stay in cattolica again. Not sure how far away Marco Simoncelli's home town is from there.

It is possible to get to Tavullia by bus from Cattolica, but very arduous. You must get a bus to Pesaro, where there are buses every hour to Tavullia. I did it a couple of years ago and it took all day, with a bus driver on the return journey who thought he was a racing driver. Very scary. Latterly we have asked our hotel to negotiate a taxi there and back,with a stay of a couple of hours in order to renew membership at the fan club, have a coffee and visit the very good souvernir shop (which closes from 1-4 for lunch) In a shared taxi we have paid in the region of 50 euros. Last year we did the same deal to Coriano, there is not a lot there, but there is a memorial and a cafe. Further down the hill back on the main road is a very nice restaurant for lunch. The deal last year was 60 euros. This trip is not possible by bus. It would be much cheaper to hire a car for the day and you could do both villages easily. Your hotel should be able to arrange car hire for you.

I think it's much better to look for an hotel in the Rimini or Riccione zone. Driving to Misano from Rimini or Riccione doesn't make such a big difference but You will notice the difference. Riccione and Rimini are cities which are alive. Plenty of restaurants, bars and lovely nightlife. Don't get afraid now, these places are very suitable for families with small children. Apart of all this Rimini offers as well a very beautiful storical city center where, especially in the evening, it's nice to wander around. Don't forget the beautiful beach of Rimini.

just a detail about Ducati Factory and museum: it's not out of town (Bologna), it's not in centre, but in town, here is their website:

http://www.ducati.com/

you arrive at the factory with the normal city bus n° 13