Lido di Classe
Lido di Classe: a brief introduction
Lido di Classe is located on the Romagna Riviera, about 20 kilometers north of Ravenna. It is a hamlet of the municipality of Ravenna and is situated between the Pineta di Classe to the north and the mouth of the Savio River to the south. The area takes its name from the locality of Classe, near Ravenna.
History
The urbanization of Lido di Classe began in the 1960s with the construction of hotels along the seafront and the first private villas. In the following years, it extended southward until it reached the Savio River. The area became a popular tourist destination thanks to the construction of new residential complexes and the renovation of existing hotels. Lido di Classe became even more attractive due to its proximity to renowned tourist destinations such as Milano Marittima, Cervia, and Mirabilandia.
Urban Geography
The original plan provided for construction along the coast both to the north and south of the axis consisting of Viale dei Lombardi and Via Bering, perpendicular to the sea. Due to popular opposition in the 1960s, only the constructions to the south were realized, including those between the current Via Bering and the Savio River. The area to the north is divided into two bands: the coastal one, occupied by the pine forest and owned by the State; the one immediately inland, deforested, privately owned, and a leftover from the failed construction. In the 1960s and 1980s, the coastal strip was increasingly densely built with groups of terraced villas and not very tall buildings, with a checkerboard layout for the streets, as provided by the master plan. In the 2000s, the area west of Viale Amerigo Vespucci was built. Today, we can distinguish the old part of the town (from Viale dei Lombardi towards the coast) from the new area.
Places of Interest
With its 4 kilometers of extension, the free beach extends north of the village up to the mouth of the Bevano River and is adjacent to the Pineta di Classe. The beach is also a protected area of the Coastal Dune Reserve of Ravenna and the Bevano River Mouth (of 12.6 km²) with respect to the hinterland dune area and the area near the river mouth, which is also a Site of Community Interest (SCI) and Special Protection Area (SPA) of Natura 2000.
Tourism and Services
The bathing establishments, which in the 1960s were less than ten, now extensively cover the beach. There are also free beaches, including a small area where dogs are allowed. In town, there is an outdoor cinema, a playground for children, two game rooms, and a sports center with tennis and five-a-side soccer fields and mini-golf. Every Thursday afternoon, there is a market, while on Monday evenings, a small antiques and collectibles market is organized on the seafront, which sees the participation of local artists exhibiting their works. In the months of July and August since 2008, the "Festival Naturae" has been organized, which promotes the naturalistic and cultural aspects of the locality through naturalistic excursions and shows.
Overall, Lido di Classe is an ideal tourist destination for families looking for beautiful beaches and quality services. The town offers everything needed for a pleasant and relaxing holiday.
