The Taste of the Port

The Taste of the Port: the sea on the table in Bellaria-Igea Marina

The Taste of the Port is the food and wine event that, at the end of August, celebrates seafaring cuisine and sea traditions in the evocative setting of the canal port of Bellaria-Igea Marina, in the province of Rimini, on the Romagna Riviera of Emilia-Romagna. For two consecutive evenings, the quays of Via Alfonso Pinzon (Igea Marina side) and Via Rubicone (Bellaria side) come alive with stands, aromas, and music, welcoming residents and tourists on a culinary journey overlooking the water.

Seafood Flavors

The heart of the festival are the food stands managed by local associations and businesses, open from the evening. The offerings highlight Adriatic catches and traditions with simple and generous dishes:

• Mixed fried fish (shrimp, squid, sardines)
• Seafood pasta dishes, risottos, and tagliolini allo scoglio
• Fish skewers and grilled specialties
• Filled piadinas and food trucks, accompanied by house wine

Live Music and Port Atmosphere

Throughout the event, concerts and DJ sets alternate, ranging from Romagna folk to jazz, from acoustic to liscio dancing, creating a festive and popular atmosphere. Among the recent highlights, the Mirko Casadei POPular Folk Orchestra with its tribute to Romagna's musical tradition, performed in a scenic setting aboard the historic boat Teresina moored at the quay.

Waterfront Experiences

What makes The Taste of the Port special is its direct connection with the sea and the port's boats:

• Aperitif on a boat on the motorship Super Tayfun, with the option to bring food purchased at the stands aboard and participate in the musical festivities
• The Hale Bopp ferry, with free crossings for children during the evenings
• The involvement of local nautical and boating clubs, which open the port to the city

A Celebration of the Maritime Community

Organized by the Fondazione Verdeblu with the patronage of the Municipality of Bellaria-Igea Marina, the event involves historic restaurants, clubs, and local associations. It is much more than a food festival: it is a narrative of the city's maritime identity, its fishing history, and the deep bond between the community and its port. Admission is free, and the evenings are designed for all ages, in one of the liveliest seaside resorts on the Rimini Riviera.