Italy is a country that always calls to me, and this year, my focus is on the Adriatic coast for the San Marino MotoGP. It’s more than just the race; it’s about soaking in the Italian atmosphere, the food, and the coastal charm. This guide is all about getting ready for that experience, from planning my travel to finding the perfect place to stay near the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
Planning My Visit to Misano
The San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli is taking place from September 11-13, 2026. I’m already looking forward to the energy of race weekend. It’s important to have a plan, especially with the kids, so I’m focusing on the practicalities of getting there and settling in.
Getting to the Circuit
The Misano World Circuit is located in Emilia Romagna, not far from the coast. This part of Italy is beautiful, with towns like Misano Adriatico and Rimini nearby. My closest airport option is Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, but its flight schedule can be limited. For more flight choices, Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport is a drive away, but it connects to many European cities, which is useful.
Flying into Italy
When flying into Italy for the race, I need to consider the best airport. Rimini’s airport is the closest, but sometimes flights are seasonal. Bologna is a bigger airport with more options, so I’ll compare them for my travel dates. It’s about 120 km from the circuit, so I’ll factor in travel time from the airport to the Misano area.
Having a car is a consideration, but the advice is to avoid driving directly to the circuit due to limited parking. I think I’ll plan to park in a nearby town and use public transport. My husband, Michael, is good with navigation, but even he prefers a less stressful approach on race day.
Traveling by Train
The closest train station is Misano-Adriatico, about 5 km from the circuit. Since it mainly serves local routes, I’ll likely need to travel to a larger station like Rimini or Riccione and then change. Major Italian cities like Milan, Bologna, and Florence have train services to these larger stations. The train journey from Rimini to Misano-Adriatico is quite short, around 15 minutes.
From Misano-Adriatico station, there are usually taxis and shuttle buses available for the final leg to the circuit. If I were feeling particularly energetic, I could walk, but it would take about an hour, which I’d rather spend enjoying the atmosphere or relaxing.
Using Local Buses
During the MotoGP weekends, there are special bus services from Misano-Adriatico station and Riccione to the circuit. Regular public buses also run nearby, with route numbers 55 and 124 connecting from Riccione, Misano, and Rimini. These buses stop within a 1-2 km walk of the circuit entrance, so it’s a convenient option.
There are also regional bus services, like those run by Busforfun, which offer direct connections from a range of cities. This could be a good option if I decide to visit other Italian cities before heading to Misano.
Staying Near Misano
Finding the right accommodation is key to a comfortable trip, especially with a young family. The area around the Misano World Circuit offers a variety of places to stay, from seaside towns to camping options.
Seaside Town Stays
Many visitors choose to stay in towns like Rimini, Riccione, or Pesaro. These places offer beautiful beaches and a lively atmosphere, perfect for downtime between race sessions. I’m looking into hotels in these towns, balancing proximity to the circuit with the amenities we’ll need.
In Rimini, places like Hotel St Pierre offer good access to trains for race day. Hotel Villa Rosa Riviera has dining and wellness facilities, which sounds nice after a day at the track. For a more upscale option with a spa, Savia Hotel in Rimini could be perfect. Hotel St Pierre sounds like a good balance for us, handy for trains and close to the beach, which the kids will love.
Riccione also has some attractive hotels. Hotel Stella is close to the train and bus stations, making it easy to get to Misano. Hotel Tiffany’s is right on the beach and not too far from the circuit, a practical choice if we decide to drive part of the way. Hotel Abner’s is another seafront option, often with special packages for MotoGP weekends, which might be worth looking into.
Pesaro offers options like Hotel Perticari, which is simple and on the seafront. For a more luxurious feel, Grand has spa and pool facilities, offering a classic Italian experience. Hotel Excelsior in Pesaro is also a stylish seafront hotel and might have good packages.
Camping Adventures
While there’s no official campsite at the circuit itself, many holiday villages and campsites in the surrounding towns welcome MotoGP fans. Camping Village Misano is a popular choice, located close to the circuit and walking distance to the beach. It offers pitches for tents and caravans, as well as mobile homes and even glamping tents. The facilities usually include swimming pools and restaurants, giving it a festive feel.
For families, camping can be a fun alternative. My daughter Lily, who is seven, would probably love the idea of staying in a mobile home or even a safari tent. Michael and I also appreciate the sense of community you find at campsites during events like this. Places like Camping Adria in Riccione and Villaggio Mithos offer similar options with pitches for tents and camper vans, as well as bungalows.
It’s important to remember that you can’t bring tents into the circuit itself. Camping chairs are allowed in the natural grandstands, but staying at a nearby campsite or holiday village is the best way to immerse yourself in the camping experience for the MotoGP.
Circuit Information
The Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli has a track length of 4.226 km. The race involves 27 laps, covering a distance of about 114.1 km. The longest straight is 530 m, and the top speed recorded is around 305.9 km/h. There are 16 turns on the circuit.
Race Weekend Schedule
The schedule for the 2026 San Marino MotoGP will be released closer to the event, but I can get a good idea from the 2025 schedule. Friday typically involves free practice sessions for MotoE, Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP, along with practice and qualifying for MotoE. Saturday continues with practice and qualifying for the MotoGP classes, and then the MotoE races. Sunday is race day, with warm-up sessions in the morning followed by the main races for Moto3, Moto2, and MotoGP.
Having this schedule helps me plan our days. For the kids, I think we’ll focus on catching the main MotoGP race on Sunday, but perhaps enjoy some of the practice sessions on Saturday to soak in the atmosphere. They love the sounds and excitement of the bikes.
Exploring the Local Area
Beyond the race, the region around Misano offers plenty to see and do. The Adriatic coast is known for its beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Coastal Towns
Rimini and Riccione are lively seaside resorts with long sandy beaches. They have a good mix of entertainment, restaurants, and shopping. Pesaro, further south, is also a lovely coastal city with a historic center and beautiful views.
I’m always looking for beautiful photo opportunities, and these coastal towns offer plenty of scenic spots. The piazzas, the sea views, and the Italian architecture will be perfect for my journal and camera.
Emilia Romagna Cuisine
The food in Emilia Romagna is famous throughout Italy. I’m looking forward to trying local specialties like piadina (a flatbread), fresh pasta dishes, and seafood from the Adriatic. Trying local foods is always a highlight of my travels, and I want to introduce Lily and Ethan to some authentic Italian flavors.
We’ll likely spend our evenings exploring local trattorias, enjoying the relaxed Italian pace of life. Sharing a meal together after a busy day at the circuit will be a special family moment. Michael is especially keen to try some of the regional wines.
Practical Travel Tips
When traveling abroad, having some practical information is essential. For Italy, the currency is the Euro (EUR). The official language is Italian.
Emergency Information
In case of any emergency, the number to call is 112. It’s always good to have this number handy when traveling in Europe.
I also like to be prepared for what to bring and what to be aware of at the circuit. Having a track map is useful for planning where to sit or walk around. I’ll download or screenshot the map provided to have it easily accessible.
When it comes to the circuit itself, there are often restrictions on what you can bring. I’ll need to check the list of prohibited items closer to the date. Generally, it’s good to pack light and be aware of security measures.
Overall, planning for the San Marino MotoGP is about combining my passion for motorsport with a chance to experience the beauty and culture of Italy with my family. It’s set to be a memorable trip in 2026.
Enjoying Your Visit
I hope this guide helps you plan your own amazing trip to the San Marino MotoGP. The combination of thrilling racing and the Italian coast makes for an unforgettable experience. Maybe I’ll see you there!