Fiabilandia: Historic Park with Wizard Merlin’s Castle and Lake Bernardo

Fiabilandia is not just an amusement park: it’s an institution for those who grew up in the 80s and 90s on the Romagna Riviera, and now bring their own children to the same magical place. The park immediately stands out for its family-friendly approach, without the extreme roller coasters of nearby parks, but with a more intimate atmosphere tailored to children. As soon as you pass through the entrance, you’re greeted by the lake with swans and vintage rides that seem straight out of a fairy tale – a feeling perhaps missing in more modern mega-parks. The location is strategic: just minutes from the sea of Rimini, yet immersed in the greenery of the countryside, creating almost an island of fun away from the summer chaos. Here you won’t find pure adrenaline, but gentle experiences that appeal to the little ones, especially those aged 3 to 10. I still remember the thrill of riding the Fairy Train as a child, and seeing those same expressions on my children’s faces today is something special.

Fiabilandia was established in 1965, one of Italy’s first theme parks, as the Riviera Romagnola began transforming from a beach destination into an entertainment hub. The idea came from a group of local entrepreneurs who wanted to create something different from traditional amusement parks. In the 1970s, it was enriched with iconic attractions like the Wizard Merlin’s Castle and Pirate’s Bay, becoming a staple for school trips from across Italy. The park has withstood competition from giants like Mirabilandia by focusing on its family-friendly identity, renewing itself without losing its essence. An interesting fact: many water features were added in the 1990s, as summers grew hotter and the demand for refreshment increased. Today, it is still managed by the founding family, a rarity in the industry.

• 1965: Park opening with few attractions
• 1970s: Expansion with fantasy-themed areas
• 1990s: Introduction of water zones
• 2000s: Renovations to comply with safety standards
• Today: A historic park that remains updated for families

Fiabilandia is divided into distinct zones, each with its own personality. The Far West Valley is perhaps the most characteristic: here children can explore a miniature western village, with the typical saloon and gold mine where they can take a ride on the little train. My kids love the feeling of being in a movie, even though the attractions are gentle. Then there’s The Castle of Wizard Merlin, the fantasy heart of the park, with magic shows that involve the young audience – sometimes a bit kitschy, but children go crazy for them. The Orient Express zone recreates the atmosphere of a vintage train journey, while Pirate Bay with its ships and water cannons is perfect for cooling off on hot days. What stands out is how each area is designed for interaction, not just for looking: children can ring bells, operate mechanisms, participate in games. They are not just simple rides, they are miniature worlds to immerse themselves in.

After several visits, I’ve learned some tricks that make the day smoother. First: arrive at opening time, around 10 AM, but not for the attractions – those stay empty even later. The secret is to head straight to the main self-service restaurant and reserve a shaded table for lunch, so you avoid the queue at 1 PM when everyone is hungry. Second: bring at least one complete change of clothes for children, because between the water zones and unexpected water games, everyone always gets wet. Third: the park isn’t huge, but it has limited shaded spots – look for those under the trees near the lake, they’re the coolest. For food, the mixed fry from the kiosk near Far West Valley is surprisingly good, better than the standard sandwiches. Lastly: don’t underestimate the ‘calm’ attractions like the boat ride on the lake – they’re relaxing moments that adults enjoy too, while children watch ducks and fish.

Fiabilandia is worth visiting for three concrete reasons. First: it’s accessible even with very young children – most attractions have low height limits (80-90 cm), so even 2-3 year olds can ride almost everything, which is rare in other parks. Second: it has maintained an artisanal soul – many rides are original from the 1970s-80s, carefully restored, and you can feel it’s not a mass-produced product. Third: the value for money is honest – the ticket includes everything, shows included, and services like parking are free. Plus, the atmosphere is relaxed, without the competitive frenzy of larger places – here you don’t rush from one attraction to another, but enjoy your time. For families with children under 10, it’s often preferable to more extreme parks where half the attractions are off-limits.

The ideal season? I prefer late spring, especially May, when the park is already open but schools are still in session, so there are fewer families. The temperatures are mild, perfect for spending the whole day outdoors without suffering from the heat. In summer, particularly in August, it can become muggy and crowded—if you go during that period, plan your visit for Wednesday or Thursday, typically the quieter days of the week. A little tip: in September, the park is still open on weekends, and the atmosphere is different, more intimate, with the first leaves falling creating an almost melancholic vibe. I’d avoid rainy days, not so much because of the attractions (many are covered), but because the park loses some of its charm when it’s wet and deserted.

Fiabilandia is located in an area rich with alternatives. Just a few kilometers away is the Cattolica Aquarium, the perfect complement to a day dedicated to children – it showcases marine ecosystems in an interactive way, and after the rides, the tropical fish seem even more magical. Another idea: the nearby Oltremare in Riccione, a nature and animal-themed park, with dolphin shows that enchant both adults and children. If instead you want a total contrast after the fun, you can quickly reach the medieval village of San Leo, perched on a rocky spur – there, the silence and history make you forget the park’s chatter. All three places share a focus on family, but offer completely different experiences.