Fifteen kilometres of sandy beach lined with rows of sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. Rimini is Italy’s holiday machine, running at full capacity from June to September. Families arrive from across Europe. Children build sandcastles while parents sip spritzes under striped canopies. By night the seaside promenade fills with restaurants serving piadina flatbreads and fresh seafood. The old Roman city centre offers the Arch of Augustus, the Tiberius Bridge, and a surprisingly rich history beneath the holiday veneer. Rimini knows what it is. It does not pretend to be exclusive or untouched. It offers guaranteed sun, reliable gelato, and the sound of the Adriatic washing the shore.
On the Adriatic coast in Italian region of Emilia-Romagna you can find one of the greatest seaside resorts not only in Italy but even in Europe. Rimini is a very popular destination where thousands of enthusiastic tourists are returning every year.
Rimini is located in an area known as Adriatic Riviera, which is famous for its endless sandy beaches and long gradual entry into the sea, which is appreciated especially by families with young children. The resort is situated on a flat sea coast in the southeast corner of the Po Valley, about 200 km south of Venice and 50 km from the historic city of Ravenna. Along with several other towns in its surroundings creates a long strip of the urban landscape.
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Roman History in the City Centre
The town has been here since Roman period, which is reflected in the buildings in the city center. Rimini has received wider recognition in 1843 when the first spa resort was built here, which is still working. They deal with the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases and respiratory tract and are located in the northeast of the city. During World War II almost the whole town was destroyed but it has been reconstructed and today it is one of Europe’s largest sea site resorts. The first hotel was opened here by Baldini family together with a spa centre in 1843. Since then there has grown additional 1600 accommodation properties. Fans of medieval and Roman monuments will certainly not be disappointed. One of the most important monuments is Ponte di Tiberio, a bridge constructed of Istrian marble whose history dates back to 20 AD. Up until the 1990s the bridge was used for transport, but now serves only for pedestrians. At this bridge, originating from the reign of Emperor Tiberius, starts the main street Corso di Augusto, which crosses the old city. Following the street you can get to the south edge of town where you can admire the oldest triumphal arch in Italy, the Arco d’Augusto, built in 26 BC and served as the official gateway to the city. The main square of Rimini is Piazza Cavour, whose dominant feature is the ancient palace Palazzo del Podesta built in the 14th century. On Via IV Novembre street you can see the Renaissance cathedral church Tempio Malatestiano, built in the 13th century by architect Leon Battista Alberti, which has become a jewel of Renaissance architecture.
Beaches, Nightlife, and Theme Parks
Currently this resort can offer not only the sea, beaches, entertainment and attractions, but also nice old city with some beautiful and important monuments. Rimini has two faces: one is historic, great and calm, while the other one is trendy, vibrant and splendid. But Rimini is mainly known for its busier environment and rich cultural program. It is an ideal place for an active holiday full of fun and entertainment. Rimini is often called “Ibiza of the Adriatic” among young people, with exuberant nightlife in clubs and discos that run until the early morning hours. Rimini has over twenty kilometers of beaches with golden sand, sometimes up to 200 meters wide. Although the sea is a little cloudy from the sand, its purity is not a concern. You can try paragliding, windsurfing, water skiing, or jet-ski. Rimini offers also volleyball, tennis, golf, and several special in-line skating routes.
Day Trips and Practical Information
Around the city there are many theme parks. The most popular amusement park is Mirabilandia, while Italia in Miniatura lets you see Italy’s most famous buildings in miniature. Fiabilandia, the Dolphinarium, and Aquafan water park are also nearby. The biggest park in town is Parco XXV Aprile. If you are planning your vacation with children, choose accommodation in a quieter part of town like Miramare de Rimini, where the beaches are less crowded. Only about 20 km from Rimini you can find the second smallest state in the world, the Republic of San Marino, which is definitely worth a visit. Rimini is well connected by train with the main Milan-Bari line running through the city centre station. Federico Fellini International Airport handles flights from London, Paris, Berlin, and Moscow. The best time to visit is June or September, when the weather is warm and the crowds are manageable. Rimini is a place where you cannot experience boredom, but unfortunately there is sometimes very hard to find moments of peace.
View Rimini – Italian holiday factory in a larger map
View Rimini – Italian holiday factory in a larger map
View Rimini – Italian holiday factory in a larger map
Are you a sunbed-on-the-beach traveller or an explore-the-old-town traveller? ☀️
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What a wonderful guide. The section about architecture really sold it for me. Can’t wait to visit!
Great article! I visited Rimini – last summer and the views was absolutely breathtaking. Would recommend to anyone planning a trip.