Fusing the charm of an elegant Adriatic resort and the energy of a world-class nightclubbing center, Rimini is one of Italy's leading beach destinations, with some hidden depths that culture lovers will adore.
Above all else, people flock to Rimini for the nightlife. Megaclubs like Baia Imperiale and Carnaby attract world-class DJs and massive crowds. If you love to dance, they aren't to be missed.
Rimini's beach is long, sandy and enjoys almost constant summer sunshine. On such a large beach, you should be able to find plenty of room, even at the height of tourist season.
If you are into world cinema, you'll know the name Federico Fellini. The director of classics like La Dolce Vita and La Strada was born in Rimini and visitors can tour the excellent Fellini Museum.
The modern tourist city is a long way from Roman Arminum, but you can still tour the atmospheric ruins of the Roman city, including the impressive Augustus Arch.
Every July, Rimini lights up its promenades in pink and creates an enchanting space to socialize, dine, walk and party, with plenty of live music and a spectacular fireworks display.
If you love Roman history, antiquities and culture, the Arco di Augusto (the Arch of Agustus) will leave you breathless. This magnificent structure is the oldest surviving Roman arch in history. Dating back to 27 B.C., it's located near Piazza Cavour and marks the entrance to the city of Rimini like the triumphant Arch of Constantine does to Rome. A pillar sits atop each vertical block, distinguished by solemn Roman decorations representing the Pax Romana decreed by Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus. In addition to the Romanesque, curved and linear architecture, the arch instilled peace from the carved faces of Neptune, Goddess Romana, Jupiter and Apollo.
Admire Leon Battista Alberti's Renaissance chapel adorned with a splendidly crafted relief sculpture created by Agostino di Duccio. The mausoleum has the Malatesta's initials imprinted all around the temple and the doorway expands to a tall arch inscribed in Latin. Vist Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta's tomb adorned with two laurel crowns and armor medallions. You'll be marveled by the Isotta (Chapel of the Angeles) and its ark of Isotta and painted crucifix as well as the Chapel of the planets, where you'll find various Zodiac signs, bronze baskets, fruits, butterflies, animals and more.
Survey the magnificent blue waters of the Marecchia River as you stroll down the Tiberius Bridge. Roman by design, its eloquent Istrian stone architecture is comprised of five arches, each sitting on top of a pillar. Embedded in the architecture are handles that redirect the flow of the river's current and reduces its force on the bridge. As the evening turns to night, the bridge is illuminated by light to give a romantic and reminiscent glow.
Glance over the illustrious, historic monuments, vibrant culture and civilization that inhabit Rimini's popular square. The famous Pigna Fountain stands in the middle of the square and has been said to have a reciprocal relationship with its water creating a musical, steady and rhythmic flow. A few feet from this structure, you'll come across the life-size majestic bronze statue of Pope Paul V depicted as San Gaudenzo, Rimini's patron saint. His sitting firm posture, hand and extended fingers allude to his blessing of the city.
Walk into the world of tiny Italy where you'll be the Titan with the omniscient view. If you love miniatures, you'll be blown away by the intricate, accurate and gorgeous designs of Rimini's Thematic Park: Italy in Miniature. Ponder over the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi and visit the Portiuncula Chapel and its infirmary cell that held St Francis until his death. Whichever monument you stop by, you'll be mesmerized by the sites that made Italy the most decorated recipient of UNESCO.
If you love Roman history, antiquities and culture, the Arco di Augusto (the Arch of Agustus) will leave you breathless. This magnificent structure is the oldest surviving Roman arch in history. Dating back to 27 B.C., it's located near Piazza Cavour and marks the entrance to the city of Rimini like the triumphant Arch of Constantine does to Rome. A pillar sits atop each vertical block, distinguished by solemn Roman decorations representing the Pax Romana decreed by Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus. In addition to the Romanesque, curved and linear architecture, the arch instilled peace from the carved faces of Neptune, Goddess Romana, Jupiter and Apollo.
Admire Leon Battista Alberti's Renaissance chapel adorned with a splendidly crafted relief sculpture created by Agostino di Duccio. The mausoleum has the Malatesta's initials imprinted all around the temple and the doorway expands to a tall arch inscribed in Latin. Vist Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta's tomb adorned with two laurel crowns and armor medallions. You'll be marveled by the Isotta (Chapel of the Angeles) and its ark of Isotta and painted crucifix as well as the Chapel of the planets, where you'll find various Zodiac signs, bronze baskets, fruits, butterflies, animals and more.
Survey the magnificent blue waters of the Marecchia River as you stroll down the Tiberius Bridge. Roman by design, its eloquent Istrian stone architecture is comprised of five arches, each sitting on top of a pillar. Embedded in the architecture are handles that redirect the flow of the river's current and reduces its force on the bridge. As the evening turns to night, the bridge is illuminated by light to give a romantic and reminiscent glow.
Glance over the illustrious, historic monuments, vibrant culture and civilization that inhabit Rimini's popular square. The famous Pigna Fountain stands in the middle of the square and has been said to have a reciprocal relationship with its water creating a musical, steady and rhythmic flow. A few feet from this structure, you'll come across the life-size majestic bronze statue of Pope Paul V depicted as San Gaudenzo, Rimini's patron saint. His sitting firm posture, hand and extended fingers allude to his blessing of the city.
Walk into the world of tiny Italy where you'll be the Titan with the omniscient view. If you love miniatures, you'll be blown away by the intricate, accurate and gorgeous designs of Rimini's Thematic Park: Italy in Miniature. Ponder over the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi and visit the Portiuncula Chapel and its infirmary cell that held St Francis until his death. Whichever monument you stop by, you'll be mesmerized by the sites that made Italy the most decorated recipient of UNESCO.
Rimini has some first-class Italian restaurants. Don't miss highlights like La Marianna (that specializes in Adriatic seafood) and Osteria de Borg, where meat is the star. Meals should cost between EUR15 and EUR25 per head.
Rimini is mainly a summer destination. July brings the Notte Rose festival and sees the clubs filling up, but if you want thinner crowds, try a break in May or late September.
Rimini International Airport offers a range of flights from European hubs like Amsterdam or Berlin. Take Bus number 9 from the airport, which costs EUR1.60.
You can reach Rimini directly by train from Bologna and indirectly from Milan, Rome and Venice. It takes around 3 hours from Rome at a cost of about EUR30.
From Florence or Rome, take the E35 to Bologna, then the E45 to Rimini. The E35 southbound runs from Milan, while you'll need to take the A13 from Venice.
Flixbus operate a daily bus service from Rome to Rimini and Baltour offer a service with one change. The quickest bus journey from Rome takes about 6 hours.
Centro Storico - Rimini's city center was heavily bombed in World War Two, but has been lovingly restored. It's a lovely, atmospheric part of town.
Rivabella - The northern part of Rimini, Rivabella has a fine beach and plenty of green space as well as great seafront eateries like La Posada or Terae Maris.
Riccione - South of Rimini, Riccione is a lively resort suburb with one major attraction: the superb Oltremare water park.
Rimini's bus network is a good way to travel the coast. Single tickets cost EUR1.30.
If you need to take a taxi in Rimini, expect to pay a meter drop of around EUR7.50, then EUR5 per mile.
Having a car is a great way to see the coast and the inland principality of San Marino. You can rent a vehicle from Hertz, Budget or Europcar for a daily rate of around EUR10-15.
The Centro Storico features some of Italy's most prestigious fashion labels, with Gucci and Prada being represented, but it's the smaller independent stores that shine. Check out stores like Nicole's Boutique or Sabattini to uncover Italian apparel gems.
Local supermarkets include Coop and Conad, where you can expect to pay around EUR2.50 for 12 eggs.