Rimini Travel Guide: A Complete Guide to Visiting Rimini

Discover our ultimate Rimini travel guide – everything you need to know for a trip to another of Italy’s magical coastal cities.

Rimini has been a holiday destination for more than a century. In fact, many people believe that Rimini was the birthplace of the package holiday. Having originally been developed as a beach resort in the 19th century, during Mussolini’s reign, many holiday camps were built and the city was promoted as the number one holiday destination in Italy. By the end of the 1960s, the package holiday industry was beginning to boom and Rimini was ready! In fact my own dad took his first trip abroad to Rimini during the 1960s.

However, Rimini has come a long was since its first incarnation as a holiday destination. Of course it does still boast a stunning coastal location and one of the longest stretches of golden sand in Italy. But there is much more to Rimini than just another beach holiday destination.

Today, you will find an eclectic mix of renaissance art, roman history and a buzzing night scene. What’s more, Rimini’s location on the Emilia Romagna and Le Marche border makes it a great place to add to an Italian tour. It’s easy to hop from Bologna, Florence and even Venice. Rimini has so much to offer. And while you can of course still come and ‘fly and flop’, that’s certainly not our style when we travel. This Rimini travel guide will help you find the best things to see and do in the city, along with tips of where to stay, eat and the best travel options.

Rimini Travel Guide: When to visit Rimini

Traditionally Rimini has always been a summer holiday destination. And while we would mostly still agree with this, there are some advantages to visiting Rimini during the shoulder seasons of Autumn and Spring. Summers in Italy are hot. And Rimini is certainly no exception. Obviously, if you do only plan to come to Rimini to sit on the beach (hopefully this Rimini travel guide will persuade you to do much more than this!), then perhaps July or August are the best months to visit. However, these months are not only often very hot but also the humidity in this area can be exceptionally high, making it quite uncomfortable.

Both the spring and autumn bring sunny but more comfortable weather. It’s almost always still warm enough to swim in the sea well into October and al fresco dining is often still possible in November. However, we love Rimini in the spring. It has a wonderful freshness and by May, temperatures are regularly well in the 20s with long days and fewer crowds than in July and August.

What to see and do in Rimini

Rimini’s history is rich and this is evident all over the city. Many of the city’s main attractions highlight this richness which stands in wonderful contrast to the more contemporary developments on the coast. Here are our top tips on what to see and do as part of this Rimini travel guide.

Explore the old town

Here at Bookings For You we have always been fans of stepping off the main tourist trail to discover a more hidden side of Italy. And while Rimini’s old town is certainly not undiscovered by tourists, it is set back from the beach and coastal attractions. For this reason it can often be quieter and have a more relaxed and authentically Italian feel.

Roman architecture dominates the old town with some very well preserved buildings bridges and archways. Highlights include the Arc d’Augusto – one of the oldest reaming Roman archways in Italy. Be sure to take to to admire the intricate carvings and artwork. Also worth seeing is the Piazza Tre Martiri, a stunning Roman square which earned its sombre name after three young partisans were publicly hanged here in 1944. We also recommend visiting the city’s main piazza – Piazza Cavour. Here you’ll find locals meeting for coffee or an early evening aperitivo. This square is often referred of as the heart of Rimini and it has a wonderfully authentic Italian energy about it.

Tempio Malatestiano

We love visiting churches and cathedrals in Italy. We almost always find stunning architecture paired with incredible artwork. And not only this, we find that churches and cathedrals in Italy are full of stories and so often reflect the history of a town or city. Rimini’s Tempio Malatestiano certainly lives up to all of these claims and we always recommend it to guests visiting the city. And while the building is one of the most significant pieces of renaissance architecture in Italy, it remains the principle place of worship for Catholics in Rimini.

Officially it is still unfinished, however the magnificent marble facades and archways feel far from a a work in progress! A notable piece of artwork within the cathedral is the crucifix by Giotto. Originally painted during his stay in Rimini in the early 1300s. This masterpiece, recently added to the main altar, is a wonderful piece of early renaissance art.

The Surgeon’s House –  Domus del Chirurgo 

Known locally as ‘Little Pompeii, this is a fascinating attraction right in the centre of Rimini. As the name suggests, the house is the former home of Eutyches, a doctor in Roman times. Only discovered in 1998, the excavation of this site has been a wonderful discovery of life more than 2,000 years ago.

Today, visitors can enter the site to see the medical instruments and tour the rooms of the house – including the operating theatre. Archaeologists have worked tirelessly to uncover and preserve the intricate mosaics and artwork which decorate the interior of the house. This is one of the most obvious markers that the surgeon was an affluent member of Rimini’s ancient society. Visitors can tour the rooms using cleverly appointed transparent walkways, which allow an excellent vantage point to take in this magnificent site.

Entry tickets also include access to the adjoining museum. Book them in advance here.

Visit San Marino

Just 30 minutes from the centre of Rimini, lies the world’s oldest republic – San Marino. Perched on the edge of Mount Titano and founded in 301 AD  the republic is well worth a visit while you’re in Rimini. Although it is relatively tiny, there is no shortage of authentic Italian charm in the ancient cobbled streets of San Marino.

Take time to enjoy the boutiques and have lunch in one of the trattorias which punctuate the narrow alleys and winding streets. However, also make sure that you visit the iconic ‘three towers’: Guaita, Cesta, and Montale. These medieval structures define the republic’s skyline. They offer the most stunning views of the countryside and sparkling Adriatic Sea in the distance. The republic’s main square is the Piazza della Libertà. This is often seen as the heart of San Marino and has a wonderful buzz, especially in the summer months when visitors can watch the symbolic changing of the guard at the Palazzo Pubblico. 

Have a Beach Day

Rimini’s beach is almost a city in itself. 15kms of pristine white sand stretch, meeting the glistening waters of the Adriatic. Due to its vast size, Rimini’s beach truly caters for everyone. As is often the case in Italy, much of the beach is occupied by private establishments, which offer rental of umbrellas and parasols. You can also have food and rdinks delivered to your bed or table – the ultimate in relaxation. However, there are also some ‘free’ areas of the beach. Here you can bring your own towel or beach chair and enjoy the beach free of charge. The most popular of these is at Marina Centro.

However, simply sitting on the beach in Rimini always feels like a bit of a waste. I think you’d be hard pressed to find a beach anywhere in the world with better facilities and activities to enjoy so close to the sea. There are areas reserved for visitors wishing to enjoy the beach with their dogs. And also an excellent wheelchair accessible area. What’s more the full 15kms are equipped with lifeguards from 9.30am – 6.30pm throughout the summer months. Beach-goers can enjoy almost every water sport with numerous places to rent kayaks, pedalos and paddleboards along with some more adrenaline fuelled activities and guided tours and classes.

Many people also take advantage of beach sports and games by playing volleyball and football on the beach. All the way along the promenade there are outdoor gyms, playgrounds and social spaces with tables, chairs and sofas. But also work stations – this has to be one of best co-working spaces in the world! By night the beach comes alive with lives music and DJs. However, this is also where you can dine on some of the city’s finest seafood.

Rimini Travel Guide: Festivals and Events

Like every Italian town or city, Rimini has no shortage of events for visitors to enjoy. In fact we have never visited when we haven’t stumbled upon at least one celebration of the arts, more often accompanied by an additional celebration of something delicious to eat or drink! However, for the purpose of this Rimini travel guide, we have chosen some of our favourite annual or regular events and festivals for you to enjoy on your trip to Rimini.

Sagre Musicale Malatestiana

As one of Italy’s oldest music festivals, this event in now in its 75th year. Festivities begin in June and concerts and events are held at the iconic Amintore Galli Theatre, until the finale in December. Originally a classical music event, it has now evolved to include many different genres and attracts some of Europe’s finest conductors, soloists and orchestras to the city.

Hand Made Market – Artigiana al Centro

Like many town and cities in Italy, the art of hand crafting has never been lost in Rimini. While you can find some beautiful artisan gifts in the city’s boutiques on any day, a visit to the Hand Made Market is a real treat. Held in the Piazza Tre Martiri on one Sunday each month this is the ultimate celebration of unique design and hand crafted artisan produce. Click here for more information and the dates of the market.

Rimini Wellness

Imagine a whole city turning into  a fitness centre – that’s what you can experience at Rimini Wellness. Originally a trade show, this event has now evolved into a interactive haven for fans of fitness and sport. Visitors can take part in almost very sport and also learn about the latest equipment and nutritional tools available to facilitate their sporting endeavours. Rimini is actually a haven for active travellers at any time of year. The development of the Parco Del Mare with outdoor gyms, communal exercise areas and cycle tracks will make it the largest pedestrianised outdoor wellness area in Europe. The Rimini wellness event usually takes place at the end of May or beginning of June and more information can be found here.

Notte Rosa

Could this be the ultimate summer festival in the Adriatic? Locals often refer to it as ‘Summer New Years Eve’ and is certainly greeted with the same anticipation and celebration as its winter counterpart. Rimini comes alive with fireworks, beach parties and live music as lights give the city a wonderful pink glow. Celebrations continue into the night as party-goers enjoy some of the longest hours of sunlight and balmy temperatures that allow all night al fresco celebrations. The event usually takes place over the first weekend in July.

Rimini Travel Guide: Food and Drink

Much like anywhere in Italy, we can guarantee that you will eat well in Rimini. As a coastal city, fish and seafood take centre stage, however there is always plenty of delicious meat and cheese to eat too. If you’re a fan of fine dining but also enjoy a restaurant with a story then be sure to visit Guido 1946. Originally a wooden hut serving fresh fish and seafood, over time it has evolved into one of Rimini’s finest fish restaurants. Yet it still has the original authentic charm rooted in its humble history. Dishes are exquisitely prepared and presented as pieces of art. Definitely Instagram worthy food!

For something less formal, join the locals and enjoy a piadina romagnola. Although these traditional folded flatbread sandwiches are available all over Italy, it is here in this corner of Emilia Romagna that they are believed to have first been created. While you can have them filled with almost anything these days, when in Rimini, we recommend keeping it simple and traditional. Opt for prosciutto crudo, squacquerone cheese and a rocket salad – you wont regret it!

For a sweet treat, be sure to try Ciambella Romagnola. This is often referred to as breakfast cake (or the breakfast of champions in the Bookings For You office!). A simple cake, topped with crystalised sugar, often baked in a ring shape so it looks like a giant doughnut. This is particularly popular in the run up to Easter but you will find it in most bakeries all year round.

Wine

Wine tourism in Rimini is almost non-existent. However, don’t let this put you off enjoying the delicious local wine. In fact, because the area is not overrun with vineyards pitching for tasting experiences, you will actually get a much more authentic experience. Much more so than in some of the more well known and popular wine destination in Italy.

The vineyards which stretch beyond the city of Rimini into the magnificent Emilia Romagna hills are officially part of the Romagna wine region. We truly believe that this is home to some of the most underrated wine in Italy. The most well known is probably Samgiovese Romagna – a warm but medium bodied red. It’s softer than some of the more sturdy reds of the Chianti hills and pairs beautifully with grilled meats. Look for Superiore or Riserva labels for more depth and complexity.

Our favourite white wine in the region is Albana di Romagna. This is typically dry, fruity and light bodied but also comes in a sweeter variety. It’s main claim to fame is that it was the first wine of the region to receive the DOCG status. We have particularly enjoyed it with seafood or soft cheeses.

Rimini Travel Guide: Accommodation

There is certainly no shortage of hotel accommodation in Rimini. There are in fact more than 1000 hotels to choose from! For a relatively small city this is a lot of hotels. And while there probably is a hotel to match every budget and type of trip, our advice is to choose carefully. Many of the big hotels do still have a ‘holiday camp’ feel and may not be the authentic taste of Italy you’re craving.

Our best advice is actually to stay outside of the city in a villa or apartment. The countryside of Emilia Romagna is absolutely stunning and by choosing to stay here, you will have all this beauty on your doorstep but will also be able to take trips into the city. Trains into Rimini are efficient and run regularly from nearby towns where you can park your rental car. If you plan to drive into Rimini, always check for parking in advance. A list of the city’s park parks with opening times and prices can be found here.

Our top choice is Villa Rimini. With 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms this is a beautiful luxury villa just 10 minutes from the city. The villa boasts 2 acres of stunning gardens along with a large swimming pool, tennis court and multiple terraces on which to relax. Click here to learn more about Villa Rimini or visit Bookings For You to discover or full collection of villas and apartments right across Italy. As Italian holiday specialists, we are always happy you find the perfect place for your next holiday in Italy.

Rimini Travel Guide: Getting to Rimini

Thanks to Rimini’s history as a holiday destination, it has excellent transport links. Most of Rimini’s international visitors arrive be plane into Federico Fellini International Airport. It’s just 7km and an easy 15 minute transfer into the city centre. Although there aren’t yet any direct flights from the U.S.A., connecting flights are available from almost every European city. Read our top tips on booking flights to Italy here.

The city is also served by excellent rail links into its central station. Journeys from both Florence and Milan are under 2 hours. Even Rome is only 3 hours away. Driving to Rimini is also very straight forward and there is actually quite a lot of parking in the city itself. Both the Largo Gramsci and Tiberio car parks have more than 250 spaces. During the summer there is also a new free parking area at via Giuliani and via Fada. Both offer a free shuttle service to the Marina Centro area of the beach.

We hope that you’ve found this Rimini travel guide useful. You can check out our guide to all the towns and villages of Emilia Romagna here. And find out everything you need to know about planning a trip to Italy here. Remember to contact us at Bookings For You to help you find the perfect place for your next trip to Italy.