30 hours in... Rimini

Rimini is an excellent choice for those looking to take a relaxing getaway. This captivating coastal city on the Adriatic Riviera is situated in the southern strip of Romagna between the Adriatic Sea and the gentle hills of the Apennine mountains.

For years Rimini has been in the memories and dreams of generations of vacationers. The secret of its success is the friendliness and hospitality of its inhabitants and one of the largest and most organised territories that offers 15 kilometres of beach, 250 colourful bathing establishments, 1200 hotels (from Fellini’s Grand Hotel to design hotels, family-run hotels and the mansions scattered throughout the San Giuliano district), many theme and amusement parks, a huge variety of entertainment possibilities and its good food. But it is also 2000 years of history and a real treasure of art. Rimini, or rather Ariminum, was founded by Romans in 268 BC and has seen many changes: from Roman Ariminum to a mediaeval municipality, city and ‘Signoria’ belonging to the Malatesta family, from a therapeutic and seaside resort to holiday capital and place of Fellini’s memory.

History, culture, gastronomy and the beach: Rimini brings together all of this and more. A rich, colourful imagery into which filmmakers, intellectuals, writers and songwriters have all dipped their pen. Here are some recommendations to help you plan your itinerary. 

DAY 1
Morning
You can start your trip by exploring unique masterpieces from the Roman to the Renaissance period. 
The Arch of Augustus, an iconic Roman monument from 27 B.C. that attests to Rimini's rich cultural heritage. It was erected by the will of the Senate in celebration of Octavianus Augustus, as manifested by the inscription placed above the arch. Perhaps not everyone knows that the current Via del Corso in Rome is the ancient Via Flaminia, which starts in the capital and ends in Rimini. Continue your discovery by reaching the Roman Tre Martiri square or the mediaeval Cavour square, ending with the City Museum which houses treasures from the past, around 1500 masterpieces.

Lunch
Around noon, you can stroll through the lively neighbourhood of Borgo San Giuliano. It's known for its colourful houses and murals: these ones with characters and scenes from the most important Fellini films are reproduced on the walls of the old village. In this area, you can choose from various picturesque cafes and eateries for a hearty lunch.
It is the perfect chance to try the piadina! This classic consists of a flatbread containing various kinds of cold cuts, local cheeses and vegetables.

Afternoon
After lunch, you can change the atmosphere and relax in the serenity of the Malatesta Temple, a 13th-century construction with incredible frescoes. Around the middle of the fifteenth century Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta radically transformed the existing building into the solemn forms designed by Leon Battista Alberti that make it a masterpiece of the Renaissance. Inside, you can admire the Crocifisso di Giotto (Giotto’s Crucifix). Matteo de' Pasti and Agostino di Duccio worked with an almost pictorial sensitivity on the marble covering of the six side chapels. The fresco with the prince kneeling in front of St. Sigismund in the last chapel on the right is by Piero della Francesca.

A concentration of beauty that the city has been recovering and enhancing for some time now, and which was completed in 2021 with its inauguration, is the Fellini Museum, a widespread museum centre of new conception and the largest museum project dedicated to the genius of Federico Fellini, who was born in Rimini in 1920.

At the sunshine
As the sun sets, you can experience an aperitivo, a typical Italian tradition. For this, we recommend the fascinating Piazzale Fellini, where you can delight in local wine or a refreshing spritz. Here, The Grand Hotel, symbol of "forbidden" wishes, is the mythical place of Fellini’s adolescence, immortalised in 'Amarcord'. Since 1984 it has been a national monument in pure Liberty style.
For dinner, you can savour excellent regional dishes at one of the many local osterias or trattorias. 

DAY 2

Morning
After resting from an incredible first day, you can start your second day by delving into history. A visit to the Tiberius Bridge, which crosses the Marecchia River, is a wonderful example of an ancient Roman bridge. The photos there turn out amazing.

In keeping up with the historical tour, you can continue your journey at the archaeological site Domus del Chirurgo (House of the Surgeon), an ancient Roman mansion that will amaze you with its stunning frescoes, mosaics and with one of the richest collections of surgical and pharmaceutical equipment from ancient times. This invaluable archaeological heritage of Rimini is in excellent condition, so you can appreciate its charm in all its splendour.

Lunch
Taking a barefoot walk along the seashore having a chat, or meditating, is exciting every day of the year, also in the atmosphere of autumn time. For lunch, you can explore the Marina Centro area, which is the most modern part of Rimini. There, you will find a variety of seaside restaurants where you can choose from a variety of dishes made from fresh seafood.

You can then head to the beach and there, you can rent a beach chair with an umbrella and enjoy a drink while relaxing on the glistening sand with views of the Adriatic Sea.
Otherwise, you can stroll along Viale Vespucci, a street adorned with a charming tree-lined promenade, cafes and ice cream shops, and enjoy a good gelato or invigorating coffee. There are also many boutiques here: if you want to buy some souvenirs, you will find a wide choice.

With this itinerary, you can make the most of your stay in the small yet magnificent Rimini. We hope you enjoy your getaway on the Italian Riviera! 

_{Info and photos: Rimini Turismo and Emilia-Romagna Turismo}