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Adriatic beaches, Roman ruins & Fellini's hometown — stay sustainably
Rimini is far more than a beach resort — though its 15 kilometres of golden sand along the Adriatic coast are reason enough to visit. This city on Italy's eastern seaboard has been a holiday destination since the mid-19th century, and long before that it was Ariminum, one of ancient Rome's most strategic colonies, founded in 268 BC at the junction of the Via Flaminia and the Via Emilia.
Two extraordinary Roman monuments anchor the old town. The Arch of Augustus, erected in 27 BC, is the oldest surviving Roman triumphal arch in northern Italy. A short walk away, the Tiberius Bridge (Ponte di Tiberio), completed in AD 21, still carries traffic across the Marecchia River after two millennia — a testament to Roman engineering that you can touch with your own hands. Between them lies Rimini's compact but fascinating centro storico, centred on the elegant Piazza Cavour with its Renaissance Palazzo dell'Arengo and the 16th-century Fontana della Pigna.
Rimini is also the birthplace of Federico Fellini, arguably Italy's most celebrated film director. The city has embraced this legacy with the spectacular Fellini Museum, opened in 2021 across three venues including the restored Castel Sismondo and the Teatro Galli. Fellini's dreamy, surreal imagery — the seaside, the Grand Hotel, the funfair — was all drawn from his Rimini childhood, and you can trace those inspirations through the streets of Borgo San Giuliano, the old fishermen's quarter whose colourful murals depict scenes from his films.
The Adriatic beaches themselves are impeccably organised. Rimini pioneered the Italian bagno system — numbered beach clubs with sun loungers, umbrellas, bars, and lifeguards — which stretches unbroken from Bellaria in the north to Riccione in the south. The shallow, calm waters are perfect for families with young children. And when the sun sets, Rimini transforms: its seafront promenade along Viale Vespucci and the Lungomare comes alive with restaurants, gelaterias, and a nightlife scene that has earned it the nickname "the Ibiza of the Adriatic." Add in Emilia-Romagna's world-class cuisine — piadina, passatelli, fresh seafood, Sangiovese wine — and you have a destination that delivers on every front.
Rimini has its own airport — Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI) — just 8 km southeast of the city centre, with seasonal flights from London Stansted, Berlin, Moscow, and other European cities via carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air. For a wider choice of routes, fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), roughly 110 km northwest; from there, a direct train to Rimini takes about one hour. Rimini sits on Italy's main Adriatic railway line, making it easy to reach by train from Milan (around 3 hours), Rome (3.5–4 hours via the high-speed line to Bologna), and Venice (2.5–3 hours). The A14 motorway connects Rimini directly to Bologna, Ancona, and the rest of the Adriatic coast by car.
Marina Centro is the most popular zone for beach holidays — it's where you'll find the densest concentration of hotels, from the legendary Grand Hotel Rimini to boutique seafront properties. You're steps from the sand and a short walk from the old town. Centro Storico (the historic centre) puts you in the heart of Rimini's Roman and medieval monuments, with Piazza Cavour, the Tempio Malatestiano, and dozens of restaurants and bars just outside your door. Borgo San Giuliano, the old fishermen's neighbourhood on the north bank of the Marecchia River, is the artsy choice — its narrow lanes, painted facades, and trattorie make it feel like a village within the city. Rivazzurra and the southern beach zone are quieter and more family-focused, with larger resort-style hotels and proximity to Fiabilandia and Aquafan.
Don't miss a day trip to the Republic of San Marino, just 23 km southwest. This tiny, independent microstate perched on Mount Titano (UNESCO World Heritage) offers jaw-dropping views, medieval towers, and duty-free shopping. Regular Bonelli buses run from Rimini station in about 40 minutes. Other great excursions include Ravenna (50 km north) for its UNESCO Byzantine mosaics, Urbino (60 km south) for its Renaissance ducal palace, and the hill towns of the Valmarecchia valley — Verucchio, San Leo, and Pennabilli — which rise dramatically from the plain behind Rimini.
Rimini's prime seafront strip, centred around Piazzale Fellini and the Grand Hotel. Dozens of beach clubs, restaurants, and nightlife venues line the Lungomare. The best area for a classic Adriatic beach holiday with everything on your doorstep. Walk to the old town in 10 minutes.
Rimini's walled old town, compact and walkable, with the Arch of Augustus at one end and the Tiberius Bridge at the other. Stay here for culture, architecture, and the city's best dining. Piazza Cavour's cafés and the Tempio Malatestiano are steps away. The beach is a 10–15-minute walk east.
The former fishermen's neighbourhood just north of the Tiberius Bridge. Its pastel-coloured houses are decorated with murals inspired by Fellini's films. Quieter and more atmospheric than Marina Centro, with excellent local restaurants. A 5-minute walk across the bridge into the old town.
South of the centre, Rivazzurra offers wider beaches with shallow water perfect for children. Hotels here tend to be larger, resort-style properties with pools and kids' clubs. Near Fiabilandia theme park and just a short bus ride to Riccione's Aquafan water park. More affordable than Marina Centro.
Rimini's most iconic hotel, opened in 1908 and immortalised in Fellini's Amarcord. This grand Art Nouveau palace sits directly on the seafront at Piazzale Fellini, offering sweeping Adriatic views, a private beach, spa, and refined dining. A living piece of Rimini's history.
A striking contemporary design hotel on Rimini's seafront, the i-Suite features an infinity rooftop pool with panoramic Adriatic views, minimalist suites with private balconies, and a cutting-edge spa. Popular with design-conscious travellers who want beach access with architectural flair.
Boutique four-star hotel in the heart of Rimini's old town, next to the Tempio Malatestiano (Rimini's cathedral). Stylish rooms in a renovated historic building, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city's medieval rooftops. Perfect for travellers prioritising culture over beach.
Elegant seafront four-star on the Lungomare Murri, with classic Adriatic views, a private beach concession, and generous breakfast buffet. Rooms are bright and well-appointed, many with balconies facing the sea. A solid choice for couples and families wanting beachfront comfort.
Modern four-star hotel on Via Dante, close to the beach and the heart of Rimini's seafront nightlife strip. Features spacious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a wellness area. Well-located for guests who want easy access to both beach and entertainment.
Charming four-star hotel set in a garden near the seafront and Parco Federico Fellini. Rooms are airy and traditionally furnished, with views over the park's greenery. The hotel's restaurant serves classic Romagnolo cuisine. A peaceful retreat that's still just minutes from the beach and old town.
The oldest surviving Roman triumphal arch in northern Italy, erected in 27 BC to honour Emperor Augustus. It once marked the junction of the Via Flaminia and Via Emilia. The arch stands at the southern entrance to the old town and is beautifully illuminated at night. Free to visit.
A five-arched Roman bridge spanning the Marecchia River, begun under Augustus and completed under Tiberius in AD 21. Remarkably, it's still in use for both pedestrians and vehicles after two thousand years. The best views are from the Borgo San Giuliano side, especially at sunset.
Rimini's cathedral, originally a 13th-century Gothic church transformed by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta in the 15th century into a Renaissance masterpiece. The exterior was designed by Leon Battista Alberti, and inside you'll find a crucifix attributed to Giotto and frescoes by Piero della Francesca.
A 15th-century fortress built by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, partially designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. Now the principal venue of the Fellini Museum, housing immersive exhibits, original set pieces, and Fellini's personal memorabilia. The courtyard hosts summer cinema screenings.
Opened in 2021, this ambitious museum spans three locations — Castel Sismondo, Piazza Malatesta, and the restored Teatro Galli. Interactive installations recreate Fellini's dreamlike cinematic world. A must for film lovers and anyone curious about Rimini's most famous son.
The narrow streets of this former fishing village across the Tiberius Bridge are adorned with dozens of colourful murals depicting scenes from Fellini's films — Amarcord, La Dolce Vita, 8½. Every two years, during the Festa de' Borg festival, new murals are added. Wander freely and discover them.
A family theme park on the southern edge of Rimini, open since 1965. Aimed at younger children (ages 3–12) with fairy-tale-themed rides, a pirate ship, a Wild West area, and an Oriental Garden. A gentler, more affordable alternative to larger Italian parks.
An outdoor park featuring over 270 miniature reproductions of Italy's most famous landmarks — the Colosseum, St. Peter's, the Leaning Tower of Pisa — set in landscaped grounds. Also includes a monorail, a canoe ride, and a science-themed play area. Fun for all ages.
Rimini's famous Lungomare stretches for kilometres along the seafront, lined with restaurants, bars, ice-cream shops, and the entrances to hundreds of numbered bagni (beach clubs). In the evening, it becomes a vibrant passeggiata — locals and visitors strolling, eating, and enjoying the warm Adriatic air.
The historic heart of Rimini's old town, surrounded by the medieval Palazzo dell'Arengo, the Palazzo del Podestà, and the 16th-century Fontana della Pigna. The weekly market takes place here on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Cafés line the arcades — it's the perfect spot for an espresso or aperitivo.
A self-guided loop through two thousand years of history. Start at the Arch of Augustus, head north along Corso d'Augusto past the Tempio Malatestiano and Piazza Tre Martiri (the ancient Roman forum) to Piazza Cavour. Continue to Castel Sismondo and the Fellini Museum, then cross the Tiberius Bridge into Borgo San Giuliano for its Fellini murals. Return via the riverside path. Entirely flat and on paved streets — suitable for all abilities.
Follow the Marecchia River upstream from the Tiberius Bridge along a flat, well-maintained cycleway and footpath through the Parco Marecchia. The route passes through riverside woodland and open fields, with views of the hills behind Rimini where San Marino and the fortified hill town of Verucchio rise from the plain. Ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling. The path is mainly gravel and paved — pushchairs and wheelchairs can manage the first few kilometres.
Take the bus from Rimini to Borgo Maggiore at the base of Mount Titano (about 40 minutes), then hike the ridge trail connecting San Marino's three famous towers — Guaita, Cesta, and Montale. The path follows the cliff edge with staggering 360° views over the Apennines and the Adriatic. Some steep and rocky sections, sturdy footwear recommended. Descend via the old pilgrim path to Borgo Maggiore and catch the funivia (cable car) or bus back. One of the most dramatic short hikes in the region.
The peak season for Rimini runs from June to September when temperatures reach 25–30 °C and the Adriatic Sea is warm enough for swimming. July is especially festive thanks to La Notte Rosa, the "Pink Night" festival that lights up the entire Riviera. Shoulder months like May and October offer pleasant weather (18–22 °C), fewer crowds, and lower hotel prices. Winter (November–March) is the quietest period but ideal for exploring Rimini's Roman heritage and Fellini Museum without tourist crowds.
Rimini has its own airport, Federico Fellini International Airport (RMI), with seasonal flights from European cities. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), about 110 km northwest, is the nearest major international hub. Direct trains from Bologna Centrale reach Rimini in about 1 hour. Rimini is also on the main Adriatic rail line, with direct services from Milan (3 hours), Rome (3.5–4 hours via Ancona or Bologna), and Venice (2.5–3 hours).
Absolutely. Rimini's 15 km of shallow, sandy beaches are ideal for families with children. The Rivazzurra and Miramare areas south of the centre are particularly family-oriented, with calm waters and organised beach clubs (bagni) offering children's entertainment. Nearby family attractions include Fiabilandia theme park, Italia in Miniatura, Aquafan water park in Riccione, and the Oltremare marine park. Most hotels offer family rooms and half-board meal plans.
Rimini's cuisine is rooted in Emilia-Romagna's rich food tradition. Must-try dishes include piadina romagnola (a thin, unleavened flatbread filled with Squacquerone cheese, prosciutto, or rocket), passatelli in brodo (breadcrumb-and-Parmigiano pasta in capon broth), strozzapreti with ragù, and fresh Adriatic seafood like grilled canocchie (mantis shrimp) and brodetto di pesce (fish stew). Pair with local Sangiovese red wine or Albana white.
Yes, San Marino is one of the world's smallest and oldest republics, just 23 km southwest of Rimini. Regular Bonelli buses run from Rimini's train station to San Marino's centre in about 40 minutes. Once there, visit the Three Towers of San Marino on Mount Titano (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Palazzo Pubblico, and the Old Town's duty-free shops. It makes an easy half-day or full-day excursion from Rimini.