Colorful parasols, close together – that’s how you imagine Rimini, isn’t it? But the legendary bathing resort on the Italian Adriatic is much more than sunbathing and partying. Rimini’s true treasure is the historic old town with its impressive sights.
The cityscape of Rimini is characterized by Roman buildings, such as the Arch of Augustus or the Tiberius Bridge . The many sights bear witness to Rimini’s eventful history.
Hardly any travel destination in Italy combines beach and cultural holidays as well as Rimini. And even if you don’t feel like sunbathing, we can warmly recommend a trip to Rimini.
1. Rimini: An overview of interesting facts & tips for the small Adriatic town Rimini old town & Rimini beach The Italian town of Rimini is Roughly speaking, in two parts. On the one hand there is the really pretty old town, and on the other hand the (very touristy) beach area. While most are drawn to the coast, we find Rimini’s old town worlds more exciting.
Old Town: The Roman-style old town of Rimini begins about a good kilometer from the beach. All of Rimini’s main attractions are located here. Of course, we will share our tips with you in the course of this blog article. Beach: Rimini’s coast is a tourist stronghold. Over a length of about 15 kilometers lined up (during the bathing season) parasols and -Lie together like sardines. We would personally prefer to spend a beach holiday somewhere else, but somehow the retro style has charm here. How much time should I allow for a holiday in Rimini? The most important sights in Rimini’s old town can be explored perfectly in one day. Rimini is a .000 residents town, but the historic center is rather manageable.
Of course, things are different when you travel to Rimini for a beach holiday. Then we would definitely recommend a few days – after all, you also want to relax.
Arrival: Where is Rimini & how do I get there? Rimini is located on the Italian Adriatic coast in the east of the country. The city belongs to the Emilia-Romagna region. Rimini has an airport. However, direct flights from German-speaking countries are a rarity.
If you want to fly, Bologna is more likely your airport of choice. From there you could then rent a car for your road trip. We always book our rental car through Sunny Cars.
You can search for cheap flights here: Skyscanner
In principle (especially from Austria and the south of Germany) arriving by own car is most popular. However, it takes at least eight hours to get from Vienna to Rimini. Note that in Italy tolls are charged. You pay for each section of the route, in cash or with a card when you leave.
2. The most beautiful sights in Rimini Tiberius Bridge (Ponte di Tiberio) One of the most important sights in the historic center of Rimini is clearly the Tiberius Bridge. In Italian it is called Ponte di Tiberio or also Ponte d’Augusto. (Brief explanation: The bridge work was started under Augustus, but only completed under Tiberius – hence the double name.)
Since over 2.000 years (!) the Tiberius Bridge spans the river Marecchia. With its five stone round arches and the marble cladding, it is quite an eye-catcher.
The bridge is accessible to both car traffic and pedestrians. From the shore of the neighboring park you have a nice view of the bridge. The square is also perfect for a short break from sightseeing.
Borgo San Giuliano area Once (coming from the old town of Rimini) crossed the Tiberius Bridge and turned right, you end up in the district of Borgo San Giuliano. In our eyes it is clearly the most beautiful district in Rimini.
Borgo San Giuliano is a former fishing district. The flair in the narrow, cobbled streets with the pretty, partly beautifully renovated houses is something special .
You will also find some Street Art here. Film fans in particular will recognize some motifs. Many murals in Borgo San Giuliano were conjured up on the walls in honor of the Italian film director Federico Fellini .
Piazza Tre Martiri & Piazza Cavour The two The main squares in Rimini are Piazza Tre Martiri and the nearby Piazza Cavour. Both are located in the heart of the old town and can hardly be missed, as they are located directly on Rimini’s most important promenade, the Corso d’Augusto.
The Piazza Tre Martiri is located where the Roman Forum once stood. Here the striking clock tower (Torre dell’Orologio) catches the eye.
The Piazza Cavour was also once a Roman forum. This square is home to some impressive sights steeped in history, including the Palazzo dell’Arengo. Both squares are popular meeting places in Rimini with their cafés and restaurants.
Cathedral Church Tempio Malatestiano The most important church in Rimini is the cathedral church with the sounding name “Tempio Malatestiano”. It is undoubtedly one of the most important sights of the city and definitely worth a short stopover.
Viewed from the outside, the facade, which is unfinished in the upper part ) of the Church in the eye. Of course you can also visit the inside of the church. Admission is free, but note the opening hours. (The church usually has until 12 o’clock and then again from 15: 30 Open.)
Castel Sismondo Another worthwhile attraction in Rimini is the historic Sismondo Castle. Unfortunately, today only the central core of the medieval fortifications has survived.
The Castel Sismondo has been renovated in recent years and has been the Fellini Museum. It is dedicated to the life and work of the director Federico Fellini, who was born in Rimini.
Those who do not visit the museum can only see the Castle of Sismondo from the outside. We think the newly designed square in front of the Castel is a great success and worth a short stopover.
Arch of Augustus (Arco di Augusto) At the southern end of Rimini’s promenade (Corso d’Augusto) there is one of the most striking sights: the Arch of Augustus. It represents, so to speak, the southern entrance gate to the old town of Rimini.
The Arch of Augustus is one of the oldest surviving honorary arches of the Roman Empire. It was built in honor of Emperor Augustus more than 2 years ago. 000 years. With well 04 meters high, it is also quite impressive to look at.
3. Beach holiday: Worth knowing about Rimini’s beaches Rimini’s miles of sandy beaches are famous-notorious. The photos of the colorful parasols and sun loungers, which are arranged like sardines, are almost legendary. One hotel follows the next along the beach promenade.
To make it short: Yes, there are destinations that we would recommend for a beach holiday more than Rimini. But if you want to spend a day at the beach on a trip through Emilia-Romagna, you can definitely give Rimini a chance.
Important to know: Beaches are paying. More precisely, a fee is charged for the use of loungers and parasols (as well as changing rooms and toilets). And not just a little. Prices are graded according to location (first row, second row, etc.).
Between the individual lidos there are free areas where you can spread out your towel for free. Then you cannot use the changing rooms, showers and toilets.
The entire beach of Rimini is fine sand and very gently sloping – perfect for families with (small) children. Personally, we would avoid the high season, because then it can get really uncomfortably crowded.
Colorful shower stalls on the beach Rimini in the early season 4. Culinary tips for Rimini La dispensa di Irma : Absolute insider tip that we discovered by accident. There is very good fresh pasta here (prepared on site). If you still need a culinary souvenir (e.g. olive oil), this is the place for you. A small but really nice delicatessen.
Gelateria La Romana: Excellent ice cream is available at Gelateria La Romana. (By the way, there is also a branch in Vienna, but the company’s headquarters are actually in Rimini.) There are several locations, including in the north of the old town, not far from the Ponte di Tiberio.
Chicco di Grano: We can recommend this modern snack bar for a slice of pizza in between meals. The choice is great. Very good value for money!
Ristorante Abocar Due Cucine: Excellent, creative cuisine t’s at this Michelin one star restaurant. Accordingly rather expensive, but really a taste experience!
5. Stay in Rimini Option 1 (our tip): In the hinterland We would personally recommend not in Rimini itself, but in the beautiful interior to stay overnight. The nearby town Santarcangelo di Romagna is the first choice here, which you can reach from Rimini in about 20 reachable by car.
We can highly recommend the Delle Farfalle Boutique B&B. This small bed and breakfast is located on the outskirts of the old town of Santarcangelo di Romagna in a very quiet location. There are only three rooms and a beautiful, very well-kept garden. A oasis of peace!
Option 2: In Rimini on the beach If you prefer to live by the water, we can highly recommend the Up Hotel. This modern boutique hotel is located very close to the beach, which you can reach on foot in three minutes.
The comfortable beds, the great breakfast and the dedicated staff are particularly noteworthy. Another plus point: You can borrow bicycles from the hotel for free. Our conclusion: A feel-good hotel with great value for money.
6. Excursion destinations from Rimini: Our tips Ravenna Ravenna is about an hour’s drive north of Rimini. The Italian town is known for its huge, well-preserved mosaics. Those who fancy a cultural excursion will love Ravenna.
Eight of Ravenna’s most important buildings and mosaics are UNESCO -World Heritage. The density of art treasures is impressive. With the combined ticket you can explore the most important sights of Ravenna in one day.
In this blog article you will find more tips: Ravenna
San Marino How about it with a trip to another country? Strange, but true: from Rimini you can reach the tiny state of San Marino in less than half an hour.
The old town of San Marino is enthroned unbelievably majestically on a ridge of rock. San Marino is quite manageable: the most important sights can be visited as part of a day trip. Not far from San Marino there are two other worthwhile villages: Verucchio and San Leo.
See this article for more tips: San Marino
Santarcangelo di Romagna The small town of Santarcangelo di Romagna is only about 12 minutes from Rimini and loved us quite surprised. Arriving on the outskirts, you won’t believe what a little jewel of a medieval town is hiding here.
The historic old town is situated on a small hill, at the top of which the Castle of the Malatesta is enthroned. Santarcangelo di Romagna is a destination far from the hustle and bustle. You can expect local life and “dolce vita” like in a picture book.
We were particularly enthusiastic about the authentic culinary offer in Santarcangelo di Romagna. The town is therefore also perfect for a trip from Rimini in the late afternoon for aperitivo and dinner.
San Marino Ravenna Transparency: Affiliate Links This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we will receive a small commission. For you, this does not change the price at all. A thousand thanks from both of us!
Have you ever been to Rimini? How did you like the old town with its sights? We look forward to your additional tips below this blog article.
