Rimini, affectionately known as the 'city of small villas', perches on the Adriatic coast, 200 miles south of Venice. It is easy to forget when marveling at the Arch of Augustus or sunning yourself on the seemingly endless sandy beach, that up until the latter half of the 19th century the coastline was marked only by undulating sand dunes. But with the first bathing establishment and the construction of the Kursaii, a lavish venue for social gatherings, Rimini was transformed into a tourist destination that draws millions of Italian visitors each year.
With over a thousand hotels within the city, the visitor is never short of accommodation options when arriving in the Rimini. However, for those that wish to immerse themselves and explore the city's backstreets from a local's perspective, Wimdu has a vast array of accommodation on offer. From holiday villas and apartments set back from the throng of the promenade, Lungomare, to bed and breakfast and short-term holiday rentals further down the coast, every alternative is hand-picked and matched.
Where to Stay in Rimini
With Rimini's Roman relics, miles of sandy beaches, buzzing nightlife and fantastic food; Wimdu has an array of accommodation perfectly situated to ensure you make the most of your visit to the city. From holiday villas within touching distance of the lively main drag of Lungomare, to short-term holiday rentals perched above the historic squares of Piazza Cavour and Piazza tre Martiri - Wimdu can place you in the heart of the city. Alternatively, bed and breakfast and family-friendly accommodation can also be sought in the sleepy adjacent coastal suburbs.
The Historical city of Rimini
The relics from the Roman-era are scattered, poignantly throughout the streets of Rimini. The impressive Arch of Augustus, the city's main gate, was erected in 27BC. Further historical sights can be found in the main square, Piazza Cavour, which has the circular Pigna fountain at its centre and is flanked by a statue of Pope Paul IV. Nearby is the old fish market and a 15th century fortress, Castel Sismondo, which is still used for cultural events today.
S.Agostino, a Romanesque-Gothic church which was built in 1247, is the highest structure in town and houses many important art works. Nearby is The Malatesta Temple which is often viewed as Rimini's most important monument and a key example of the Italian Renaissance movement. Despite Pope Pius II labeling it a 'temple of devil worship', the treasure trove of art inside, including a Giotto painting from 1322, continues to draw art-loving tourists each year. You can happily eat up several hours if you get stuck gazing at the beautiful renaissance carvings.
Another key sight is the Museo della Citta, which houses notebooks form Rimini's most famous son, Federico Fellini. A walk through the Borgo S. Giuliano, one of Fellini's favourite haunts and the city's oldest district, is a must. Here you can see murals depicting some of Fellini's best-loved characters.
Beaches and Nightlife
Marino Centro and the seaside promenade of Lungomare are the key points of interest for tourists keen to explore the beach-side ambiance and buzzing nightlife of this Italian Riviera resort. Rimini's promenade stretches along the often flouted nine miles of sandy beach on Rimini's Adriatic coast. Further north and south of this stretch lie the more laid-back, family-orientated beaches and coves. Wimdu has plenty of villas and holiday rentals that enable the visitor to make the most of Rimini's famous coast line.
The nightlife in Rimini is considered to be some of the best in the country. From the central promenade to the Viale Vespucci that runs parallel to the main stretch of Lungamore, the streets are full of bars, pubs and nightclubs. The majority of the big name acts play at the big discos in the hills that surround the city. Many of these can be reached by shuttle service or the free blue line bus that connects the discos to the main promenade.
Food
Fellini's famous line that 'it is easier to be faithful to restaurant than a woman', certainly rings true on the streets of Rimini. Tonino II Lurido, alegedly the great man's favourite establishment, has been satisfying movie directors and locals alike since opening its doors in 1949. The small, tasty plates of fresh fish are certain to seduce.
Within the old fishing quarter lie a labrinth of eating opportunities. For those wishing to try a traditional osteria (tavern), Osteria De Borgis highly recommended. The stuffed rabbits and steaks are sprinkled with salt and rosemary and grilled on an open fire. A strong lunch recommendation is NudeCrud in the Borgo, San Giuliano district. The small restaurant excels in homemade wine and antipasta platters. Many of the modern trends in Italian food are believed to have originated within the marble columns of the Old Fish Market. This is the perfect stop-off on your way home from the beach to your apartment. Fresh mackeral, red mullet, sprats and other local delicacies are all on offer, Also worth trying are piadina, a thin Italian flatbread of the Romagna region. There are a vast variety of fillings but the local fresh cheese 'Squaccherone' mixed with wild salad leaves, is surely the most authentic experience.Getting around Rimini
Forli airport lies 50 kilometres northwest of Rimini. During high season – between June and August – buses run to and from the airport to Rimini. The journey takes 90 minutes. In Rimini, buses run down the coast to Riccione. In addition, there is a direct bus to Rome that runs daily from June to September. The journey takes approximately five and a half hours. Trains run by the hour down the coast to Ancona and Bari. They also run north to Ravenna and Bologna.