Holidays in Italy are firmly connected in our minds with the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. However, do not forget about 60 kilometers of the Adriatic coast, spread in the east of the country. The city of Rimini, located in the province with the poetic name Emilia-Romagna, is one of the most popular for relaxing by the sea.
Its resort area includes a quarter of the sunny beaches of the Adriatic. The status of a recreation area was fixed for Rimini several centuries ago, so guests of the city will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the Italian coast in conditions of complete comfort and safety.
The geographical location allows guests of the resort to dilute the beach holiday with sightseeing trips and shopping tours. Famous Italian cities such as Florence and Venice are just 200 km away. The capital is 350 km away from the resort. To look into Milan, the center of European fashion, you will have to overcome a distance of 330 km. In a radius of 100 km from the coast is the city of Bologna, and the closest to Rimini is the miniature republic of San Marino.
The historical past of the resort
If you compare Italy with a boot, then Rimini is at the top of the "bootleg".
Before becoming part of the tourist element, Rimini was a small town on the coast. Excavations carried out in the vicinity of the resort showed that this area was inhabited even during the time of the Roman Empire.
At the dawn of our era, Rimini was called Ariminum. It is believed that this name is consonant with the name of the longtime Umbrian ruler Arimno.
In antiquity, Ariminum was important not as a resort, but as a military fortification. It is at this strategic point that three paths intersect: to the center of the country, north-west and north-east roads. We also mention that Arminum is located near the Rubicon River, on the banks of which the great Emperor Caesar determined the fate of his army, and along with that of the Roman Republic. Piazza Tre Martiri, located in the center of present-day Rimini, served as a platform for Caesar's appeal to his legionnaires.
In memory of other Roman emperors Augustus and Hadrian, historical monuments were preserved in the city: the Arch of Augustus and the Tiberius Bridge. A period of prolonged oblivion comprehended Ariminum after the inglorious collapse of the Roman Empire. The following mention of the settlement is associated with the increasing influence of the Catholic Church in the 8th century A.D. And only in the 13th century, the town began to develop again, in order to eventually become a resort in Rimini.
Residents of the city believe that it was in Rimini that the idea of private beaches was first embodied. This momentous event occurred in the summer of 1843.
In order to please the nobles who were resting on the Adriatic coast, an elite class beach was created. The idea to surround rich and influential people with additional services, even at the very edge of the waves, was received with enthusiasm. In subsequent years, in the vicinity of Rimini, many boarding houses and holiday homes were built, designed for the highest circles of Italian society.
The fashion for a privileged holiday in Rimini quickly spread among European nobles. By the 70s of the 20th century, the once wild coast of the Adriatic turned into 15 kilometers of equipped beaches, hotels, pensions and various entertainment venues.
Climatic features
What makes Rimini so attractive for tourists and vacationers?
A special mild climate of the eastern coast of Italy is created due to the interweaving of several factors. The warmth of the Adriatic Sea, carefully preserved by the Apennine mountain range, provides a mild climate and high air temperature from April to October. The sea, which is inherent in the characteristic features of the bay, has a flexible character and a wonderful coast with smooth sloping beaches. As for the sharp changes in temperatures and all kinds of inclement weather, they are in the Rimini area is very rare.
Precipitation is fairly moderate, so vacationers should not be afraid of the rainy season or snow drifts. By the way, Rimini is popular not only during the holiday season, but almost all year round. The picturesque nature and developed infrastructure of the city, designed for tourism, greatly contribute to this. The spring season (March-April) is left to the athletes. Fans of athletics as well as water sports can start full-time outdoor activities. The hot time for the Italian Riviera comes with the arrival of real heat (May-September). This time attracts lovers of the sea breeze, sunbathing, swimming and all kinds of entertainment. With the advent of autumn, air temperature drops, but sunny weather allows residents of Rimini and the surrounding population to organize a harvest festival and numerous fairs.
Autumn trip to Rimini is an opportunity to learn the life of ordinary Italians, their way of life and folklore. Winter is marked by Christmas and New Year festivities. Shopping and outlet shopping during Christmas sales are also relevant.
Features of a beach holiday
The gently sloping coast of the Adriatic Riviera, covered with golden sand - ideal conditions for relaxing on the beach. Most of the resort's beaches are serviced on a commercial basis, which provides vacationers with clean beaches, round-the-clock patrol of lifeguards, a developed industry of water attractions and the like. In all corners of Rimini you can easily rent beach equipment: sun loungers, umbrellas, water mattresses, catamarans.
You can enjoy the Italian sunshine for free on city beaches in the areas of Tore Pedrera, Marebello and Rivabella.
As soon as the sea water temperature rises to a mark of + 18-20 degrees, establishments supplying water equipment, diving and surfing schools open along the coast. Also in great demand are polo, volleyball, golf, tennis, football and other places interesting to active people. An elite vacation is not complete without a walk on the waves on a luxury yacht.
Families who come to rest with their children will find a lot of interesting entertainments for their children.
Dolphinariums, amusement parks, a huge water park Aquafun, its own Disneyland will satisfy even the most pampered offspring.
Otherwise, you can spend a day visiting a huge amusement park called Mirabilandia, located 40 km from Rimini. The cost of an adult ticket for a day will be 34 euros, children 28 euros, and children up to 100 cm in height are free.
The official website of the park in English: www.mirabilandia.it/en
Night life
Fans of parties and entertainment will enjoy a pleasant surprise, the nightlife in the resort is in full swing. Fun starts slowly with light alcoholic cocktails and quiet music in beach cafes, and then moves to specialized institutions. Discos and nightclubs in Rimini compete in originality, whether it be the appearance, the range of drinks or the entertainment on offer. Energetic and wealthy tourists have heard places like Coconuts, Pascia, Carnaby, Walky Cup.
The owners of the multi-storey bar The Ombelico del Mondo, as well as Rock Island, a music institution drifting along the Adriatic, showed a remarkable ingenuity in attracting customers.
Sights
Given the rich historical past of the resort, we dare to assure you that in the city you can find many interesting sights. One of the most respected places is the Arch of Augustus (Arco D'Augusto). Built by order of the Roman emperor Augustus in 27 AD e., it is recognized as the oldest arch currently existing in Italy! At one time, it became a symbolic gateway to the Adriatic coast. The statue of Emperor Caesar, who controls the chariot, once adorned the arch from above. However, the bulky design in the Middle Ages was replaced by a dovetail relief decoration. Arch of Augustus is located on the southern road to the historic center of Rimini.
Tiberius Bridge
The Tiberius Bridge (Ponte di Tiberio), connecting the banks of the Merecchia River, was laid in 14 AD Emperor Augustus. Construction work was already completed under the emperor of Tiberius, which was reflected in the name of the bridge. In the 6th century, crossing the river was almost destroyed in battles with the Goths. The beautiful and functional five-arch bridge in the 17th century was restored at the expense of the Catholic Church.
Cavour Square
A favorite tourist destination in Rimini is Piazza Cavour. Around it are the walls of three medieval palaces. One of them, the Garampi Palace, is the building of the city municipality. The second monumental building is the Palace del Arengo. It was built in the 13th century by the ruler of Modio de Carbonese. And the third of the palaces, del Podesta, dates from the 14th century. It served as a residence for the rulers of Rimini, who were appointed by election. Palaces del Arengo and del Podesta have a similar design that looks very organic.
The square itself is decorated with a statue of the blessing Pope V, as well as an amazingly beautiful fountain of white marble from the 16th century. Still on the square is the building of the Teatro Kommunale, delighting with the productions of its spectators since 1857.
Malatesta Fortress
The fortress of Malatesta, also known as the castle of Sigismundo (Castel Sismondo), appeared in Rimini as the residence of Sigismundo Malatesta. There is information that the ruler of the city, Malatesta, took a lively part in the development of the architectural design of the castle and even laid the foundation with his own hand. Now on the territory of the castle is an exposition of the Ethnographic Museum. Also here you can admire the amusing exhibits brought to Europe from Africa, America, Asia.
Palace Malatestiano
The Malatestiano Palace (Tempio Malatestiano) is another attraction of great importance to the city. In the 13th century, Rimini began to develop rapidly under the new ambitious ruler Segismundo Malatesta. He initiated large-scale construction in the city, including the creation of a temple. For these purposes, Malatesta invited the famous architect Leon Alberti. Also at the temple was organized the mausoleum of the Malatesta family. Malatesta's tense relationship with papal authority led to the fact that the temple and the mausoleum were not completely completed.
However, visitors can admire the fresco by Piero del Francesca, the bas-reliefs of the master Augustino di Duccio and the luxurious interior decoration.
Palazzo Brioli and Clock Tower
The Palazzo Brioli is adjacent to the famous landmark of Rimini, Piazza Tre Martiri. Such a gloomy name for the square was given in memory of three local partisans who were brutally murdered during the Second World War. However, this square is one of the oldest attractions on the map of Rimini. About the times when Julius Caesar himself broadcast on the square, practically does not remind anything, except for the memorial statue to the emperor.
The facade of the Brioli palace, which during its existence passed from the hands of one influential family to another, enters the square. In the Middle Ages, a city observatory was organized in the palace. Near the palace stands the sharp spire of the clock tower (Torre dell'Orologio). It adorns the city square since 1562 and tells passers-by the exact time and slightest changes in the zodiac houses.
Resort areas
Rimini can be divided into the historical center and the fifteen-kilometer resort area on the Adriatic. The coastal strip is divided into ten districts with a length of 800 meters. The names of the districts sound Italian-style: Miramare, Rivadzurra, Marabello, Bellariva, Marina Cento, San Giuliano Mare, Rivabella, Viserbella, Viserba, Tore Pedrera. Each district has its own status and rhythm of life. The central regions are designed for people who are active and not constrained by funds. But the inhabitants of the outlying areas prefer to relax less pompously.
In any case, all ten parts of Rimini are provided with reliable road connections with the historical part of the city.
Marina Centro
The oldest and most glorious area of the resort is Marina Centro. A place for elite relaxation in the 19th century was equipped in this area. Memorable places of the area are the Grand Hotel and Park, dedicated to the native of Rimini, directed by Federico Fellini. Another interesting place of Mirina Centro is the dolphinarium located next to the Grand Hotel. Children and adults are happy to attend a fun and energetic show of dolphins and other inhabitants of the deep sea.
Rivabella
Rivabella district - a curious place on the map of the resort. Locals love to organize village festivals and agricultural fairs. The abundance of young wine, cheeses and provincial dances with live music is a rather romantic pastime. There is also a healing spring Panther, originating in the key of Sacramora, which originates in the Viserba region. Extremely good for people with digestive problems.
Bellariva
Bellariva is 4 kilometers from the city. Local entertainment is the fiery performance of the Ramagni Orchestra. Also, once a year, the Sangiovese mollusk festival is held. Marebello is Bellariv’s southern neighbor; in the warm season, its people often hold festivals and festivals. Bonus for vacationers - an extensive comfortable beach.
San Giuliano Mare
The San Giuliano Mare area was in close proximity to the port on the Marecchia River. Especially popular in this area are walks along the evening promenade and visits to fish restaurants.
Viserbella is famous for its attractions like Italy in Miniatura. Vacationers constantly flock to this area to admire a curious exposition of 270 exhibits. Miniature models of the famous wonders of Italy, made on a scale of 1 to 25 and 1 to 50, are installed in a wonderful park. The thematic exhibition appeared in 1970 thanks to the efforts of Ivo Rambaldi.
The resourceful Italian made sure that the smaller copies of the sights were made in strict accordance with the originals. Often, costumed performances and other recreational activities are held in the park.
Tore Pedrera
The area called Tore Pedrera closes the chain of resort areas in the north. Here vacationers have to enjoy the golden beach, stretching over 2 kilometers. There are also numerous retail outlets, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Rivadzurra and Miramare
The newest areas grew in the south of Rimini - Rivadzurra and Miramare. In Miramar, vacationers can spend the whole day in a large SPA-center. The establishment is located at the very edge of the sea and offers its clients a variety of procedures from thalassoteripia.
Miramar is the only airport in Rimini named after Federico Fellini.
And the Rivadzurra district is actively developing thanks to the entertainment industry. Here you can find parks with attractions Disneyland and Fiabilandia, which gives the resort additional points in favor of a family holiday.
Transport
Buses and trolleybuses
Given the large length of the recreation area, the transport system of the city plays an important role. In Rimini, municipal transport is represented by buses and trolleybuses. From the city center you can easily reach any area of the resort.
The most remote point of the resort is a 30-minute drive from the historic part of Rimini. Stops are evenly distributed and occur approximately every 400 meters. Bus tickets can be purchased at newsstands.The only feature is the time of their action: an hour, 2 hours or a day. Buses run on routes until one in the morning.
There are flights plying inside the resort area: Nos. 4, 11, 8, 41a. Tourists who intend to get to the suburbs of Rimini will also easily find buses heading to the water park (No. 45) and the airport (No. 9).
A train
During the holiday season, the central station of the city maintains direct communication with major cities: Rome, Venice, Turin, Florence and the Republic of San Marino.
Address: C. Battist Square is the local train station. Rimini is a good point on the map of Italy's railways. From it you can easily reach all corners of the country, including the capital and large cities.
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Auto
In addition, the resort has a lot of companies that rent cars. Tourists who want to properly study the nature and attractions of the resort agree to pay a couple of hundred euros to rent a car. This will require a European-style driver’s license and seniority.
Bicycles
Another convenient form of transport is a bicycle. Trendy, fast and environmentally friendly horses are rented at most hotels. Using such a means of transportation, tourists can combine sports and sightseeing. When planning your own routes, make sure that you are well versed in the terrain and can find the way to the intended point.
Gastronomic features of the resort
Italian cuisine is so tasty and varied that it has gained great popularity outside its homeland. The province of Emilia-Romagna, due to its sunny climate and good rainfall distribution, is famous for its fertile lands and good yields. The Adriatic Sea and nearby rivers are a generous source of seafood and fish. For cooking in this area, only natural products are used, which miraculously affects the taste of dishes and drinks. Of course, there is a specificity in Italian cuisine, which not all visiting people can appreciate, so here is the list of dishes that deserve attention:
- noodles with seafood;
- lasagna with tomato sauce and spinach;
- sailor noodles;
- roasted squid and shrimp;
- potato dumplings in cheese sauce;
- unleavened cakes with various fillings, served hot.
For dessert, numerous restaurants and cafes in Rimini will offer a large selection of desserts. The obligatory items on the sweet menu are the Tiramisu complex dessert, a fantasy of cream and Panna Kota cream and wickers filled with Krostat fruit. Gourmets also appreciate gelato multi-sorted ice cream.
Dinner in a middle-class restaurant will cost a tourist 30 euros, taking into account the cost of wine. Seafood can be a little more expensive than the rest of the menu, but they are worth it.
Hotels and resort options
Rimini is a popular holiday destination not only among residents of Italy, but also for residents of foreign countries. Vacationers strive on the Adriatic coast year-round, which has long been noted by the bigwigs of the tourism and hotel business. At the moment, in the resort area and the city of Rimini there are 1,500 hotels, as well as 15,000 private villas. Not without reason, the resort received the second name - "the city of a thousand hotels."
Immediately make a reservation that the Italian resort is significantly different from the Egyptian and Turkish "all inclusive" schemes, which are so popular with tourists from the CIS. There are no multi-storey hotel complexes with meals, drinks and a pool in the courtyard here. European tourists fall into the atmosphere of care and comfort of small boarding houses. Italians value family ties very much, so most hotels are small 20-30 room motels owned by members of the same family.
As for food, the maximum that a guest can count on is a light breakfast and / or dinner. Tourists usually spend their lunch time on the seashore or traveling around Rimini. The abundance of cafes, restaurants and pizzerias, designed for every taste and budget, greatly facilitates the life of vacationers.
In the central area of Rimini there is a hotel of the famous Grand Hotel chain. This is a five-star establishment, which is designed to welcome couples, businessmen, honeymooners and other travelers. The high status of the hotel guarantees excellent service and living conditions, as well as a solid bill for services. For the most part, Rimini hotels have three stars in their assets, which corresponds to the requests of the middle class, as well as their financial capabilities.
Most hotels can be found on Booking.com, so you can familiarize yourself with the services and accommodation options available in advance. It is also possible to read the reviews of vacationers and make an absentee opinion about the hotel. Having studied the information, you can choose the most suitable options and make a reservation. In the event that you buy a trip to Rimini at a travel agency, check the available accommodation options.
Shopping in Rimini
It so happened that the azure waves of the Adriatic are a magnet for wealthy people, as well as for the middle class. Vacationers quickly soften from good weather, the gentle sea and excellent landscapes, so in stores they agree to leave a decent amount of money. Therefore, there is nothing surprising in the fact that famous European brands organized their representative offices in this resort. Fashionable shopping in Rimini begins with the central square of Tre Martiri, where you can scour the boutiques of Dolce & Gabbano, Max Mar, Versace. Moreover, the choice in resort stores is no worse than the capital or Milan.
Large department stores such as Coin and Standa are a 10-minute walk along Corso d'Agusto. In Rimini there was a place for spontaneous trade. Every week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Cavour Square becomes a place of outbound trading. On trays and counters you can find a wide variety of goods: souvenirs, clothes, crafts, utensils and the like trinkets.
An ideal place to get good things at reasonable prices is a two-kilometer chain of shops along Viale Regina Elena. Le Befane department store stands out from a number of small boutiques, in which various departments are concentrated: from luxury to economy class.
Shopping in San Marino
Inveterate shopaholics who do not want to miss their chance to immerse themselves in the world of fashion shopping should visit the huge shopping centers near Rimini. A distance of 20 km separates the resort from the city-state of San Marino. The official status of San Marino is a republic, and territorially it is surrounded on all sides by Italian land. The authorities of San Marino have achieved the establishment of a duty free zone. Thus, without embarking on a long journey, guests of Rimini can purchase shoes, leather goods, sunglasses, accessories, perfumes, alcohol at incredibly low prices.
Another good news for shopping fans is the availability of large-scale trading platforms and outlets. Most of all, experienced shoppers will appreciate the Big Chic Outlet located in San Marino. Under the roof of this shopping center there are hundreds of shops filled with clothes, shoes, accessories. The brands represented in the outlet are solid middles, mostly known within Italy. Premium boutiques are poorly presented here.
