Rimini
ItalyCfa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Caput viarum | The head of the roads (Roman name for the Via Flaminia terminus)
Why visit
Rimini is two cities in one: a beach resort par excellence and a Roman/Renaissance treasure. Walk the Roman Arch of Augustus and Tiberius Bridge, then explore the Tempio Malatestiano, a Renaissance church begun by Leon Battista Alberti for the murderous warlord Sigismondo Malatesta. The Fellini Museum (opened 2021 in three sites including Castel Sismondo) is essential for film lovers. The endless beach strip is famous for organized lidos with rentable umbrella-and-sunbed setups. Day trip to the tiny independent Republic of San Marino 25 km southwest, the world's oldest republic, founded AD 301. Also visit Ravenna's Byzantine mosaics or Bologna's food scene.
When to avoid
July and August see the beach strip absolutely overrun, hotels triple-priced, traffic jams on the Lungomare, and German tour-bus crowds at every Roman monument. The nightlife of Rimini Riviera (especially Marina Centro and Riccione) is famously rowdy with Italian teenagers and 20-somethings drinking in the discoteche through the night. Petty theft on the beach is common. Never leave belongings unattended. Skip Rimini October to April when most beach restaurants and hotels close. Don't drive into the historic center, ZTL restrictions and parking are punishing.
