Rimini holidays
With its honey-coloured beach overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this north Italian resort is all about living ‘la dolce vita’. The best holidays to Rimini start on the shoreline but make time for exploring the historic city centre too. Wander through its streets to discover a fascinating past. You’ll find ancient ruins rubbing shoulders with mediaeval castles and murals dedicated to filmmaker Federico Fellini, who was born here.
Rimini holiday highlights
Luca Lorenzelli
Coastal adventures
No holiday to Rimini is complete without a beach day or three. The city’s sweeping coastline is split in two by the Marina di Rimini dock. Head north for family-friendly beaches such as Viserbella and Viserba, known for their calm swimming waters. Go south for a livelier scene, where world-famous clubs such as Carnaby sit side-by-side with beachfront parks, volleyball courts and open-air concert venues.
Historic centre
You’ll want to peel yourself away from the sun lounger to explore Rimini’s historic centre. Start with Arco di Augusto, the world’s oldest surviving Roman arch, dating to 27 BC. Once you’ve crossed the ancient gateway, make a beeline for Piazza Cavour to see the 16th-century Pigna fountain. Housed in a 15th-century castle, the Fellini Museum tells the story of the iconic Italian filmmaker through interactive exhibits.
Where to stay
The former fishing village of Borgo San Giuliano is a maze of cobbled streets and colourful houses, covered with murals depicting scenes from Fellini’s movies. It’s perfectly located for exploring the city’s cultural charms as well as hitting the beach, with Lido san Giuliano within walking distance. By night, head to one of its chic wine bars to sip Sangiovese or feast on cheese and charcuterie boards.
Rimini: Know before you go
Language
Italian
Currency
Euro (€)
Time zone
UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)
High season
July – August
Low season
November – March
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Rimini
Rimini
Getty Images
Nightlife
Nightlife in Rimini kicks off well before sundown, when lively ‘chiringuitos’ (beach bars) start pumping the music. In the city centre, check out the Old Fish Market, where candlelit pubs and wine cellars sit among 18th-century pillars and archways. The party keeps going till the small hours at waterfront clubs. High on the list is Baia Imperiale, a popular nightclub designed to look like a Roman temple.
Beaches
The main beach in Rimini is separated into private sections where you can rent a sun lounger. Staying near Marina Centro gives you the best pick of things to do. Glide through the water on a paddleboard, check out Europe’s largest open-air gym, or try a pilates class on the sand. Want to save cash? Free areas can be found in San Giuliano Mare and Miramare.
Places to eat
Get your fill of budget-friendly street foods like ‘piadina’, a traditional flatbread from Emilia-Romagna stuffed with cheeses, meats and other savoury fillings. And as you’d expect, the seafood is top-notch. You’ll usually find fresh mackerel, mullet and sardines served at many restaurants in Rimini, from rustic beach kiosks to swanky eateries.
FAQs about Rimini holidays
During your city break in Rimini, you'll hear the locals speaking mostly in Italian.
Plan your Rimini holiday for January and you'll be there at the coolest time of the year. 2ºC (36ºF) is as cold as it gets.
The rainiest month is May, which has an average rainfall of 9 cm. But don't let a few grey skies dull your Rimini trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like browsing shops, visiting galleries, or hanging out in cafes.
With temperatures reaching a high of 31ºC (88ºF), July is the hottest month in Rimini.
For a short break to Rimini, three or four days is enough time to chill out on the beach and see the sights. If you want to see more of the region’s stunning scenery beyond the city, consider staying for a week.
The airline you fly with, where you leave from, and the time of year you go all influence the cost of a city break in Rimini. Prices for Rimini flights and hotels can vary widely, but planning ahead and keeping your travel dates flexible can help you land savings.
The euro (EUR) is the official currency. From buying souvenirs to tipping, having some cash on hand during your trip to Rimini can make things easier.
Your holiday to Rimini should be a worry-free and enjoyable experience, as the city is seen as a safe place to visit. Still, you'll want to take a few commonsense precautions. Stay alert in crowded places and make sure valuables like your credit cards and phone are safely tucked away. A money belt or lockable backpack is a smart travel essential wherever you go.
If you’re looking for a coastal getaway with a good mix of things to do, from historic and cultural attractions to outdoor activities, Rimini is an excellent choice.
For the best weather, book your holiday in Rimini between June and September. If you consider cooler temperatures a good trade-off for low hotel prices and quieter beaches, consider travelling in May or late September.
