Romagna RivieraRomagna Riviera

Rimini: a holiday from the sea to the hills

by /// June 4, 2025
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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There are places that offer more than you could ever imagine. Rimini is one of them.

Of course, Rimini is a famous seaside destination, renowned for its hospitality, entertainment and good food.
But Rimini also offers an invitation to slow down from the frenetic pace of our lives, to rediscover the pleasure of little things, letting yourself be surprised by the generosity of its nature and the ancient stories told by the inland area.

Here, you can start every day with your feet in the sand and finish it in the tranquillity of the hillside villages.
It’s the perfect place for those who dream of a holiday combining sea, culture, entertainment and authentic beauty.


Days at the beach: relaxation, sport and Romagna flavours

La spiaggia di Rimini è il cuore pulsante dell’estate romagnola. Chilometri di sabbia finissima attrezzati con ogni comfort: lettini, ombrelloni, aree gioco per bambini, campi da beach volley, palestre all’aperto e zone relax con idromassaggi e lounge bar.

Per i più attivi, non mancano corsi di acquagym, sup, kayak, yoga…
Chi preferisce il relax può semplicemente godersi il sole o concedersi un massaggio vista mare.

E poi, naturalmente, c’è la cucina: piadina calda appena fatta, pesce fresco nei ristoranti sul lungomare, aperitivi al tramonto.
Ogni giornata in spiaggia a Rimini è un piccolo rito, condito da sorrisi e semplicità.

Rimini beach is the beating heart of summer in Romagna. Kilometres of fine sand equipped with every comfort: sun loungers, parasols, children’s play areas, beach volleyball courts, outdoor gyms and relaxation areas with whirlpools and lounge bars.

For the more active, there are water aerobics, paddleboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and yoga classes.
Those who prefer relaxation can simply enjoy the sun or treat themselves to a massage with a sea view.

And then, of course, there is the cuisine: freshly made piadina, fresh fish in the restaurants along the seafront, aperitifs at sunset.
Every day at the beach in Rimini is a little ritual, seasoned with smiles and simplicity.

  • Rimini, beach Ph. ALEX_UGALEK via shutterstock
  • Rimini, colorful beach huts Ph. Photostravellers
  • Rimini with kids Ph. ALEX_UGALEK via shutterstock

Beyond the sea: culture, villages and amusement parks

One of the most pleasant surprises in Rimini is discovering how much there is to do once you leave the beach.
The city centre is rich in history and picturesque views, and the Rimini hinterland also promises moments of unforgettable serenity.

The historic centre: Roman, Renaissance and Fellini art

Before or after a day at the beach, it is worth taking some time to discover the historic centre of Rimini, an ancient and surprisingly charming city. Among the many places and monuments not to be missed, we mention:

  • the Arch of Augustus: the oldest Roman arch still in existence; built in 27 BC, it is the perfect gateway to begin your exploration;
  • the Malatesta Temple: commissioned by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, it is one of the finest examples of Italian Renaissance architecture, with an interior housing masterpieces by Piero della Francesca and Leon Battista Alberti;
  • the Tiberius Bridge: the Roman bridge that has spanned the Marecchia River for over two thousand years marks the beginning of the historic Via Emilia; the surrounding Piazza sull’Acqua is the ideal place to sit and rest or have a picnic;
  • Borgo San Giuliano: the old fishermen’s quarter is now a lively and charming corner of the city, where, among small restaurants and colourful houses, you can immerse yourself in a Fellini-esque atmosphere evoked by the murals on the walls;
  • the Cinema Fulgor: restored and now part of the Fellini Museum together with Castel Sismondo, this is where the young Federico discovered the magic of cinema: an unmissable stop for lovers of the great director;
  • Piazza Cavour and Piazza Tre Martiri: the two main squares are animated by markets, outdoor cafés, historic buildings and monuments, and views that tell the story of medieval and Renaissance Rimini.
  • Rimini, Arco d'Augusto Ph. zedspider via shutterstock
  • Rimini, Ponte di Tiberio Ph. zedspider via shutterstock
  • Rimini, Borgo San Giuliano Ph. Igor Link via shutterstock

Rimini is a city where every stone has a story, and every story is part of a living landscape full of charm.
To discover it on foot, here is our perfect itinerary!

Nearby: medieval villages and breathtaking views

The hills of Rimini are dotted with villages and castles that tell the story of the Malatesta dynasty.

Among these, the following are definitely worth a visit:

San Leo: perched on a rock overlooking the Valmarecchia valley, this village, one of the most beautiful in Italy and awarded the TCI Orange Flag, boasts interesting Romanesque monuments and spectacular views; a visit to its fortress, prison and place of death of the famous alchemist Cagliostro, promises unforgettable emotions.

Verucchio: cradle of the Villanovan civilisation and later of the Malatesta dynasty, this village is now one of the most beautiful in Italy and has been awarded the TCI’s Orange Flag; its Rocca del Sasso is one of the best-preserved fortifications of the Malatesta Lordship, offering a splendid view of the surrounding valley.

Santarcangelo di Romagna: picturesque, lively and full of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy typical cuisine, this village welcomes visitors with its architectural beauty, consisting of noble palaces, village houses, narrow streets and small squares. Don’t miss the traditional craft shops and the mysterious tuff caves hidden underground.

  • San Leo (Rimini) Ph. StevanZZ via shutterstock
  • Verucchio (Rimini) Ph. Vivida Photo PC via shutterstock
  • Santarcangelo di Romagna Ph. Roman Sigaev via shutterstock

If you want to discover other villages in the area, spend a whole day visiting the villages of Valmarecchia and another visiting the villages of Valconca.

Furthermore, just a few kilometres from Rimini is San Marino, the oldest republic in the world. Don’t miss a stroll among the towers, with their wonderful views of the Adriatic Sea.

Amusement parks: excitement for all ages

For those travelling with children, a day should definitely be dedicated to the amusement parks in Rimini:

Italia in Miniatura: a timeless classic where you can explore Italy (and part of Europe) on a smaller scale: an educational and entertaining attraction for the whole family.

Fiabilandia: a fairy-tale kingdom designed for children but capable of enchanting adults too, with rides, shows and green areas.


Rimini is a mosaic of experiences ranging from the sea to the hills, from entertainment to fine food, from relaxation to culture.
Every day you can choose a different adventure without ever straying too far: just a few kilometres are enough to go from the seashore to a medieval village or a watchtower.

Author

Elisa Mazzini

Social Media Manager for @inEmiliaRomagna and full-time mom.

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