How to spend a long weekend in Rimini, Italy
Through the post-war decades, Rimini and the surrounding Adriatic coastline offered some of the premier beach resorts in Europe.
The city developed its coastline for families, both Italians and from across the continent, who came for affordable beach holidays*.
However, as alternative destinations opened up, luring travellers away from this traditional resort, Rimini began a transformation to be more than just the biggest beach resort on the shores of the Adriatic, and 2024's Tour de France stage arrival played its part in putting Rimini back in the international tourism spotlight.
Rimini is a sunny horizon with pale blue skies. Rimini is families playing on fine sandy beaches lined with colourful beach umbrellas. Rimini is Roman and medieval streets shaded by umbrella pines.
Rimini is the fantasy playground for Italian film director Federico Fellini, whose childhood memories became his motion picture inspiration. Rimini is energetic markets and events that make the city come alive. Rimini is good wine and fresh seafood. Rimini is la dolce vita. Here's how you can get a taste of every Rimini in just 48 hours.
Getting to Rimini: find affordable fares to Rimini with British Airways*, which is due to launch this new seasonal summer route from London Heathrow in May 2025.
Friday afternoon
Grab a Rimini City Guide from the hotel or the tourist office at the train station (there is another one on Piazzale Fellini near the beach) and go for an orientation walk around the historic centre by following one of the suggested themed itineraries.
Film enthusiasts will love the association of Rimini* with Federico Fellini, whose films feature much of the city's architecture and ambiance. Visit the Fellini Museum housed inside the medieval Castel Sismondo and the nearby Cinema Fulgor, where young Fellini first fell in love with the cinema and where additional Fellini exhibits are held.
From city gates to the amphitheatre, to old sections of the Roman walls and a well-preserved Roman Surgeon's House, there are reminiscences of the importance Rimini was as a settlement for the Roman Empire.
It was also here, where Julius Caesar is believed to have begun his civil war campaign against the Roman senate and said the words "alea iacta est" (the die is cast) as he led his army across the Rubicon River.
Slowly make your way towards Ponte di Tiberio to the colourful district of Borgo San Giuliano, an old fishing neighbourhood that is now a little tribute to the city's most famous son, Federico Fellini.
Stroll to see some of the murals that depict scenes from Fellini's films before getting a table for dinner at the cosy Osteria de Börg for some traditional Romagnol cuisine. Order the cappelletti (little dumplings) in chicken broth, one of the dishes most beloved by locals.
Saturday morning
Saturday is market day in Rimini's historic centre, which holds one of the largest outdoor markets in the region of Emilia Romagna. From 7 am, market stalls can be found lining the main throughfares on the east side between Piazza Tre Martiri and the train station.
Shop for handmade crafts, antiques, modern fashion and, of course, regional edible delicacies of ham, cheeses and piadina, a local flatbread that can be made into sandwiches of sardines, cheese and other fillings; perfect for a light lunch or snack, so pack some and take with you.
Around mid-morning, after a bit of shopping, it's time to head inland a little into Rimini's wine world. Rimini DOC is a small appellation with refreshing flavours, and there are several nearby wineries where you can taste the distinctive white blends of the region as well as marvel at the hinterland landscape away from the sea.
Saturday afternoon & evening
Hire a bike to explore a little further. One of Rimini's ambitions is to be a carbon-neutral city, and as such, it has a good network of walking and cycling paths linking the parks, along canals, and towards the sea for the ease of getting around without a car.
From Ponte di Tiberio, the old Roman bridge, a bike path will take you along the canal lined with fishing boats towards the marina. Fishing is still a big industry here, and you'll often find fishermen chatting away on deck while tending to their nets.
Cross the bridge of the second canal to join the cycling path along Rimini's main beaches. From this vantage point, it is easy to see why, for decades, many have been drawn to the gentle seaside of Rimini.
A low-emissions zone stretches 6 km along this stretch of coastline, making cycling and walking a pleasure among the gardens and playgrounds that have been built onto the promenade.
Stop for a drink at a beach club or a dip in the sea in the late afternoon sun. It is also a great place for an evening cocktail by the beach and a seafood dinner. Although for a good seafood spot that is away from the tourist crowds, try Il Pescato del Canevone in the centre of town.
Sunday morning & beyond
There's no escaping the passion for food wherever you are in Italy*, and Rimini is no different. Book a home cooking class with Italy's oldest network of home cooks for a market tour and learn the art of making pasta and piadina with regional flavours.
Alternatively, with a bit more time, the Republic of San Marino is just a short drive away from Rimini. This is a chance to visit the UNESCO city centre of San Marino at the top of Mount Titano.
Sign up for a guided walking tour and learn some fascinating history of the world's oldest Republic, and how it has managed to stay independent throughout history.
Have lunch on the panoramic terrace of La Terrazza Ristorante for one lasting impression of this coastal region with delicious cuisine sourced locally from San Marino's territory.
If time permits and you are able to spend a longer weekend, do stay the night. San Marino offers the best sunset and sunrise of the region too.
Climate in Rimini
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum daytime temperature °C |  7 |
 9 |
 13 |
 17 |
 21 |
 25 |
 28 |
28 |
24 |
19 |
13 |
8 |
| Hours of sunshine (daily) | ||||||||||||
| Days with some rainfall |  12 |
11 |
12 |
 13 |
12 |
11 |
 8 |
9 |
9 |
11 |
13 |
12 |
| Sea temperature °C |  11 |
10 |
10 |
 13 |
 18 |
 22 |
 25 |
 26 |
23 |
19 |
 16 |
13 |
The above guide shows the climate in Rimini. Find out more about conditions across the region in our complete guide to the climate in Italy.
Ready to explore Rimini? See current online offers on flights and holidays from British Airways, which will soon be departing for Rimini from London Heathrow.
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