Resting on the coast of Emilia-Romagna in Italy, Rimini is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Europe. Often overlooked by tourists journeying to cultural staples such as Florence and Bologna, Rimini has maintained its authenticity, and its 10-mile-long sandy beaches are often populated by more locals than foreigners.
The elongated shore is split into over 100 numbered beach parcels from which to choose, which means it's easy to find your way around: Go north for the small numbers and south for the big.
Family or Fun
- Rimini's shoreline exudes a retro mood. With its numbered beaches and its neatly aligned striped umbrellas, this seaside town is reminiscent of old Sophia Loren movies and '50s holidays.
If you're looking for the young crowd, stay as close to the medial area as possible. Daytime and nighttime are equally animated here, with sunbathing and summer sports during the bright hours and clubbing after dark.
As you go farther south and north, the beaches quiet down and the young loungers are gradually replaced by families with children. If you want a quiet day at the beach, Viserbella and Viserba hotels overlook more peaceful seashores.
Open to Everyone
- Although relatively rare, public beaches do exist in Rimini, and a few of them are well equipped, boasting showers, facilities for disabled and lifeguards.
Some of these strips of land are in Miramare, between beaches 139 and 140; at Marebello, going from beaches 105 and 106, as well as 107 and 108; and farther north, in reach of San Giulano square, facing the dock.
If you're having trouble finding a certain beach, just remember the numbering starts way up north, so the numbers will increase as you go south. - The Perks on a Private Beach
- There is no actual entry fee on the Rimini shores. Everyone is allowed, by law even, to sunbathe wherever they desire. If you do want to sit under a colorful umbrella or stretch out on a sun lounger, you will have to pay a relatively small daily fee.
Renting a chaise lounge and an ”ombrellone” comes with more advantages than one: Warm showers, changing rooms, book and magazines, kindergartens and leisure activities, all are included in the price.
A Day on the Beach
- Italians start their day early in the morning, taking to the beaches at dawn and only leaving them late at night. And, while sunbathing is a ritual never to be missed, there are plenty of other activities that keep you close to the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
In Rimini, private beaches fight to provide the most compelling entertainment for their guests. Yoga and dancing classes, Nordic walking, meditation, body-painting, reading areas and kids' clubs are always available during the summertime.
From Beach to Beach
- Walking between beaches can be a lengthy accomplishment if you find yourself on the opposite end of where you want to go. For example, the walking distance is 5 miles from Miramare, a central beach, to Rivabella, a more northern resort.
Instead, like many Italians, you can cycle from beach to beach. Many hotels let you use their bikes for free, and bike rentals are scattered all along the shore.
Trolleybus line No. 11 serves only the coastline, which covers 7 miles and most beaches in Rimini.
