- BY ISSIMO
- June 20, 2024
Italy’s Adriatic coast might often be overlooked in favour of hotspots like the Tuscan and Amalfi coasts, but the ‘resort’ cities of Rimini and Riccione are the perfect blend of seaside allure, immersive historical discoveries and a vibrant nightlife that draws crowds from all over the world. In fact, these cities have a special place in the heart of many Italians who remember dancing the night away with friends in epic disco clubs during the 80s and 90s, and catching a spectacular golden sunrise on the beach in the early hours of the morning! Let’s venture beyond the sprawling beaches and explore these less-visited coastal gems in Emilia-Romagna.
Getting there
Rimini is a province and the larger of the two cities located north of Riccione, which we might call more of a ‘resort town’. You can reach them by train from Bologna in around an hour and a half, and from Florence in just over two hours.
see
Rimini’s historical town centre immerses you in the city’s ancient origins, with spectacular civic buildings, fountains and monuments dating back to Roman times. Wandering along the town’s ancient streets, you’ll discover sites including the Arch of Augustus (Arco d’Augusto), an ancient Roman gate built in 27 BC. Fewer people venture into the Surgeon’s House (Domus del Chirurgo), an archaeological site in Piazza Ferrari that offers a captivating glimpse into ancient Roman life. Discovered in 1989, the house belonged to a surgeon from the 2nd century AD and contains intricate Roman mosaics and other ancient tools.
For art and architecture lovers, Rimini’s main cathedral, Malatesta Temple, is a Renaissance masterpiece that is home to immaculate works by artists Giotto and Piero della Francesca. And for film and culture buffs, there’s no missing out on the Fellini Museum! With three locations across the city, the museum is an immersive celebration of Federico Fellini’s life and work, an Italian icon born in Rimini whose legacy endures as one of cinema’s most famous and beloved directors.
Consider yourself a Fellini fanatic? Spend an afternoon exploring Borgo San Giuliano, a former fishing village turned bohemian pocket where the director was born. Its cobbled streets are adorned with colourful murals depicting scenes from his films along with local folklore. From the blooming flower boxes on colourful houses to quaint little cafes, you’ll feel like you’re living in a movie!
With its opulent villas, boutique-lined Viale Dante and Viale Ceccarini and endless beach clubs with rows of colourful umbrellas, Riccione equals resort mode! After exploring its golden sandy beaches and shallow foreshore that make it an ideal swimming spot for families with kids, take a walk over to the 20th-century stunning Liberty-style Villa Franceschi to discover a particular collection of paintings and sculptures at the city’s Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea. At night, you and your friends might be inclined to glam up and head out to experience the exuberance of the city’s world-famous nightlife and disco scene that reached its peak in the 80s and 90s. Legendary disco clubs including Cocoricò, Peter Pan and Villa delle Rose are all located near the city’s main promenade, and still draw crowds from all over the world who come to dance until sunrise!
play
While most visitors to Riccione flock to the buzzing beach clubs like Bagni Novella 114 and Spiaggia 28 to spend long summer days al mare, the Riccione Terme is perhaps a more peaceful and rejuvenating alternative. This spa complex with natural thermal springs is a haven for those in the mood for some resort-style pampering, and it’s a favourite among Riccione locals.
If you’re ready to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities altogether, Parco Naturale del Marano is a peaceful place to enjoy some greenery with beautiful hiking and walking trails, while the Angolanti Castle located behind the main township of Riccione is another little secret hideaway that offers a glimpse into the area’s Renaissance rule under the Court of Malatesta. A short drive south from Rimini you’ll come across Fiorenzuola di Focara, a small village perched on the cliffs overlooking the Adriatic. Its pebble beach below and panoramic views mean it’s perfect for a quiet afternoon of exploration.
FUN FACTS
- Rimini will host its first edition of Rimini Musica this year, a four-day music festival featuring concerts, workshops and special events featuring headline Italian artists and musicians.
- Rimini is the closest Italian city to the independent Republic of San Marino.
- Riccione’s Art Nouveau and Liberty-style architecture we see in its palazzos and villas today was first introduced by high society families in the 19th century who moved there and built summer holiday homes.
- It’s not all private beach clubs in Rimini! There are free beaches like San Giuliano Mare, where the whole family can enjoy sand and water that is equally as clean and inviting.
- Since its modern development over past decades, Riccione has come to be known as the ‘Green Pearl’ of the Adriatic. One day among its lush greenery, resort culture and affluent villas, and you’ll see why!
eat
We’re skipping the tourist trattorias and diving into Rimini and Riccione’s local food scene. Typical dishes of course celebrate the freshest fish and seafood, while also featuring specialty recipes and culinary traditions from Emilia-Romagna more generally… which means Piadina! Indeed, you’ll find this beloved lunchtime staple everywhere in Rimini, a soft flatbread filled with a variety of local cheeses, meats and vegetables. We love Bar Ilde, Casina del Bosco and a little spot called Osteria de Borg in Borgo San Giuliano for Piadina that never disappoints!
Riccione’s culinary scene is also best experienced away from the fancy tourist hotspots. We suggest the likes of Ristorante Dal Baffo and Da Lele where the seafood is as fresh as it gets. Be sure to try local specialties like Spaghetti allo scoglio, seafood pasta with clams, scampi and mussels that’s bursting with the flavours of the Adriatic. Are you even in Riccione if you don’t devour at least one plate of fritto calamari e gamberi? Try Kalamaro Fritto Osteria for generous servings of just-caught delicacies that are literally the taste of summer by the seaside.
Ristorante Dal Baffo
Via Piemonte, 1, 47838 Riccione RN
Da Lele
Viale D’Annunzio, 94/C, 47838 Riccione RN
Kalamaro Fritto Osteria
Viale Giuseppe Parini, 1, 47838 Riccione RN
