Rimini holidays

1. Rimini’s beachfront is its crowning glory. Choose a sunbed beneath the sea of spread-out umbrellas and settle in, knowing the shallow waters of the Adriatic wait for when you want to take a cooling dip. Young children can step into the slowly sloping sea and toddle around one of the playgrounds. Meanwhile, those who like to get active in the sea air can play beach sports like volleyball or try water sports such as paddleboarding.
2. See Roman ruins. Walk through Augustus Arch, the oldest surviving arch in northern Italy, beneath the gaze of Jupiter, Neptune, Apollo and Minerva. The five-arched Tiberius Bridge is another reminder of Roman power, best viewed from the square on the water. Rimini’s third main Roman monument is its amphitheatre – or what’s left of it. The roars of around 10,000 spectators would have once rung out here. Contact the City Museum to visit.
3. Rimini was the birthplace of Fellini, the ‘La dolce vita’ filmmaker, and the city’s seaside sway of life inspired his cinema. To get a glimpse into his fanciful world, visit the Fellini Museum Rimini which spreads over Castel Sismondo, Palazzo del Fulgor and Piazza Malatesta. Step through the mist in the ‘plaza of dreams’ in front of the castle – it’s all very atmospheric.
4. The Sea Park, or Parco del Mare, is a waterfront promenade made for long walks and breezy jaunts. This is one of the newest Rimini tourist attractions, and it’s the perfect place for a ‘passeggiata’ (leisurely stroll). There’s space for cyclists, wanderers and those who simply want to sit with a cappuccino in the outdoor ‘relax’ lounges. Children’s playgrounds and sports facilities are also spread out among the park’s greenery.
5. Go to one of the Riviera Romagnola’s theme parks. Small children will feel like giants at Italia in Miniatura, where hundreds of monument miniatures stand alongside figurines smaller than snails. Rimini is also home to Fiabilandia, an amusement park packed with over-the-top whimsy. Here young kids can enter into the valley of the gnomes, play in Peter Pan Bay and see sorcery in Merlin the Wizard’s Castle. Just lookout for that pesky dragon.

Riccione
Just along the coast from Rimini, Riccione brings a more polished, fashion-forward feel to the Riviera. Its pedestrian heart, Viale Ceccarini, is lined with boutiques, cafes and clubs, while the seafront comes into its own at sunset with beach clubs and a lively nightlife scene.

Cattolica
Further south along the Rimini Riviera, Cattolica offers a gentler pace. Set where Romagna gives way to the first Marche hills, it is known for its sea, promenades, food and wine, all wrapped in an easy-going atmosphere. Think harbour-side dinners, slow coastal strolls, as well as escapes into the Conca Valley. While the valley is not dramatic, it offers a pleasant escape from the coast, with gently rolling hills, vineyards and small historic villages.

Misano Adriatico
Between Riccione and Cattolica, Misano Adriatico offers a more laid-back take on the Riviera. The beaches here are wide and well kept, perfect for relaxed family days or sitting by the coast with a paperback. If you like motorsports, the area comes alive in September with major races at the Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli; otherwise, it remains largely serene. Head inland for cycling routes and countryside trails leading into the Conca Valley.