If you are looking for peace and quiet, August is not the time for a weekend on the riviera. Between May and June, or during September and October, the temperatures allow you to spend all day outdoors without overheating, and the central streets empty out after the summer rush. Rimini changes its pace: you get around by bicycle, pausing to take in the sea or enjoy a piadina without endless queues.
The pedestrianised historic centre can be crossed on foot in a quarter of an hour. On one side stand Roman remains and Renaissance palaces; on the other, fishermen's alleys and water-filled squares. In between lie reminders of Fellini, scattered among squares and municipal fortresses, now transformed into museums. It is a straightforward route of close-knit stops, ideal for anyone who loves walking at a gentle pace.
How to plan three days in the city
Day 1 — From the ancient centre to the seafront
Morning
Start at the Arco d'Augusto, the oldest surviving Roman arch, built in 27 BC, which marks the entrance to the main thoroughfare. From here, walk to Piazza Cavour and stop at the 18th-century Vecchia Pescheria. A short distance away stands the Tempio Malatestiano, an unfinished work by Leon Battista Alberti housing a Giotto crucifix and frescoes by Piero della Francesca. It is best to focus your cultural visits in the morning, before the sites close for the afternoon.
Afternoon
Head towards the coast to Marina Centro. Spend a couple of hours at the Parco del Mare e Lungomare di Rimini, a new pedestrian and cycle area perfect for a seaside stroll. For a quick bite, stop by Casina del Bosco, a historic local piadineria, and order a piadina with sardoncini or squacquerone.
Evening
For the evening, you can stay near the sea or head back into the centre. If you opt for inland, La Mi Mama in Piazza Malatesta serves cappelletti in brodo and fresh egg pasta in vintage surroundings; book a few days in advance.
Day 2 — Cinema, history and village flavours
Morning
Spend the first part of the day exploring the museums in the centre. The Domus del Chirurgo in Piazza Ferrari displays a Roman surgeon's kit and ancient mosaics; the visit takes about 45 minutes. Next door is the Museo della Città Luigi Tonini, which houses the original finds from the Domus. Before lunch, stop by Palazzo del Fulgor, tied to the cinema where Fellini watched his first films.
Afternoon
Complete your Fellini trail at the Fellini Museum, housed inside Castel Sismondo. Allow about an hour and a half to see it all. On your way out, walk towards the Ponte di Tiberio; the nearby Piazza sull'Acqua offers a pristine view of the Istrian stone bridge as the sun goes down.
Evening
Cross the bridge into Borgo San Giuliano, an ancient quarter of low-rise houses beloved by Fellini. For a seafood dinner, take a seat at Trattoria La Marianna for gratinated canestrelli and baby cuttlefish. If you prefer something informal, Nud e Crud makes excellent artisanal cassoni with mora romagnola and squacquerone.
Day 3 — Thalassotherapy and fine dining in Miramare
Morning
Make your way to Miramare, easily reached by bicycle or on the Metromare. The morning is set aside for Riminiterme, the only spa complex in Emilia Romagna using seawater for thalassotherapy. Entry to the heated biomarine pools, salt room and sauna must be booked by phone; remember to bring a swimming cap, flip-flops and a bathrobe.
Afternoon
After the spa, stay on the beach to enjoy the sea air and walk along the shoreline in total tranquillity, taking full advantage of the low season. If you are staying the night and wish to remain in the area, Hotel Due Mari sits just a stone's throw from the spa facility.
Evening
Round off the weekend with a gourmet dinner at Ristorante Guido 1946, on the Miramare seafront. It is a Michelin-starred venue built right on the sand, serving signature Adriatic cuisine—a memorable way to conclude your three days.
Top tips for your trip
- To get between the historic centre and Borgo San Giuliano, simply walk: both areas are pedestrianised and journeys take under 15 minutes. To reach the seafront or Miramare, rent a bicycle and use the 'Bicipolitana' cycle lane, or hop on the Metromare.
- Pick up the Rimini Art Card for €14: it is valid for 5 days and includes entry to the Fellini Museum, the Domus del Chirurgo and the Museo della Città on a single ticket, cutting down queueing times at ticket desks.
- Check the opening hours for the civic museums: they are closed on Mondays (unless a public holiday) and shut in the middle of the day. Plan your visits between 10:00 and 13:00, or after 16:00.
- A 3-day weekend costs on average €120-170 per person for food and activities. Museum admission is €14, while the spa circuit costs around €27. Quick meals centred on piadina run around €8-15, with full dinners between €35 and €70.
Where to stay
Historic seaside hotel featuring a private beach and the La Dolce Vita Spa wellness centre.
View on Booking →Design hotel noted for its panoramic sea-view i-FEEL GOOD spa and heated outdoor pool.
View on Booking →Convenient hotel located 150 metres from Riminiterme, offering wellness packages and sea views.
View on Booking →