Discovering Rimini: The Secret Italian Seaside Escape
Tucked away in the northern Italian region of Emilia-Romagna lies the charming coastal resort city of Rimini, a favourite among Italians of all generations. This picturesque town boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a warm hospitality that keeps visitors coming back for more. The Portugal News takes a closer look at what makes Rimini the perfect destination for a seaside escape.
As I cycle along the pedestrianised "park of the sea", a path curved like the waves of the Adriatic Sea, I pass families entering a play park and older couples walking hand in hand. This 15km-long path, which will be completed by next year, is a quiet spot for a morning stroll that transforms into a lively night-time destination after dark. According to Monia Magalotti, a local tour guide, Rimini’s appeal lies in its warm hospitality. "It’s about people being welcoming and kind and opening their arms. Even if you sit in a restaurant, you don’t feel like a guest – you feel like part of the town, of the atmosphere, which is so authentic here," she explains.
The city’s traditional fishing village, Borgo San Giuliano, is a popular area for restaurants, with tables overlooking the river. This quaint village is characterised by brightly coloured buildings with shutters covering the windows, reminiscent of a fairy tale. Visitors can indulge in Emilia-Romagna’s traditional piadinas, soft fresh flat breads with a choice of fillings, at local eateries like Nud e Crud. I try the tomato, mozzarella, and basil piadina (€9.90) and pair it with a dessert of tiramisu (€6) and a spoonful of zuppa inglese (€6).
Rimini is also famous for its connection to the renowned filmmaker Federico Fellini, who was born in the city. Two museums are dedicated to his work, including one where visitors can sit on swings as images play or rest on a sofa that is actually a giant sculpture of Anita Ekberg’s character Sylvia from La Dolce Vita. The Grand Hotel Rimini, built in 1908, is another striking landmark linked to Fellini, who would often stay at the hotel when in the area. The hotel’s impressive white façade is eye-catching both during the day and lit up surrounded by greenery in the evening. The property has hosted celebrities, politicians, and royalty, including Diana, Princess of Wales.
For an evening meal, I visit the Grand Hotel Rimini’s restaurant, where I am served a fish and shellfish salad, followed by seabass with artichoke and squid, and a lemon and chocolate mousse with passion fruit (mains around €26). The hotel’s restaurant offers a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Beyond the city, there are a host of different day trip options a short distance away, including Ravenna, which was visited by the King and Queen in April. The town is home to eight UNESCO monuments, Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s tomb, and Museo Byron, a new museum housed in Palazzo Guiccioli, where Lord Byron stayed with his lover Teresa Gamba and her husband Count Alessandro Guiccioli from 1819 until 1821. According to Professor Diego Saglia, who helped set up the museum, Byron "had a home and a family – a very peculiar family" in Ravenna. The Queen, known for her love of books, visited the Byron museum and was particularly fascinated by a travel case belonging to Teresa, which was used to collect items relating to Byron, including letters and locks of hair.
A short walk from the museum is the octagonal Basilica of San Vitale, which dates back to the 6th century and features striking and remarkably well-preserved glass mosaics. The basilica was visited by the King in April. Another nearby destination is San Marino, a microstate within a medieval walled town, granted independence at the time of Italy’s unification. The city sits hundreds of metres above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Daniel Terranova, manager of a hotel group that includes La Terrazza, a restaurant with views of rolling hills and the parliament building, notes that San Marino’s unique characteristic is its accessibility. "The funny thing in San Marino is that I can pick up the phone and call the Prime Minister and tell them about my problems – not something you can do in many countries," he says.
This article was originally published by The Portugal News.
