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Things to Do in Rimini

Things to Do in Rimini

Rimini Emilia Romagna And San Marino, Italy Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures: Sea, Land, and Thrills

Engage with the natural beauty and dynamic activities of the region.

Hiking and Cycling

San Marino Trails

Trails around Monte Titano offer walks with varying difficulty. Some are easy, paved paths around the historic center, while others are more rugged, leading to the various towers and with more challenging inclines. The views make the effort worthwhile.

Montefeltro Region Paths

The rolling hills and valleys inland from Rimini offer numerous hiking and cycling trails. These range from gentle walks through vineyards to more strenuous treks in nature parks. Maps appear at local tourist offices.

Coastal & Mountain Biking

Rimini has a long, flat cycle path along the Lungomare, ideal for leisurely rides with sea views. The Marecchia Valley Cycle Path leads inland along the Marecchia River, presenting a different landscape. More challenging mountain biking routes exist in the hills surrounding San Marino and in the Montefeltro region.

Water Sports and Thrills

  • Rimini Beach Activities: The calm, shallow waters of the Adriatic Sea suit various water sports. Find opportunities for windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding (SUP), parasailing, pedal boats, and jet skis. Many "bagni" (beach establishments) rent equipment and offer lessons. Swimming is also a main activity.
  • Water Parks: Aquafan, a large and popular water park near Riccione, is for its slides, wave pools, and water games. A major summer attraction.
  • Italia in Miniatura: North of Rimini, this theme park features miniature reproductions of famous Italian and European landmarks, alongside rides and attractions, for families.
  • Oltremare: An educational and entertainment park near Riccione, focusing on sea, nature, and adventure. It features a dolphin lagoon, animal shows, and interactive exhibits.

Beach Clubs

  • Rimini's beaches are famous for their "bagni".
  • Each bagno offers sunbeds, umbrellas, and services.
  • Many have playgrounds and sports facilities.
  • Renting a sunbed is a quintessential Rimini experience.

Parks & Greenery

  • Explore Parco Marecchia.
  • Visit Parco Giovanni Paolo II.
  • Enjoy leisurely walks.
  • Cycle along scenic paths.

Activity Booking

  • Book tours and tickets on GetYourGuide.
  • Find local experiences easily.
  • Secure your adventure in advance.
  • Explore a variety of options.

Safety Note for Outdoor Activities

Always check weather conditions before water activities. Follow local regulations and safety signage. Supervise children near water.

Cultural Immersion: Engaging with Local Traditions

Delving into local culture means more than museum visits. It extends to hands-on experiences and participating in local life.

Workshops and Classes

  • Cooking Classes: A popular way to engage with local culture. Learn to make fresh pasta (tagliatelle, tortellini), piadina, or other Romagnola dishes. Many agriturismos or specialized schools offer these classes.
  • Wine Tasting: Tours to local vineyards in the Rimini hinterland provide insight into local wine production, often with tastings of Sangiovese di Romagna.
  • Local Farm Visits: Seek opportunities to visit local farms, small artisan workshops, or participate in local festivals, for more authentic interactions with residents.
  • Language Learning: Even basic Italian phrases assist with interaction and show respect for local culture.

Performances and Events

Theater and Music

Teatro Galli, Rimini: Check the schedule for opera, classical music concerts, or plays. Summer Festivals: Many towns along the Riviera host open-air concerts, theater performances, and traditional music events throughout the summer.

Ceremonies

San Marino Changing of the Guard: During summer, a daily ceremony takes place at the Palazzo Pubblico in San Marino City, performed by the Guard of the Rock. This has a look into local traditions.

Cultural Celebrations

La Notte Rosa (Pink Night): Early July, a major summer event along the Romagna Riviera. It includes concerts, fireworks, and celebrations, with towns illuminated in pink. Various smaller religious festivals and town fairs happen throughout the year, with local insights.

Weekly Markets

Experience a large open-air market in Rimini on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with clothing, household goods, and local products.

Community Initiatives

Look for opportunities to connect with local residents through specialized platforms or local events.

Relaxation & Wellness: Unwind by the Adriatic

Rimini has many opportunities for relaxation, from beach lounging to thermal spas.

Spa and Thermal Centers

  • Hotel Spas: Many 4- and 5-star hotels in Rimini (e.g., i-SUITE Design Hotel, Grand Hotel Rimini) feature their own spas and wellness centers, with treatments, pools, and relaxation areas.
  • Riminiterme: A thermal spa center directly on the seafront. It uses seawater for various therapeutic treatments, including thalassotherapy, balneotherapy, and mud treatments. It also has wellness programs and a spa area.
  • Yoga and Meditation: Some hotels or dedicated centers might offer yoga classes or wellness packages.
  • Beach & Pool Clubs: Rimini's beaches are famous for their "bagni" (beach establishments). Each bagno offers sunbeds, umbrellas, changing cabins, showers, and often beachfront bars/restaurants. Many hotels also have swimming pools.

Beach and Coastal Living

Sunbathing and Swimming

Enjoy the wide, sandy beaches and calm Adriatic waters, perfect for a relaxing day under the sun.

Seaside Strolls

Walk along the Lungomare promenade, with views of the sea and lively beach scene.

Water Sports

Engage in various water sports activities available directly from the beach establishments.

Entertainment & Nightlife: From Aperitivo to Clubs

Live Music & Clubs

Bars and pubs in Marina Centro and the historic center often host live music. Large clubs attract international DJs and crowds (e.g., Cocoricò, Peter Pan, Villa delle Rose in Riccione).

Bar Districts

Marina Centro along the beach promenade is bustling with bars, lounges, and outdoor cafes open late. Around the "Vecchia Pescheria" and Piazza Cavour, find a more relaxed bar scene, popular for aperitivo and evening drinks.

Late-Night Entertainment

Casinò di San Marino: In San Marino, this casino has gambling, entertainment, and often live shows. Late-night cafes and gelato shops stay open for a sweet treat or final coffee.

Shopping & Markets: Souvenirs and Local Finds

From traditional markets to boutique stores, Rimini and San Marino offer diverse shopping experiences.

Markets and Artisans

  • Mercato Coperto (Covered Market): On Via Castelfidardo in Rimini's historic center, this daily market excels for fresh produce, local cheeses, meats, and other food items. It delivers a genuine local shopping experience.
  • Weekly Market: A large open-air market happens in Rimini on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with clothing, accessories, household goods, and local products.
  • Artisan Workshops: Find artisan workshops in Rimini's historic center and throughout San Marino City. Seek ceramics, leather goods, handmade jewelry, and local artwork. San Marino is noted for its collectible stamps and coins.
  • Luxury and Boutique Shopping: Rimini's historic center has a selection of boutique shops. For a more exclusive shopping experience, take a short trip to Riccione, notably along Viale Ceccarini, noted for high-end fashion boutiques and designer stores.

Souvenirs and Gifts

Local Food Items

Piadina-related items (boards, rolling pins), Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, traditional balsamic vinegar, local wines (Sangiovese di Romagna), olive oil, and cured meats.

Unique Collectibles

Ceramics (handmade pottery), Fellini Memorabilia (posters, books), San Marino stamps and coins (collectibles due to independent status).

Ethical Shopping

Support local artisans directly to assure fair compensation. Be careful of items that seem suspiciously cheap; they might indicate unethical production.

Attraction Tickets

Find and book tickets for attractions and tours via GetYourGuide.

  • Secure skip-the-line access.
  • Discover unique experiences.
  • Convenient online booking.
  • Wide range of activities.

Accommodation Booking

Find your ideal stay with platforms like Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Hotels, B&Bs, apartments.
  • User reviews and ratings.
  • Flexible cancellation options.
  • International chains like IHG Hotels.

Vacation Rentals

Explore home-like stays for groups or longer trips on Vrbo or Airbnb.

  • More space and privacy.
  • Kitchen facilities.
  • Local living experience.
  • Options for pet owners via TrustedHousesitters.

Shopping Tips & Information

Shipping and Customs
  • If you purchase large items or significant quantities, inquire about shipping options.
  • For non-EU visitors, VAT (Value Added Tax) refunds may be on eligible purchases over a certain amount.
  • Look for "Tax Free Shopping" signs in stores. Keep your receipts and fill out the necessary forms for a refund at the airport upon departure.
Shopping Hours
  • Many independent shops in the historic center close for a mid-day break (typically 1-4 PM).
  • They generally reopen in the late afternoon, often staying open until 7 or 8 PM.
  • Larger chain stores and those in tourist areas may have continuous opening hours.

Final Tip for Activities

To get the most out of your activities, plan ahead, especially for popular tours or water sports during peak season. Local tourist offices can provide current event schedules and booking assistance.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor & Cultural Focus

  • Hiking and cycling options exist from coastal paths to mountain trails.
  • Water sports and theme parks present thrills for all ages.
  • Cultural classes like cooking or wine tasting deepen immersion.
  • Local festivals and ceremonies offer unique cultural insights.

Relaxation & Retail

  • Spa and wellness centers provide opportunities for relaxation.
  • nightlife includes live music, clubs, and aperitivo spots.
  • Markets and artisan shops offer local products and unique souvenirs.
  • Consider VAT refunds for eligible purchases for non-EU visitors.