Pretty European resort with 10 miles of beach and award-winning seafood restaurants

Italy has no shortage of sunbed cities but one of its biggest isn’t where you might expect. While the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia might be the first destinations that come to mind when thinking of an Italian beach holiday, this northern destination is home to miles and miles of beach.

Rimini sits on the Adriatic coast and has become a prime Italian beach destination. The city is situated in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, which is most strongly associated with the food-centric cities of Bologna and Parma and medieval architecture.

But the small resort city of Rimini has added to the reputation of the region with its nearly 10 miles of beach. Today, the city is one of Italy's leading coastal destinations, thanks in part to its vibrant nightlife and reputation for exceptional cuisine.

Rimini's beaches are ideal for travellers seeking a lively atmosphere and don’t mind crowds. The majority of the city’s shore is also divided into private beaches which means you’ll need to pay for sunbed rental - not uncommon on Italian resorts.

But don’t let the crowds and the rental fees deter you, there is a reason the Emilia-Romagna coast has been Italy’s preferred seaside retreat for decades. There is also much more to the city than its miles of sand and surf.

The Italian seaside city has a rich Roman and Renaissance history for travellers to explore. While your first stop may be the beach, if you head into town you will discover a petit Renaissance city with ancient Roman remains.

Rimini's Augustus Arch dates back to 27BC and is the gateway into the ancient city of Ariminum set into the former city wall. Visitors will also come across the Ponte di Tiberio - a stunning white Roman bridge completed by Tiberius in 21AD.

Strolling through the cobbled streets, travellers will also find the city’s main shopping street: Corso d’Augusto. The area is lined with perfumeries, jewellery stores and just a few minutes away at Piazza Malatesta is a weekly market.

No mention of Rimini would be complete without detailing its impressive culinary offering. While the region is known for the cheese of Parma and mortadella and ragu of Bologna, Rimini holds its own as a food capital.

The Ponte di Tiberio connects the city centre to Borgo San Giuliano, an ancient fishing village and birthplace of the iconic director Federico Fellini. While the area was once one of the poorest in Rimini, it has become a hub for aperitivo, home to bars showcasing local wines.

Rimini’s fishing heritage means that travellers can enjoy the best catches of the day and an array of impressive seafood dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Perhaps the most famous seafood restaurant in the area is Da Lucio, which has also been recognised by the Michelin Guide.

Da Lucio was founded in 2019 with the goal of serving the best fish from the local sea - a goal it has unequivocally achieved. The menu is ever evolving but consistently showcases seasonal ingredients and fish that is aged to ensure the flavours are concentrated.

In 2024, Da Lucio relocated to a unique position by the sea and received Food & Wine’s 2024 Best Interior award for its new location. There are also plenty of restaurants highlighting regional pasta specialities and desserts.

Those interested in visiting will be happy to hear that easyJet has announced a new direct service from the UK to Rimini. The new route from London to Rimini is set to launch in October with fares starting at £44.99.The budget airline will also be offering twice weekly flights to the coastal city from London Gatwick.