Backpacking Rimini

Backpacking on the Adriatic Riviera

Situated on the Adriatic Riviera in the east of Italy, the lively town of Rimini is renowned for its beaches and nightlife. Although it can be quiet during the cold months, when summer arrives this resort buzzes with all the charm and crowds of the European seaside.

A favourite spot with Italian holidaymakers, Rimini is a bit off the typical backpacking trail in Europe and so, away from the more touristy destinations, offers a very different view of the country and its culture.

Hostels in Rimini

In addition to the hundreds of hotels, there are a handful of great hostels in Rimini catering to backpackers and budget travellers exploring the Adriatic coast. The hostels reflect the resort’s party atmosphere and lively vibe, with many offering bars, discos and happy hours on the premises.

The only problem can be finding accommodation during the high season – the popularity of Rimini means backpackers are advised to book their beds in advance!

The Beaches

Rimini is lined with 15 kilometres of stunning beach stretching out along Italy’s eastern coastline. Known as La Marina, the long stretch of sand is busy throughout both day and night, and after dark, the crowds of sunbathers hit the bars lining the seafront.

The beach also has a fashionable restaurant scene with some top al fresco spots for people-watching. Many of these eateries aren’t exactly cheap, however, although there are also a number of cheap pizza bars along the seafront which make a great budget alternative.

The Old Town

Whilst the crowds flock to Rimini for the beautiful coastline, there is actually more to the resort than the beach. The picturesque Old Town of stone buildings, ramparts and wide piazzas has a history dating back to the Roman Empire.

Numerous significant Roman monuments still stand in the Old Town, including the Augustus Arch and the ruins of an amphitheatre just off Via Roma.

The Piazza Carvour is also an intriguing attraction with its impressive historic architecture, 16th century fountain and old fish market. The latter sells more than just produce, and is well worth exploring for a few bargains.

Rimini’s most famous sight, however, is the recently restored Tempio Malatestiano. Along with the beautiful frescoes and artwork decorating the inside, the cathedral is notable for its slightly odd history which features scandals with mistresses, incest and looting!

Umbria Jazz

Rimini has a reputation throughout Italy as one of the nation’s top places to party. Considering it’s in competition with such vibrant cities as Rome and Milan, this gives some indication of just how lively the resort can be!

The majority of venues are located to the south of the centre and concentrated along the seafront, where lively cafés and bars are packed shoulder to shoulder. Even though there are plenty of teeming bars with DJs and lots of dancing, there are few actual clubs in this part of the town.

As in much of Italy, the big dance clubs are outside the town centre. Rimini, however, boasts a nightly (10.30pm-6am) bus service out to these areas (called the Blue Line) which means that all the great nightlife is accessible, even for travellers without a car. The bus starts at Piazzale Kennedy and runs from Bellariva to Cattolica or out to Covignano, with nightly passes costing just a few Euros.