Rimini

Rimini was founded by the Romans in 268AD and prospered as a Malatesta fiefdom from the 13th century onwards. (Sigismondo Malatesta 1417-1468 was the evil ruler of Rimini) Apart from the seafront and tree-lined promenades, there is a bustling coastal strip and a quiet historic centre.

Set at the landward end of Porto Canale is Borgo di San Giuliano which is full of unique cottages and medieval alleyways. The best preserved Roman bridge built in the first century AD, Ponte Tiberio, can be found here. Corso d'Augusto will lead you to the centre and Piazza Cavour which is surrounded by old palaces, an 18th century arcaded fish market and the 14th century Palazzo del Podestà. The Tempio Malatestiano is the city's most celebrated Renaissance monument. Its interior houses the Malatesta tomb as well as works of art by Giotto, Piero della Francesco and Duccio.

The Grand Hotel is one of the few along the coast that can rival the grandest on the French Riviera. In summer a shuttle bus connects all the Rimini nightclubs, while the Treno Azzurro ferries clubbers between Rimini and Cattolica. The beaches, which stretch for almost 15 kilometers, are clean and well-groomed, and the sea is regularly monitored for pollution. Facilities on the beach include beach volley-ball, a wind surfing school, paddle boats and the Rovazzurra theme park.