Rimini & Cattolica Holidays - Travel Guide

Escape to the Italian countryide of Rimini and Cattolica

The regions of Rimini and Cattolica have long been holiday hotspots on the Adriatic Riviera in Italy. Both resorts are known for their wide sandy beaches, great nightlife and family activities. The region has a rich historic heritage and there are a number of attractions in town and nearby if you want to take a break from the beach.

Discover Adriatic Italy in Rimini and Cattolica

Rimini and Cattolica are located on Italy’s Adriatic coast, directly east of Florence and the rest of Tuscany. Rimini is the capital of the Rimini province, and Cattolica is a smaller resort just south of the city. The coastline here is sheltered from strong ocean currents, resulting in wide, sandy beaches, warm water and gentle seas, much like the Venetian Riviera. Summer high temperatures in the area average 27 C with balmy evenings, while spring and autumn highs still reach a comfortable 18; so whether you want to hit the beach in high season or take advantage of the quieter months, holidays in Rimini and Cattolica are a great choice.

Rimini has been a popular beach resort since the construction of bathing facilities here in the mid-19th century, and has grown into a well-established tourism centre with over 1,000 hotels. The area is flush with amenities for pleasure-seekers, including swimming pools and golf courses as well as hundreds of clubs, bars, cafes and restaurants. Cattolica is slightly quieter with elegant shopping streets, charming piazzas and a quaint fishing harbour, but still offers a bustling town centre with plenty to eat, see and do.

Activities in Rimini and Cattolica

Rimini is well known for its energetic nightlife, which draws revellers from around Europe. After a day on the beach, tuck in at a local pizzeria and watch the sun set over the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Then hit the town and make some new friends; there are over one hundred bars and nightclubs to choose from, many lining the city’s harbour and pedestrianized piazzas.

Families are well catered for at both Rimini and Cattolica; take the little ones around Cattolica on the mini tourist train, play on the beach, try some gentle watersports in the calm waters of the Adriatic, and go swimming in the hotel pool. For a full day out with the family, head to the "Le Navi" aquarium theme park in Cattolica.

Art, Food and Culture

Holidays in Italy are famous for their world-class art, ancient history and sublime food, and the Adriatic coast is no exception. Olives are grown nearby and the seafood is excellent and fresh; the local specialty is a fish broth.

Rimini has a rich cultural heritage and is well-known as an artistic city. Leonardo da Vinci and film director Frederico Fellini have both called the city home, and the historic city centre is full of beautiful buildings from throughout Italy’s past. The Malatesta Temple is an iconic Renaissance-era cathedral featuring a crucifix by Giotto and a fresco painted by Piero della Francesca. The Arch of Augustus and Tiberius Bridge are well-preserved Roman monuments, and there is a ruined Roman amphitheatre as well.

The imposing ancient town of Gradara is just 5 km from Cattolica and features one of the best-preserved castles in Italy, sitting atop a hill and surrounded by impressive fortifications. A guided tour of Gradara offers great views of San Marino and the Adriatic coast as well as a fascinating insight into the castle’s literary and romantic past.

The independent Republic of San Marino is only 25 km from Rimini and is a great day trip – the mountainous terrain, olive groves and medieval town centre make for a charming visit, along with the capital city’s great restaurants and museums. Take an aerial tramway down Monte Titano (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and keep an eye out for the 11th century Guaita fortress watching over the countryside from a high outcrop on the mountain.