Yahoo News The Italian city with no crowds and 'luxurious' historical site that rivals Rome
If you're scrambling to find a spur-of-the-moment holiday spot this summer, look no further.
Especially if your heart's set on sun-drenched shores and breath-taking vistas. This hidden gem is merely a two-hour jaunt from London, so you won't need to trek too far.
And the destination? It's delightful Rimini in Italy, nestled along the Adriatic coast within the Emilia-Romagna region.
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While many tourists gravitate towards Venice, Rome, Milan, or Florence when considering an Italian getaway, why not venture to a smaller city that's equally enchanting but far less crowded?
Here's a sneak peek at what Rimini has in store and how it continues to be an underrated treasure, reports the Express.
Where can you find Rimini?
This acclaimed coastal haven has been a popular pick for holidaymakers for years, famed for its sprawling sandy beaches and stunning shoreline. It was all very popular as a summery sanctuary back in the 80s and 90s.
Yet, that hasn't dimmed its allure, with beachfront discos and an array of splendid restaurants continuing to draw visitors.
What's on the agenda in Rimini?
Rimini offers a host of attractions suitable for all ages and interests. For those keen on history, make your way to the 15th-century Malatestiano Temple.
Just a stone's throw south of the city centre, it serves as the mausoleum for Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, the revered local lord. The cathedral boasts a 4.6 rating on Google, where a globe-trotter noted, "a beautiful catholic church, previously a Pagan temple".
One visitor was left in awe, remarking: "I was impressed by the interior of this temple since it has so many wonderful marble sculptures which makes it look quite elegant and luxurious."
Another tourist expressed their admiration: "This cathedral is the masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. Tempio Malatestiano is a beautiful one-nave church built by Leon Battista Alberti in 1450, by order Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta."
The Tiberius Bridge, also known as Ponte d'Augusto e Tiberio, is another gem that's highly praised by visitors.
Nestled close to the main square, the bridge boasts breathtaking city views and has earned a stellar 4.5 rating on TripAdvisor. One reviewer shared: "We found the area full of life a great place for the famous selfie with the famous bridge in the background.
"The area is also a good place for restaurants with many down the beautiful side streets."
Echoing the sentiment, another added: "Really nice historical bridge to see, located only about five minutes from city centre and easy to get to. Bridge isn't big, but visually very nice to see with the surrounding lake and park area.
"I was lucky to go on a nice sunny day and the bridge and area had a really good atmosphere, a very photogenic bridge."
A third reviewer recommended: "Interesting to see such an old bridge that is still being used even today. So worth a small detour to see it."
Wondering how to reach Rimini?
London is the only city offering direct flights to this destination. Specifically, London Stansted and Luton Airport both provide services via budget airlines Wizz Air and Ryanair.
The flight duration is a mere two hours and 15 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway or longer. Of course, flights from other UK airports are available, but they require a connecting flight from London.
Alternatively, if you're open to travelling by train from another Italian city, this can be a cost-effective way to explore the country.
For instance, you could fly into Bologna and then take a train to Rimini, which takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
Similarly, you could choose to fly to Ancona and then catch a train north to the city, although this journey is slightly longer at two hours and 30 minutes.
