Weekend in Rimini
Labor Day weekend we visited Rimini and San Marino. My husband and I rode the train and arrived at mid-day Saturday and returned to Vicenza on Monday. The beach town of Rimini was a surprise to say the least. There were many green spaces and they made it known how green they are with signs everywhere. It was a very pleasant place to be. It was unlike any other town we’ve been to. I’m finding Italy is very diverse in that way.
When you travel, remember this: “All that looks like reality to us is dependent on God. There is creation and Creator, nothing more. And creation gets all its meaning and purpose from God.” - John Piper
As I strolled around Rimini, I had so many moments where I just wanted to stop, look, smell, or just be. It was rather unusual, but my senses were on high alert and I responded. I kept thanking God for being alive, healthy, my husband, and being able to travel to see much of his glorious creation. It’s never just about a photo. Never. See God’s hand at work in everything, because it is.
When I returned and was looking through the photos, it came to me why I take the photos I do. I want my photos to make you feel like you’re in the scene. Like you’re standing where I was standing, seeing what I saw, in the same color I saw it. If there was shade, I want you to see it. If there was bright sun, I want you to know it. If there’s graffiti, I want to share it. I want to convey a message of “reality.” Reality looks different in every town and nation, but never forget - it’s all dependent on God and that doesn’t change with the location. (That’d be the biblical, creator God just to clarify.)
Where Did You Stay?
We stayed on the north end of the beach at Hotel de Londres.
I suggest requesting a beachfront room because of the noise across the street. Although, it didn’t bother us much and the hotel itself is quiet and very comfortable. The hotel had bikes which you could use for free for the first 3 hours - a day rental fee was 10€. This hotel had a very nice breakfast available and their customer service was top notch! I haven't experienced top notch customer service much, so I’m bragging about this one.
What Did You Do?
Saturday
Visited Beach #24 right by the hotel.
We walked to town center via the Arch of Augustus.
Sunday
Breakfast at hotel
We visited San Marino on the Bonelli Bus from Piazza Marvelli. I believe the ride was 5 euros each person/each way at the time we went. We were in SM from 0900-1200. It’s a very hilly town. There were many children around, so it’s doable. I would like to return and stay in San Marino. You can click on the photos to enlarge them.
We had lunch in Rimini at Da’Vinci - honestly, the pizza was not great.
Afterwards, Felise hit the beach for a chilly swim.
When he returned, we got massages at the hotel.
That night, we had dinner at the hotel as they offered a free buffet of aperitivo items (drinks were not included).
Following dinner, we walked the lungomare, Felise rode his first e-scooter (he didn’t crash- yay), we had a drink and listened to a local musician.
Monday
We had another wonderful breakfast at the hotel.
We borrowed some bikes and rode to San Giuliano neighborhood which is quaint, artsy, and colorful. I recommend you visit this town, especially if you’re a photographer.
Taxi’d to the train station which cost 12€ and headed back to Vicenza.
If need luggage storage, click this link to book in advance - 5€ a bag.
Where Did You Eat?
Upon arrival, we ate at Porto Santo Sushi Ristorante FANTASTIC sushi. I had the Uramaki spicy salmone special.
While roaming around the city center, we stopped off and had a drink and aperitif at Caffe' Porta Romana. They brought us out a snack plate and I said, “excuse me, we didn’t order this.” She told me that it comes with the drinks. The snacks (see pic on the left) and two drinks were 12€ - I was in total disbelief. This would never happen in Vicenza.
We had the BEST THAI food we’ve tried in Italy @ Sawang Thai. The green curry was absolute perfection. Sadly, the pad thai was too sweet. If you’re planning to eat here, you’ll definitely want to make reservations.
Before leaving on Monday, I had lunch at Flower Burger & hubs went for seafood at La Piada e il Mare. By the way, I’m a big fan of Flower Burger now! It’s a chain restaurant and is in larger cities like Roma, Firenze, Milan, Verona, etc. See pics below.
Tip: Make reservations for dinner.
If and when you visit Rimini of San Marino, please be sure to share your experience in the comments below. I have so much to learn and I’m sure others would appreciate it also. If you have any questions about what I’ve posted, ask it in the comments or send me a message.
See Helpful Travel Apps.
