Posted on March 29, 2010 by Fiona Hilliard

Rimini, the undisputed capital of Italy’s beach tourism industry may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s one of those places that truly does offer something for everyone – you just have to look past the packed beaches and slightly cheesy nightclubs.

It’s a sad state of affairs really.  The one-time family favourite has in recent times become inextricably linked to messy British stag and hen groups who smother the beaches and soak up the cheap weekend nightlife during June, July and August.  Visit over the winter months however and it’s a different story altogether. With crowds dispersed, locals breathe a sigh of relief and the town’s historic and cultural heart get a chance to beat again. Drivers should note that negotiating Rimini by car can be difficult, especially in summer. At times like these, it’s best to take to the streets by foot.

Rimini is true Federico Fellini territory.  Not only was the award-winning director born here, he also chose the city as the backdrop to a number of his films including Amercord and I Vitelloni.  The Grand Hotel Rimini (still there to this day), was featured in the movie Amaracord.  Film buffs may also like to photograph some of the Fellini-related murals daubed on the walls of Borgo S. Giuliano, one of the city’s oldest districts and a favourite hang-out of Fellini.

Feeling inspired by Fellini’s cinematography? For a typically Italian experience, take your Rimini car hire on a short 15km drive to Morciano on the road that runs through San Giovanni in Marignano.  When you reach Misano, pass by the car-racing track and the Cella and take a left turn for Morciano.  The village is situated on the Conca river valley.  You can drive through Morciano and turn right at the sign for the Sanctuario degli Uccelli.  Here you’ll come to a picturesque park that makes for the ideal spot to enjoy a picnic of local Piadina flat bread and tasty pecorino cheese.