10 Best Road Trips Near Rimini

Santarcangelo di Romagna is a medieval town about 10 km from Rimini, towards the backcountry. Wandering its alleys, you'll notice some strange stone squares in the cobblestones engraved with granaio (granary), revealing that beneath the town’s surface winds the vault of an actual underground citadel. 

You can visit this intricate underground labyrinth of tunnels, shafts and circular halls. People would take refuge or hide goods and food here during sieges, which would sometimes go on for months. About 300 granaries and 150 caves were created, used as cellars and even prayer chapels. It's said that the noblemen of the House of Malatesta had dug an escape route, accessible on horseback, which opened up into the countryside beyond the town walls.

Spend a day in Verucchio if you love archaeology, ancient civilisations and exploring towns that have preserved their medieval charm. Nestled on the summit of a rocky spur, this town has twice been a regional capital. In prehistoric times it was the centre of Villanovan culture, probably attributable to the Etruscan civilisation. Necropolises, now in the Museo Archeologico (Archaeology Museum), have been found in the vicinity. 

Centuries later, Verucchio was the crux of the House of Malatesta’s power. Their stronghold still looms large over the surrounding land. In July, Verucchio comes alive with Music Festival performances, while August sees historical re-enactments and medieval feasts in the fortress. Admire age-old buildings in the centre, breathe in the historic atmosphere and take photos of breathtaking views.

Reggio Emilia is a city about a 2 -hour drive from Rimini. Cheese, balsamic vinegar, and beautiful old buildings are just a few of the reasons to love the city. It is most famous for being the home of quality Parmigiano Reggiano (parmesan) and traditional balsamic vinegar. But there's plenty more to discover in this lovely place. This town gave birth to the Italian tricolour flag. You can learn about the flag and its history while visiting the Tricolour Flag Hall.

Stroll down Via Emilia and pop into a few of the many shops selling local produce, admire centuries-old churches, and stop for a rest in the ornate plazas. A few blocks away, you can view collections of 18th-century art and Roman archaeological treasures at the Plazzo dei Musei. Later, enjoy a sumptuous dinner of freshly made pasta and locally produced wine.

When exploring San Marino, you’re bound to notice Monte Titano silhouetted against the surrounding land. On each of the 3 peaks is a tower, which used to protect San Marino from Rimini's House of Malatesta. They’re now a popular attraction for holidaymakers to the seaside resort. Rocca Guaita (Guaita Fortress) dates to the 10th century. 

It rests directly on the rock within the oldest of the Republic's 3 walls. On the mountain’s highest point sits Torre Cesta (Cesta Tower) within a castle that contained the guardhouse, now home to the Museo delle Armi Antiche (Museum of Historical Weapons). Torre Montale (Montale Tower) is the smallest but of the greatest strategic importance, given its optimum position for lookouts. It holds an 8-metre-deep dungeon, accessible only from above.

Misano World Circuit is a home of MotoGP motorbike racing in Emilia-Romagna, which since 2012 has been dedicated to Marco Simoncelli who started his career on this very track. This historic facility has been hosting races since 1972. The guided tour will show you the paddock, boxes, pit lane, pit wall and race control room. There’s also the press room, commentator booth and you can ascend the podium where Grand Prix legends have received their trophy. 

You can even ride an electric bike (available to the public) around the circuit’s ribbon of tarmac in complete safety, challenging yourself to its bends. Despite being much slower than the speed of the champions, it makes for a super exciting ride. If you love cars and motorbikes, don't miss your opportunity to visit the Misano World Circuit during your holiday in Rimini.

You can spend a romantic afternoon in Cattolica, a seaside resort that's been developed around a fishing village. The port, along the mouth of the Tavollo river, is split across 2 jetties and a dockyard. Take a seafront stroll beside flowerbeds, greenery and Fontane Danzanti (Dancing Fountains), where water gushes in time with music. 

You can search for the house that Guglielmo Marconi stayed in. There’s also small museum with archaeological findings from the Roman era.

If you love historically rich places, visit Saludecio, a village about 30 kilometres from Rimini that keeps its medieval character intact. In those times it was a defensive stronghold of the House of Malatesta, threatened from the south by the Montefeltros of Urbino. The comune’s 2 fortified entrance gates and Torre Civica (Civic Tower) recall those years of struggle and battles to defend the land. The church’s size and decorations are another nod to the locality’s historic significance. 

In August, Saludecio hosts 800 Festival, dedicated to the 19th century. The centre becomes a huge stage for dance, music and folklore performances and exhibitions for street artists. Street food fans will enjoy the festival’s historic restaurants and food stand area, offering delicious food and beverages.

Montegridolfo is a gorgeous medieval village with a castle, cobbled streets, and stone and brick houses that transport you through time. Despite its ancient appearance, this commune on the Romagna/Marche border is famous for historic events that are much younger than its buildings. 

During WWII, the Gothic Line was formed here. This was the Germans’ defensive stronghold between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Adriatic to block the approaching Anglo-American army. The allied forces wanted to attack the enemy lines here as the hills were lower, making it more vulnerable. The battle is now recorded in a museum containing artefacts, wartime mementoes, documents and testimonies. It’s at the foot at the castle, former site of a German lookout tower overlooking a vast area.

Sibillini Mountains National Park (Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini) is the place to head to if you love hiking and the great outdoors. This large protected area is about a 2.5-hour drive south of Rimini, and the range has peaks exceeding 2,000 metres. Hike along a well-marked trail to the top of Monte Bove for panoramic views. You can also explore the gorges, waterfalls and lakes on foot or by mountain bike.

The park's namesake is Sibyl, a Roman soothsayer who was said to have had her cave in these mountains. The beautiful landscape is home to various fauna and flora. So you're sure to spot plenty of butterflies, birds and even the occasional roe deer during your visit.