After my first full winter in years complete with snow and massive amounts of rain (also my first winter ever in a
city) I'd been absolutely craving a beach! My solution....a beach weekend with my friend Kim (I guess that was pretty self-explanatory)! So off we went to the Adriatic Coast of Italy, to be more specific the town of Rimini, home to the Piadina (an amazing flatbread sandwich). Saturday afternoon was spent basking in the sun on the somewhat stinky beach....Hawaii oh how you have spoiled me.
After the sun began to go in it was time to head back to Hostel Jammin'. We spent the night socializing with college students, Canadian siblings, and even an American football player (who played in Vienna).
Sunday morning was reserved for sightseeing in the historic center of what I like to call Italy's Myrtle Beach. The absolute contrast in Rimini astounded me. Going from the beach...which was literally a cross between Myrtle Beach and Ocean City (maybe part Jersey Shore...but I've only seen the show so I'm not an expert) to the historic center was a bit of a culture shock. A short walk through a wooded park swarming with families of bikers took us straight to the Arch of Augustus built in 27 BC.
Instead of heading directly into the center we took a bit of a detour to visit a Sicilian bakery owned by two brothers...a fantastic recommendation from the hostel. On the way there we discovered a street lined with murals and some extremely unique homes.
After a breakfast complete with coffee and pastries our exploration of historic Rimini began.
The town is really full of treasures from the unique 13th century Malatestiano Temple to the 21 AD Tiberious Bridge (not much to look at but extremely old!).
Perhaps the highlight was the fantastic antique market that we discovered in Piazza Cavour, surrounding the lovely Fontana della Pigna (literally named pine cone fountain for the centerpiece...a pine cone).
After some great vintage finds it was time for a gelato stop. Gelateria il Castello Rimini...hands down the best gelato I've ever had(check out their website here http://www.gelateriailcastello.com/ ).
Some of the other real gems we stumbled upon were in fact not tourist attractions at all. The walk back from the center down to the beach was full of amazing mansions in a huge variation of architectural styles. To finish off a fantastic weekend was a lunch of piadine enjoyed on the beach.
Although Rimini isn't in many guidebooks it is certainly a treat! I would recommend a visit to anyone who was spending some time in Italy (even just for that gelato and the piadina)!
Ciao!
xoxo
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