Morning at beach in Lido di Jesolo, Italy
Morning at beach in Lido di Jesolo, Italy

Lido di Jesolo and Rimini prove that summer holidays in Italy can be affordable without compromising the glamour and elegance often associated with summers on the Italian Riviera. While Lido di Jesolo seems to have been built especially for family holidays, Rimini has a posh facet too that caters to the needs of couples and luxury-aficionados. Both welcome tourists with long miles of golden beaches and the crystalline waters of the Adriatic Sea, but each has its own personality and attractions.

Lido di Jesolo

A beach resort that depends entirely on tourism, Lido di Jesolo makes sure tourists enjoy great summer holidays. Situated in north-east Italy, just a stone throw away from Venice, the “Venetian Riviera” is the perfect destination for families on a budget. A friendly beach town that gravitates around holidaymakers, the town offers access to flawless and safe beaches and a plethora of accommodation and dining options. There is only one main street in Lido di Jesolo, but you’ll find everything you need right there. The boulevard stretches along the 10 miles of sandy beach and is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.

The city’s long ribbon of sand is divided into smaller sections. You’ll find private beaches owned by the hotels, impeccable and equipped with facilities, like showers, toilets, and changing cabins, as well as numerous snack bars, and one free public beach not as clean as the private beaches though and with no lifeguards to watch over your kids. The private beaches are adorned with lovely rows of sunbeds, so you can easily spend a comfortable day in the sun.

But there’s more to Lido di Jesolo than just its beaches! The city reminds visitors of its ancient past when they visit the Ancient Walls and the Civic Museum of Natural History. Kids will find plenty of fun things to do, like playing mini-golf, having fun climbing frames or spending their time playing arcade games. The town organizes great shows and fabulous exhibitions, such as the annual sand-sculpture festival that takes place in June/July, as well as the Ferragosto festival always accompanied by fireworks.

Moreover, there’s an entire island of fun in the city. Aqualandia is one of the best water parks in the country. It has over 25 attractions and also the tallest bungee-jumping tower on the continent. Fancy a pirate cruise? Join the Jolly Roger cruises that will take you along the shores of the resort. Lido di Jesolo also makes for a great base to visit other beautiful Italian places, like Venice, Verona, and Lake Garda.

Rimini

Rimini beach
Rimini beach

One of the most popular beach resorts in Italy, Rimini is a destination for everyone. Situated on Italy’s east coast, the city is blessed with 15 km of powder-soft sandy beach and home to a variety of hotels and resorts. Rimini, also known as Italy’s party capital, comes to life in the summer when the tourist crowds invade its streets. The month of August is the busiest, so it’s best to visit Rimini outside the peak season if you’re not a big fan of tourist masses and the frenzy that accompanies them.

The upmarket side of Rimini is adorned with boutique hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and posh nightclubs, always ready to entertain and satisfy the needs of its fancy guests. Rimini is known for its wild nightlife, so expect to find party animals having fun till early in the morning. The seaside promenade is ideal for long walks, but also for dinners by the sea or relaxing in a sea view hotel room.

Rimini cityscape. Tiberius bridge famous sightseeing in Rimini at dawn. Summer sunrise in Rimini historic center.
Rimini cityscape. Tiberius bridge famous sightseeing in Rimini at dawn. Summer sunrise in Rimini historic center.

Moreover, the town is home to a fascinating historic center that abounds in interesting attractions. You’ll discover the ancient ruins of Rimini dating back to 268 BC, back when the Romans ruled the world. The main square of the city, Piazza Cavour, tells medieval stories. It is home to the lovely Palazzo dell’Arengo built in the 13th century, the town hall and a neoclassical theater. However, the most beautiful monument in Rimini is the Malatesta Temple, a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture and home to superb art treasures.

The birthplace of Federico Fellini, Rimini celebrates the famous director at the Cineteca, a film library where you’ll discover many Fellini memorabilia and you’ll be able to watch Italian movies every Friday night. Explore the City Museum to learn more about the city and admire more than 1500 artworks, and don’t miss a visit to the majestic S. Agostino, a superb Romanesque-Gothic church built in 1247.

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