For those who had the good fortune to be teenagers in the 80s, it wasn't just the pulsating Italo-disco rhythms and carrot-leg jeans from Closed that were highly prized, but also Rimini, a true place of longing for first-time party, beach, and flirt experiences.
Even the journey from the north was a real adventure, either as a long Interrail train journey, equipped with friends, baguettes and cheap red wine, or crammed in with siblings on the back seat of the family car back then, with Dad at the wheel and Mum navigating.
But the whole ordeal of travelling was quickly forgotten, as exciting days awaited: miles of sandy beaches, filled with sun loungers and umbrellas, and just as many young people, with booming speakers every 20 metres, Gianna Nannini from one and Umberto Tozzi from the next.
In the evening, there's the equally long promenade, with fruit machines, all sorts of glittery trinkets, gelato, and the same, even louder speakers.
If they finally managed to escape from their parents' watchful eyes, they would head to one of the countless discos. Amore and Dolce Vita. No young person today can imagine how easy and successful meeting people was back then, completely without mobile phones and without apps.
But by the end of the 80s, the magic had somehow gone. Environmental scandals were piling up and mass tourism was reaching its limits. In the 90s, Rimini gradually went downhill, and when the Russians arrived, Rimini's unique, former flair was completely lost. Rimini was simply no longer in vogue.
Time leap to the year 2024:
Unnoticed by many, Rimini has regained the charm of its former days. What's more, high-quality Italian lifestyle and a cultural offering have been added.
Rimini's focus is no longer solely on beaches and nightlife. The many historic buildings and squares – such as the Arco d’Augusto, Piazza Tre Martiri, and Tempio Malatestiano – the excellent cuisine featuring freshly caught fish and regional Sangiovese, and an exclusive shopping experience on Corso d’Augusto with its magnificent cafés also enrich every visit to Rimini.
The kilometre-long, flat sandy beaches – cleaner than ever before – and the lively nightlife with well-run bars and clubs are presented today in renewed freshness.
What does this now mean for holiday properties?
Rimini is back, more beautiful and better than ever. Demand and prices for holiday properties will continue to rise. However, Rimini is a large, urban area with 150,000 inhabitants and many new developments. There isn't a wide range of newly built residences with ready-to-use holiday apartments here. Instead, there is plenty of scope for personal design. For example, by acquiring an urban condominium in a good location with a good floor plan, which can then be converted into a holiday property according to your own needs. Or a joint project where a disused hotel is transformed into a co-ownership holiday property project.
