This glittering district along Rimini’s beach is one of Italy’s oldest resort areas, where today you’ll find bars, clubs, restaurants and a hotel made famous in film.

The Marina Centro of Rimini may be one of Italy’s most under-appreciated seaside resorts. Looking out onto the peaceful Adriatic and full of elegant hotels and nightclubs, it has much to offer visitors looking for a classic Italian beach vacation. Work on your tan on the brightly colored sun lounges available for rent, then retreat into the shade to build up energy for a night spent dancing in the nightclubs, a glass of local sangiovese in hand.

Stroll along tree-lined Viale Vespucci, a pedestrian-only road near the beach. Start at the Piazzale John F. Kennedy, at the southern end, and walk north towards the canal, stopping often to take in some sea air or to refresh with a cone of gelato from one of the many beachside gelaterias. Take a rest in the shady gardens of the Parco Federico Fellini, where the gentle spray from many fountains offer respite on a hot day. Nearby, stop for lunch or a photoshoot at the Grand Hotel Rimini, featured in Fellini’s 1973 film Amarcord.

Continue on, refreshed, as the beachgoers begin to go home to prepare for a night out at Marina Centro’s nightclubs. Reach the canal, where boats ferry up and down towards the Marrechia River. Get whisked into the air by La Ruota Panoramica, a 180 foot (55 metre) Ferris wheel that offers outstanding views of Rimini from the air. At the end of the day, wander out onto the port and watch the ships come in with their catch.

Marina Centro is the beating heart of Rimini’s tourist district and is easily accessible from the central station. Reach the Parco Federico Fellini in 5 minutes by bus from the train station, or walk to the canal in half an hour. Parking is available at many of the hotels however, during peak season in the summer, it’s best to explore the area via the well-developed system of public transportation.