The Apennines of Reggio Emilia remain out of the circuits of mass tourism, offering breathtaking landscapes, roads to walk in freedom and an authentic immersion between nature, culture and local flavors.
The motorbike is the best way to enjoy this territory, crossing the valleys and maybe going up to the passes that connect Emilia and Tuscany.
Roads that wind through ravines and valleys, panoramic curves perfect for driving pleasure and landscapes opening on the unspoilt UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve . There are many routes that you can choose, here is proposed one that goes up the Appennino Reggiano starting from the Reggiana hill: designed for motorcyclists in search of emotions, between climbs, descents and stops in villages rich in history and authentic flavors.
Are you ready to go? Put on your helmet, start the engine and get ready for a two-wheeled trip through breathtaking landscapes and roads to ride with a smile.
The itinerary starts from Baiso easily accessible from Reggio Emilia and Modena. The village, dominated by an ancient castle, is located among the picturesque coves of multicolored clay, giving a unique landscape.
From here, take the SP7 in the direction of Carpineti and, after about 5 km, turn on the junction with the SP64 to climb towards the village of Valestra, located on the homonymous mountain. The road, surrounded by woods and pastures, offers panoramic curves ideal for driving pleasure.
Continue along the SP64 through Bebbio and descend to Cerredolo, with a spectacular view of the Apennine ridge. Ride along the SP8, crossing hills dotted with farms specializing in the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, until you will reach the medieval village of Massa, where you can admire the Church of San Michele and the Oratory of Madonna della Neve.
A few more kilometers and you reach Manno, another village with an authentic atmosphere, with stone houses and historical architecture. Continuing on the SP8, we finally reach Toano, next stage of our itinerary.
What to see along the way:
We recommend a stop at a local restaturant to taste typical dishes of the Apennines.
Toano is located in a panoramic position on the Dolo vally, arriving in the village you can admire the Apennines.
From Toano we move to the village of Quara , founded by the ancient Romans, who found thermal springs here, near the course of the stream Dolo.
It is a very panoramic location, a place for excursions on the trail network: here passes the Via Matildica of Volto Santo
What to do in Toano:
Let’s leave in the direction of Civago, going up the valley of the Dolo along the SP95. Along the road you will cross Gova and Novellano, then continue on SP9.
Before arriving in Civago, the last village of the valley at an altitude of 1000 meters, you will pass under a tunnel carved into the rock, next to the remains of the Amorotto tower, a fortress that in ancient times controlled the valley. It is possible to reach it, only on foot, with a short path that you can take just before the gallery.
What to see and do in Civago:
At this point, after having tasted good food and enjoying the view, you can decide to return with the same route, or maybe deviate to see different places, for example crossing the village of Villa Minozzo, arriving at the valley floor of the river Secchia and from here decide the direction. You can continue on the valley floor arriving in the Sassuolo area, or take the direction of Castelnovo ne' Monti and then continue on the SS63 in direction of Reggio Emilia.
