The EcoVie of the Valconca valley offer the biker a slow loop of 55 km that connects the Rimini Riviera to the Rimini hinterland, going through the WWF Conca Park and some of the valley’s most picturesque villages: Saludecio, Mondaino, Montefiore Conca, and Montegridolfo
The route begins at the sea – Portoverde dock in Misano Adriatico, and pedal stroke after pedal stroke, it climbs from Pian Ventena towards the first hills, passing through rural ghettoes, shady pine forests and vineyards, all the way up to the rocks perched amongst the DOP olive groves of the Hills of Romagna.
Along the route, you’ll come across nature oases that are ideal for birdwatching (for example, black storks, spoonbills), small fortified historic centres, scenic squares and all kinds of typical Valconca products: DOP extra virgin olive oil, wines from the Rimini Hills and truffles.
To complete the itinerary, which combines sea breezes, natural oases, oil/truffle/wine tastings, and unique views from the Conca Valley to the Adriatic Sea, we suggest you allow extra time for the’ wildlife observatory, oil tastings in Saludecio, truffle tastings in Mondaino, and medieval walkways in Montegridolfo.
Tips
Technical info
The route starts off from the characteristic Portoverde dock in Misano Adriatico, with its Mediterranean villas and the salty scent of the sea: the Mare EcoVia accompanies you for about 4 km along the renovated seafront, among palm trees and green areas such as the Parco Mare-Nord with its centuries-old pine trees perfect for a coffee in the shade.
After leaving the rumble of the Misano World Circuit in the distance, continue following the left bank of the rivera long the Conca EcoVia: a true green corridor of tall reed beds, wetlands and rest areas.
The air gets more and more humid and cool, and the birdsong accompanies our journey. We continue on to Pian Ventena where we come across green meadows equipped for picnics and services for cyclists (bike service columns).
To fully enjoy a regenerating nature just a stone’s throw from the sea.
Must-see
The Conca WWF Wildlife Observatory, a prime spot for birdwatching, with the presence of herons, spoonbills, and, in some seasons, black storks.
After leaving Pian Ventena, you go up Via Fornace: the scenery changes gradually: cultivated wheat fields and rural ghettos such as Cà Rastelli introduce a cooler and shadier landscape. Monte Annibolina gives the visitor the first glimpse of the Valconca, then Saludecio appears, like a nativity scene among the olive trees: “City of the Colline Romagna DOP Oil”, with its characteristic narrow alleyways decorated with 19th-century wall paintings that narrate the local peasant history.
When you reach the church of San Biagio, the view stretches all the way to the Adriatic Sea. The authentic atmosphere, far from the confusion, invites you to slow down and relax.
Curiosity
Saludecio is known as the “City of Painted Walls” due to the more than 50 murals, created during the 1990s, that transform the historic town centre into an open-air museum.
Events
Salus Erbe in the spring
To taste
Treat yourself to a tasting of the fruity Colline di Romagna DOP extra virgin olive oil to enjoy with a slice of homemade bread with some squacquerone, a soft local cheese, spread on top of it.
From Saludecio, you cycle through vineyards and cypress trees heading towards Mondaino, the pearl of the Valconca valley.
The village stands guard over the Malatesta fortress, today home to the Town Hall and cultural institutions including the Paleontological Section of the Mondaino Museums - and the spectacular semicircular Piazza Maggiore. You must absolutely not miss seeing the 19th-century Piazza Maggiore: with its semicircular shape defined by the neoclassical portico, it welcomes the town's main street. Affectionately nicknamed “La Padella” by locals, it is the heart of city life, and in summer, it is the venue for the Palio del Daino.
Must-do
The beautifully scenic walkways of the Malatesta Fortress from which you can enjoy stupendous views of the Valconca hills.
Events
Tip
Have lunch at a slow-paced pub with a truffle piadina a bottle of Sangiovese from the Colli di Rimini area enveloped in a lively village atmosphere: you're in the heart of the valley.
Technical info
There are free charging stations for e-bikes in the main square.
All that’s left is to tackle the most scenic climb to Montefiore Conca, through rows of Sangiovese vines and centuries-old cypress trees – some of the most beautiful in Italy according to experts.
The Malatesta Fortress looming over the horizon is the most powerful symbol of Malatesta power in the entire Conca Valley, perhaps the most unique in the Duchy, and its architecture offers truly unique views.
From the highest terrace, you can see the mountains of the Marche Apennines, and San Marino seems just a stone's throw away.
You can smell the Mediterranean scrub in the air, and time seems to slow down in an incredible atmosphere suspended between the Middle Ages and infinity.
Must-do
A stroll around the walls is an experience not to be missed. These walls surround the entire village and the path that runs alongside them now makes for a short but rewarding walk in a natural setting that is second to none.
Events
Spring - Good Friday Procession event
Summer – “Rocca di Luna” (Fortress of the Moon), giving visitors the experience of two nights in July when there’s a full moon filled with shows, exhibitions, markets, tastings and samplings.
Autumn - Chestnut festival in October
Winter - Live nativity scene during the Christmas season
The last climb brings you to Montegridolfo
The village still has its medieval walkways and a system of historic cellars carved into the rock, still popular with wine lovers today.
Admire the terraced olive groves and heroic vineyards, sample some aged wines in pubs overlooking the valley.
The scenic descent through centuries-old olive trees takes you back to the coast, closing the loop in Misano Adriatico.
The perfect end to the day? A Romagna-style dinner or an overnight stay in the hinterland.
An absolute must-do
The Gothic Line Museum one of the richest collections of historical artefacts, has exhibits and in-depth information related to the conflict on the Gothic Line, which ran through Montegridolfo during the Second World War.
