If you are passionate about motorbikes and exploring places full of history and charm, there is no better way to discover the Rimini Riviera than by motorbike.
This area is the beating heart of what is known as Riders' Land, a vast territory that has produced or 'adopted' some of the greatest champions on two wheels, such as Francesco Bagnaia, Luca Marini, Franco Morbidelli, Enea Bastianini, Marco Bezzecchi and Michele Pirro for MotoGP, Matteo Ferrari and Mattia Casadei for MotoE and Nicolo Bulega for WorldSBK.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will take you through breathtaking landscapes and ancient fortresses steeped in history.
Ready on the grid, lights out and off we go!
This itinerary starts from Misano, more precisely from the Misano World Circuit, a famous sanctuary of two-wheelers and the stage of some of the most prestigious international events, such as the MotoGP: walking along the road next to the circuit, close to the grandstands, means immersing oneself in the rich history of motorcycling in Romagna.
Leaving the circuit behind, head towards San Clemente, where there is an imposing Malatesta fortification surrounded by mighty walls. A few kilometres further on is the small town of Montegridolfo, one of the most picturesque villages in Italy, guardian of a 14th-century fortress commissioned by Galeotto Malatesta.
After a brief stop to capture some memorable shots, climb back into the saddle and head towards Mondaino and Saludecio. The gates of these ancient towns - Marina and Montanara - are considered by historians to be the last Malatesta bulwark against the nearby Urbino of the Montefeltro.
On this first leg of around 25 km you can savour the hilly landscape of Romagna. From Misano Monte to San Clemente, looking north you can see the entire province of Rimini, from the Adriatic Sea to Monte Carpegna. While looking southwards, on clear days, we can even make out the peaks of Mounts Catria and Nerone.
Montefiore Conca offers an unmissable opportunity: a rejuvenating stop, a delicious lunch and a short visit to its mid-14th century castle. Immersed in a magical atmosphere, this place offers a spectacular panorama that stretches from the city of Cattolica to Ravenna, offering an unforgettable view of the Rimini Riviera. From here, you can venture into the lush nature and surrounding green landscapes to the fascinating Caves of Onferno, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.
Continue your journey through more than 3 km of breathtaking views to the historic Fortress of San Leo, an unmissable stop along your itinerary; immediately afterwards head towards Maiolo, famous for its baking tradition with characteristic ovens scattered throughout the village.
Finally, head to Pennabilli for a stroll through the beautiful historic centre and on to Sant'Agata Feltria to discover the Rocca Fregoso, now home to the Fairy Tale Museum.
This second leg is characterised by a pleasant and harmonious route with hairpin bends, medium and wide radius bends that make driving on the Apennine roads a pleasure.
Here the yellow of the wheat fields typical of the edge of the hinterland gives way to the different shades of green of the Apennines.
The route enables you to stay between 400 and 700 metres above sea level. At this altitude it is possible to enjoy 360° panoramas with a continuity that starts from the sea, passes by Monte Titano, where San Marino, one of the oldest small republics in the world, towers, to circle the prestigious Rocca di San Leo and Maiolo, to reach the more than 1000 metres high Monte Carpegna (training place of the pirate Marco Pantani), surrounded by the uncontaminated green of the Sasso Simone and Simoncello Park.
We set off again in the direction of Talamello, for the last leg of our journey back to the sea.
Talamello, a small medieval village in the heart of Montefeltro, is famous for its Fossa cheese, to which it dedicates a fair in November.
From here, continue towards Rimini, passing through the Due Torri di Torriana Castle, also known as the Scorticata Castle, a fortified structure in the province of Rimini, part of the Malatesta family's complex of fortifications built around the year 1000.
The castles are not finished, because after a few kilometres we find Montebello Castle, also known as Azzurrina Castle.
From here, we descend and cross the Marecchia River to reach the Rocca Malatestiana di Verucchio also known as Rocca del Sasso due to its position at the apex of the rock spur. The time has come for the gentle hills of Covignano where, on the Belvedere di San Fortunato, you can find a small panoramic view that reaches as far as the sea.
And the sea is our point of arrival, passing through Castel Sismondo in all its splendour.
This third leg offers some uphill bends that make riding on two wheels particularly enjoyable. As we drive along the Via Sarsinate, coming out of the wooded scrubland, one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the whole of Romagna opens up before our eyes. From here, to the left, you can admire the whole of the Casentino forest complex as far as the sea, while to the right, you can admire the whole of the Rimini valley as far as the slopes of Monte San Bartolo.
Taking the Via Sant'Agatese, we descend towards Talamello and, skirting the Marecchia, ascend towards the Rocche di Poggio Torriana and Montebello.
A concatenated series of curves, climbs and scenic descents will lead us to Colle di Covignano, Rimini's first plateau above the city. Here we find two well-known vantage points: the outdoor area of Ristorante la Chiacchiera and the Church of San Fortunato. We then cross the city streets to the Adriatic Sea.
The conclusion of the trip takes us to the Porto Canale where, once we have parked our motorbikes, at sunset it is a must to sip an aperitif in one of the many bars overlooking the beach.
