Fun and wellness are guaranteed in Romagna: these two elements combine in this sporty itinerary that has something for everyone.
As you switch between cycling and walking, you will feel cool even on the hottest of summer days in the shade of the lowland woods that border the Conca river, as you embark on this “little” big road trip of the history of the Romagna region.
The Cattolica - Parco del Conca - Cattolica off-road cycle path begins with an easy, relaxing route that winds along two paths that follow the line of the Conca river.
The panoramas along the route to Morciano di Romagna, the heart of the Valconca valley, are simply spectacular and one-of-a-kind.
The second day of this itinerary is for the Rimini Urban Trek Walking tour. It will take you to see the town's iconic attractions, unravelling its ancient and recent history, stand by strand.
A pleasant stroll will bring you in close contact with some of Rimini's most emblematic sites: from the Roman Amphitheatre, where you can let your imagination run wild with gladiator fighting, to the Tempio Malatestiano, a treasure trove of Renaissance architecture that houses works by Giotto, Piero della Francesca and other artists from Italy's Quattrocento.
But that's not all: the Rimini Urban Trek Walking tour will also take you through the life of the ancient Romans, as you walk under the Arch of Augustus, a symbol of Roman-time Rimini, and over the Bridge of Tiberius, which marks the start of the ancient Via Emilia. Another must-see site is the Domus del Chirurgo, an archaeological structure that provides great insight into the life of a renowned doctor from the second century AD.
Travelling through more modern ages, the imposing Castel Sismondo castle is well worth a visit, characterised by its huge, square towers and formidable wall. Another place to see is the Pescheria Vecchia, the old fish market, built in 1747. Here’s a fun fact before your visit: the four dolphin-shaped fountains positioned in the corners of the market were used to clean the fish.
To round off the tour, you’ll pedal along the Rimini - Santarcangelo off-road cycle path, where you will travel through Romagna’s lesser-known side: your mission is to follow the Marecchia river and like-named valley along the cycle path that leads up to the ridges of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines from the heart of Rimini.
Rolling green hills are interspersed with cultivated fields and citadels of the House of Malatesta: these citadels, in particular, provide panoramic vantage points affording views over the spectacular landscape, between sea and mountains.
The municipality closest to Rimini is Santarcangelo di Romagna. This small city has painstakingly preserved its old town centre, made up of old buildings, stairways, typical shops, and an incredible network of underground tuff caves.
This is a short, easy itinerary with a wealth of historical and cultural sites. If we had to describe it in one word? Perfect!
