Romagna Apennines Spa Cycle Route
Cycling in Romagna, among the spas and hamlets of the Apennines
Barely 60 km separate two of the most famous spa resorts in Emilia-Romagna: Riolo Terme and Castrocaro Terme. The route linking them is stunning! First, it takes you through the Vena del Gesso Romagnola Regional Park, winding its way up through arid gullies and over gentle slopes dotted with olive trees. It then takes in Brisighella, one of ‘Italy’s most beautiful hamlets’ and crosses the hills to Modigliana, a small village steeped in history. Breath-taking panoramas finally take you to Castrocaro Terme and Terra del Sole, places with a rich historical and
architectural heritage.
A fascinating way to discover the area for those who want to enjoy not just great cycling but also the opportunities and
outstanding beauty offered by this part of Romagna. Of medium difficulty, the route can be tackled with either a bicycle or e-bike. Those who love a challenge will find this cross-country rollercoaster of a ride immensely rewarding. And those eager to investigate the area further will
find captivating hamlets, great food to taste, stories to listen to and striking views to photograph.
In Castrocaro Terme the route links up with the Ciclovia della Romagna Toscana (Tuscan-Romagna Cycle Route), a 126 km route that reaches Bagno di Romagna, in the Parco delle Foreste Casentinesi (Casentinesi Forest Park).
Along the way, be sure to stop off at:
Riolo Terme, with its elegant Art Nouveau spa, hot spring pool and wellness centre – the perfect place for a relaxing break – and 14th century
Rocca, a fortress that once belonged to Caterina Sforza. There are plenty of cycling routes, including the road route used for the 2020 World
Cycling Championships.
Brisighella, a gorgeous medieval village with its suggestive Via degli Asini and looming crags, topped by the fortress of the Rocca Manfrediana and Veneziana, the Clock Tower and the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Monticino. The route also touches on the Romanesque Pieve di San Giovanni in Ottavo, also known as Pieve Tho. This area is also home to Brisighella’s renowned DOP extra virgin olive oil.
Modigliana, an ancient hamlet dominated by the remains of the Rocca dei Conti Guidi (a 12th century fortress) and the old city walls that once incorporated the “Tribuna” building (15th century), the main gateway to the village.
The “Spungone”, so called on account of its spongy appearance, is a rocky ridge that emerges at several points near Castrocaro.
Castrocaro Terme, still partially surrounded by medieval walls, is dominated by the imposing 9th century fortress. Terra del Sole is a marvellous Renaissance village built by Cosimo I de’ Medici in 1564 according to the town planning criteria of the period.
Download the leaflet: Romagna Apennines Spa Cycle Route_PDF
