Emilia Romagna: ecological holiday on two wheels

The first day of cyclotour starts in the Adriatic coast and pays homage to the hero of the two worlds. It starts, in fact, from Porto Garibaldi, the oldest settlement among the seven shores of Comacchio, and ends the ride to Cippo Anita, the monument in memory of the beloved, near Ravenna.

As a first stop, stop in Comacchio to admire the Ponte dei Trepponti, symbol of the lagoon city. Breathe in all the charm of the town, known as a “little Venice”.

From Comacchio, you will have the right charge to continue your bike ride towards Ostellato. It will take about an hour to reach the destination, but the view in the meantime will be very pleasant.

In this town, dating back to Roman times, you can visit the Vallette Naturalistic Oasis, and then embark on the Historic Naturalistic Route of the Valleys.

From Ostellato, skirt the archaeological area of Spina, a Greek-Etruscan town, and first follow the road of Argine Agosta, then that of Rijeka, until you reach the remains of the Parish Church of Santa Maria in Padovetere.  

The white herons and the avocets indicate the proximity of an area of fresh water: continuing the pedaling, you arrive near the oasis of Valle Zavelea. A few more meters and the route runs straight between the lagoon and the surrounding canal. The goal is now close. Once you reach the Rhine River embankment, you can board the ferry and get off at Sant'Alberto.

You are in the province of Ravenna. It will be enough to continue towards the east to see the Guiccioli farm at the intersection with the Romea state road, the one where Anita Garibaldi died. Here you finally arrive at the final stage of the first day: the funeral monument in his memory, Cippo Anita.

The cycling scene of the second day changes completely. One cannot, in fact, overlook the Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna. After the artistic visit, the destination is Bertinoro, the “Balcony of Romagna”. But it must be conquered. They must first reach the sea of Cervia, then Pisignano and then Cannuzzo. 

Following the course of the Savio, you leave the province of Ravenna and enter that of Forlì-Cesena. Near Santa Maria Nuova you are now close to the finish line, but the road becomes more impassable, due to the slope. Take courage and give yourself the tasty reward of Bertinoro, homeland of piadina and hand-pulled puff pastry.

From Bertinoro, the cycling paths in 5 kilometers allow you to reach Fratta Terme, your last stage of the second day. 

It is the ideal place to recover energy, known since ancient times for the therapeutic properties of its waters.

Here is the final stage of your last day, one of the most loved routes of the Riviera Romagnola: the bike path of Val Marecchia. It is a not very demanding route, which follows the banks of the Marecchia river and goes into the hinterland without too much difficulty. 

After leaving Fratta Terme, 50 kilometers ahead, the start is from Rimini, specifically in Borgo San Giuliano. Without getting off the saddle, take a look at the murals: they are dedicated to the great Federico Fellini. Pedal to the riverbank. Exit the city, cross the bridge of Tiberius and stop for at least a few minutes, to take a few souvenir photos.

Continuing on the two wheels you will find yourself in the open countryside, among glimpses of medieval villages. Go to Verucchio: its imposing Malatesta Fortress will reward you for the effort made.

From your last stop continue towards Novafeltria, the last destination of this cycle tour in Emilia Romagna. Change sides of the river and go up to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Saiano, of which you have already glimpsed the tall tower, which rises from afar. You are about to face the final stretch of the cycle path. The last crossing of the Marecchia is at Ponte Santa Maria Maddalena. 

Now head straight for Novafeltria. You've reached the terminus. Take the opportunity to visit the town, home of the Perticara Mine.