The 5 Mountain Passes of Romagna

Duration: 3 days
Total distance: approx. 300 km
Difficulty: Medium (mountain roads with tight bends)
Motorcycle type: Touring, Naked, Road Enduro

Day 1: Forlì – Meldola – Rocca delle Caminate – Predappio – Rocca San Casciano – Portico – San Benedetto in Alpe
Total distance: 70 km
Riding time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Medium

Our journey starts in Forlì, an ancient city along the Via Emilia. Here we are welcomed by Porta Schiavonia, the only surviving gateway of the medieval city walls. We continue towards the historic center to visit the Abbey of San Mercuriale, a perfect example of Lombard Romanesque architecture, and the San Domenico Museums, which host masterpieces of Italian art.

Leaving Forlì behind, we ride through gentle hills to Meldola, where the imposing medieval fortress dominates the landscape. Time seems to have stood still here. Just a few kilometers away, surrounded by woodland, lies the former Monastery of Scardavilla, a place of silence and contemplation. We then climb towards the spectacular Rocca delle Caminate, once Mussolini’s summer residence and now a panoramic terrace overlooking the valley. Finally, we reach Predappio, a town symbolic of 1930s Rationalist architecture, with Mussolini’s birthplace and the Monumental Cemetery among its main points of interest.

Rocca San Casciano is a small village dominated by the Malatesta Fortress. The road, rich in curves and scenic views, leads to Portico di Romagna, a charming medieval village with ancient stone bridges and timeless alleyways. Just beyond, in the heart of the Casentinesi Forests National Park, we find San Benedetto in Alpe, an ancient monastic settlement immersed in the woods and the starting point for reaching the evocative Acquacheta waterfall, celebrated by Dante.

Where to have lunch:
• Lago Lungo – Bagno di Romagna
• Il Vignale Ostello Ristorante – San Benedetto in Alpe
• Chio-sco – San Benedetto in Alpe

From here we tackle one of the roads most loved by motorcyclists: the SP23, with its hairpin bends leading to the legendary Passo delle Cento Forche. Descending towards the Tuscan side, we join the SS67, the famous Traversa di Romagna, to reach the iconic Passo del Muraglione: a symbol of Italian motorcycling, the stage of historic rallies and challenges. After a well-deserved break, we continue towards the Passo dei Tre Faggi, where ancient forests and flowing curves accompany us towards Corniolo, Fiumicello and Campigna. Dinner and overnight stay along the route.

Day 2: Passo della Calla – Prato Vecchio – Camaldoli Hermitage – Passo dei Fangacci – Badia Prataglia – Bagno di Romagna
Total distance: 130 km
Riding time: 4 hours
Difficulty: High

Breakfast and departure towards Passo della Calla, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the Apennines, before reaching Prato Vecchio and the wonderful Camaldoli Hermitage, nestled in the Casentinesi Forests. Founded in 1012, this sacred place radiates silence and beauty. We continue along an exciting and easy gravel section, the Passo dei Fangacci, where the green of the silver firs dominates the landscape. We descend towards Badia Prataglia, one of the most authentic villages in the Tuscan mountains, and then head to Bagno di Romagna.

Where to have lunch:
• Trattoria Giovanna – Bagno di Romagna
• Al Posto Giusto – Bagno di Romagna
• Ristorante Dalla Fernanda – Bagno di Romagna

In the afternoon, we set off again after lunch along a stretch of great scenic charm. We cross Le Balze, with their distinctive rocky formations, and continue towards Pratieghi and the Passo di Viamaggio, one of the most popular roads among motorcyclists thanks to its smooth curves and wide-open views over the Apennines. We then reach Badia Tedalda, a small village surrounded by greenery, and continue towards Pennabilli, the cultural heart of the Valmarecchia valley. The day ends with arrival in San Leo, a spectacular hilltop village perched on a rocky crag, where overnight accommodation is planned.

Day 3: Carpegna – Sasso Corvaro – Mercatino Conca – Montefiore Conca – Croce di Montecolombo – Coriano – Riccione
Total distance: 90 km
Riding time: 5 hours
Difficulty: High

After breakfast, we depart early for Carpegna, renowned for its pure air, nature trails and local gastronomy. We continue to Sassocorvaro, with a visit to the fortress and the possibility of a tasting at La Cotta Brewery (subject to availability and upon request), then on through Auditore and Mercatino Conca to Montefiore Conca, a medieval village with its imposing fortress, where a quick lunch is planned.

Where to have lunch:
• Ristorante Baita La Tiperia – Montefiore Conca
• Locanda di San Pietro – Montefiore Conca
• De’Nir – Montefiore Conca

In the afternoon we reach Croce di Montecolombo and Coriano, with a visit to the Marco Simoncelli Museum (SIC), dedicated to the MotoGP champion from this area. The museum displays trophies, motorcycles, helmets and memorabilia from “Sic’s” career, offering an emotional experience for motorcycle enthusiasts. Finally, we arrive in Riccione, with an optional aperitif in the Green Pearl of the Riviera.

———————
Best travel times: May–June or September–October
Recommended bike types: Touring, road enduro, naked
What to bring: Light rain gear, camera, reusable water bottle, power bank