Day Trips from the Romagna Riviera: 10 Best Destinations in the Hinterland
Day Trips from the Romagna Riviera: 10 Destinations in the Hinterland
After a few days on the beach, many visitors want to explore. The Romagna hinterland is completely different from the coast: medieval villages, vine-covered hills, castles, thermal spas and different cuisine. All reachable in less than an hour's drive from Rimini or Riccione.
How to Organise a Day Trip
- Average distance: 30–60 km from the coast
- Driving time: 30–50 minutes
- Tip: leave early in the morning to avoid the heat and find parking
- Parking: in most villages it's free outside the town walls
The 10 Best Destinations
1. Gradara – The Castle of the Romagnolo Romeo and Juliet
Distance from Rimini: 25 km (30 min) | From Riccione: 20 km
Gradara castle is one of the best-preserved in Italy. This is where the story of Paolo and Francesca da Rimini — the protagonists of Canto V of Dante's Inferno — is set. The entire medieval village can be explored on foot, with restaurants, artisan workshops and views over the hills of the Marche.
Castle entrance: €6 adults, €2 reduced | Closed: Mondays
2. San Marino – The Medieval Micro-State
Distance from Rimini: 35 km (40 min)
The Republic of San Marino can be visited in half a day. The historic centre (Città Vecchia, UNESCO) is walkable in 2 hours. The three towers are the symbol. Warning: it's full of tourists and duty-free shops — arrive early to beat the 11:00–15:00 crowds.
Tower entrance: €5.50 | Parking: free outside the city, then shuttle bus
3. Santarcangelo di Romagna – The Underground Tunnels
Distance from Rimini: 10 km (15 min)
A hilltop medieval village just a few kilometres from Rimini. The speciality here is the medieval underground tunnels carved into the tufa stone — a system of galleries unique in Europe. The guided tour lasts 45 minutes and is absolutely worth it.
Tunnels: guided tour €7 | Weekly market: Thursday morning
4. Verucchio – The Hilltop Fortress and Chair Craftsmanship
Distance from Rimini: 20 km (25 min)
A village on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Marecchia Valley. Verucchio is famous for two things: the Villanovian Museum (artefacts 3,000 years old) and its traditional craft of wooden and wicker chairs. Best visited in the late afternoon for golden-hour light over the hills.
Museum entrance: €4 | Recommended café: Bar della Rocca with panoramic terrace
5. Saludecio – Village with 360° Views
Distance from Rimini: 35 km (40 min)
A less touristy hilltop village that offers one of the finest views over the entire Valconca valley. Ideal for anyone wanting silence and authenticity. The historic centre can be walked in 30 minutes. In July the famous Saludecio onion festival takes place, well-known throughout the region.
Parking: free | Local restaurant: Trattoria del Borg, fixed menu €18
6. Longiano – The Castle and Art Foundation
Distance from Cesena: 10 km (15 min) | From Cesenatico: 20 km
A hilltop village with a perfectly preserved Malatestian castle. Inside it houses the Tito Balestra Foundation, with works by Morandi, De Chirico and other 20th-century Italian artists. An unusual encounter with art in a medieval setting.
Castle entrance: €5 | Recommended for: art and medieval history lovers
7. Brisighella – Three Towers and the Medieval Village
Distance from Faenza: 15 km | From Rimini: 80 km (1h)
One of Italy's most beautiful villages (certified). Three fortresses on three hills, the characteristic covered "Via degli Asini" (Donkey Lane), thermal baths and olive groves. Further from the coast, but worth a full day. May is the ideal month.
Fortress entrance: €4 | Local speciality: Brisighella DOP extra virgin olive oil
8. Montefiore Conca – The Lesser-Known Castle
Distance from Riccione: 20 km (25 min)
Less visited than Gradara but equally scenic. The Malatestian castle dominates the valley with medieval frescoes inside. Guided tours available at weekends. Views over the Valconca from the top of the towers.
Entrance with guided tour: €6 | Opening: weekends and public holidays only
9. Pennabilli – Art and Villages in the Apennines
Distance from Rimini: 55 km (55 min)
In the heart of the Alta Valmarecchia, Pennabilli is the hometown of Tonino Guerra (screenwriter for Fellini and Antonioni). The town centre is dotted with free outdoor art installations. The atmosphere is completely different from the riviera — silence, cool air, medieval villages.
Best time to visit: May–June, September | Garden of Forgotten Fruits: free entry
10. Terme di Riolo – Relaxation in the Hinterland
Distance from Rimini: 70 km (1h) | From Ravenna: 25 km
If the beach isn't enough, the Riolo Terme thermal baths offer thermal pools, mud treatments and spa services. Ideal for a recovery day after a busy week at work or on the nightlife scene. Prices are more affordable than Tuscan thermal spas.
Thermal pool entrance: €15–22 | Opening hours: 9:00–19:00
How to Organise Your Day
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 | Depart from the coast, breakfast on the way |
| 9:30–12:30 | Visit village or castle |
| 12:30–14:00 | Lunch at a local trattoria (fixed menu €12–20) |
| 14:00–17:00 | Second visit or nearby natural area |
| 17:30–19:00 | Return to the coast for aperitivo |
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes (village streets have uneven cobblestones)
- Water — village fountains have fresh drinking water
- Cash for local restaurants (many don't accept cards)
- Sun protection even in the hinterland in July–August
Useful Links
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