Cycling in Romagna: The Best Bike Routes and Cycle Paths

Romagna is one of the best places in Italy for cycling. The coast is flat with a continuous cycle path from Cattolica to Ravenna. The hinterland offers hilly routes through vineyards and medieval villages. This guide covers everything: the coastal cycle path, inland routes and where to hire a bike if you don't have one.

The Adriatic Coast Cycle Path

The seafront cycle path is one of Romagna's great strengths. It runs almost uninterrupted along the entire riviera, with a few gaps in urban centres.

Cattolica – Rimini (22 km)

Feature	Detail
Distance	22 km (one way)
Difficulty	Very easy (flat)
Surface	Tarmac and dedicated lane
Average time	1h – 1h30

Start at Cattolica, finish at Rimini's molo. The route is almost always separated from traffic. In July–August it gets crowded between 10:00 and 17:00.

Rimini – Cesenatico (30 km)

Feature	Detail
Distance	30 km (one way)
Difficulty	Easy
Surface	Mixed tarmac and cycle path
Average time	1h30 – 2h

The longest and most varied stretch. From Rimini you pass through Viserbella, Torre Pedrera, Bellaria Igea Marina, Gatteo a Mare and arrive at Cesenatico's harbour. The scenery changes constantly.

Cesenatico – Ravenna (50 km)

Feature	Detail
Distance	50 km (one way)
Difficulty	Easy–Medium
Surface	Official cycle path, some gravel sections
Average time	3h – 4h

This stretch passes through the pine forests of Cervia and Milano Marittima. Some kilometres through the pine forest are unpaved (suitable for mountain bikes or gravel bikes). The arrival at Ravenna is rewarded with Byzantine mosaics.

Inland Hill Routes

Valmarecchia – From Rimini Towards San Leo

Distance: 45 km (one way) | Elevation gain: +650 m | Difficulty: Medium–Hard

The Marecchia valley is the classic hill route from the riviera. You cycle along the river with very little traffic. Villages en route: Santarcangelo, Verucchio, San Leo (finish). Final stage: San Leo castle (spectacular views over the valley).

Suitable for: road bike, gravel | Best season: May–June, September

Rimini Hills – Coriano–Misano Circuit

Distance: 35 km (loop) | Elevation gain: +500 m | Difficulty: Medium

A hilly circuit through the Sangiovese di Romagna vineyards. From Riccione you climb towards Coriano, cross the hills and return. Possible stop at the Bellaria winery along the route (wine tasting included).

Suitable for: road bike | Best season: April–October

Cervia Pine Forest – Forest Route

Distance: 15–25 km (loop) | Elevation gain: flat | Difficulty: Easy

The Cervia pine forest is a 1,000-hectare natural oasis between the sea and the salt flats. Completely flat and unpaved, suitable for mountain bikes and city bikes. Inside the forest there are picnic areas and the salt flats (guided tours available).

Suitable for: mountain bike, city bike | Best season: year-round (avoid scorching August)

Where to Hire a Bike

Rental Points on the Coast

City	Service	Price/day
Rimini	Many rentals on the seafront	€10–20/day
Riccione	Rentals near the beach clubs	€12–20/day
Cesenatico	Rentals at the harbour and seafront	€10–18/day
Cervia	Rental in the pine forest and seafront	€8–15/day

Rimini has the Bicittà service with stations throughout the centre. First half-hour free, then €1/30 min.

E-bikes and Cargo Bikes

Available at the main rental points. Average price: €25–40/day. Ideal for the climbs in the hinterland.

Practical Tips

Lights compulsory at night: fine of up to €200 without lights
Helmet: not compulsory for adults, but recommended in the hinterland
Best time in summer: before 9:00 or after 17:30 to avoid the heat
Water: always bring at least 1 litre for inland routes
Useful apps: Komoot and Strava for tracking routes

Trains with Bikes

The regional train on the Rimini–Ravenna and Rimini–Cattolica lines accepts bikes for €3.50 per journey (additional ticket required). Bikes are not permitted on Frecce or Intercity trains.

Cycling in Romagna: The Best Bike Routes and Cycle Paths