If you love nature and peace and quiet, the Rimini surronding countryside is perfect for you. Ride up into the valleys that cut through the Riviera: either the tame landscape of the Valconca valley, or the wilder Valmarecchia valley.
You can travel by car or on foot along natural paths if you enjoy trekking. Or you can go by bike. Most hotels on the Riviera provide bicycles free-of-charge.
The lush natural surroundings of our region begin not far from the beaches, where the rivers form small lakes between dense vegetation and well-cultivated fields.
During the migration period a number of different bird species come to rest in this area. As you climb further into the valleys you'll discover vineyards, olive groves, and orchards, and then further up, the woods with chestnut and oak trees and green meadows.
A bit further afield
If you prefer to remain near the sea in an area full of pinewoods, the Saline di Cervia (Saltworks of Cervia) is just a few kilometres by car, following the coastline towards North. The saltworks date back 2,000 years.
Here you can learn how salt was extracted many centuries ago and you can enjoy the tranquility and the rich variety of flora and fauna, strolling through the large natural park that surrounds them.
Alternatively, if you have time, you can carry on by car to Ravenna, the city of mosaics (and of pinewoods) until you reach the Po River Delta, where you will find yourself immersed in a magical landscape with channels, small boats silently slipping through the water, rustling reeds and flapping wings.
If you head towards Forlì, you can visit the National park of the Ridracoli Dam, one of the most powerful in Europe, and enjoy the pleasant, green landscape.
nella foto, le grotte di Onferno