For a route from the Conca Valley to the Tavollo, we recommend visiting various historic villages and places of natural and cultural interest along the Conca Valley, before continuing on to Tavoleto, in the Tavollo area.
A tour of the Conca Valley
Starting from Montefiore Conca, a medieval village home to the famous Rocca Malatestiana – a symbol of the Malatesta family offering a splendid panoramic view of the valley and the sea. Don’t miss the Church of San Paolo, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Bonora and the CAI hiking trails, which are perfect for admiring the natural surroundings.
Continuing on towards Gemmano, a village renowned for its panoramic setting and its proximity to the Onferno Nature Reserve, where you can visit the striking Onferno Caves, carved out of chalky rock.
The Conca Valley also boasts other medieval villages waiting to be discovered, such as Montescudo, Albereto, Saludecio and Mondaino, each with their own historical features and Malatesta-style architecture, often surrounded by walls and castles.
Continue towards Tavoleto (in the Tavollo area)
From Mondaino or Gemmano, you can take the road towards Tavoleto, a village perched on a ridge with a modern castle that stands in place of a destroyed medieval fortress, nestled in a valley of cultivated fields and well-tended woods.
Near Tavoleto lies Cerreto, a small fortified rural village, now almost deserted but steeped in history and full of interesting features.
The route winds through gently rolling countryside, which is ideal for admiring the hilly landscape of the Romagna hinterland.
This itinerary allows you to combine nature, hiking, breathtaking views, art and medieval architecture, whilst enjoying both the villages of the Conca Valley and those around the Tavollo Valley.
How to combine a visit to the Onferno Caves with a trip starting from Conca
To visit the Onferno Caves from the Conca Valley – for example, from Montefiore Conca – you can follow a route by car, on a bicycle or on foot.
By car: From the Conca Valley (Montefiore Conca), Gemmano is easily reached by following the provincial road along the valley floor. The Onferno Caves are situated within the Onferno Nature Reserve near Gemmano. From the Rimini Sud motorway exit, take the road towards Coriano and Gemmano, following the signs for the Onferno Caves. They are about a 10- to 15-minute drive from Montefiore Conca.
By bike or on foot: You can follow a circular route by mountain bike or on foot, starting from Gemmano or near the Onferno Caves. The route is of moderate difficulty, with a few climbs, and is set amidst the natural landscapes of the Conca Valley. It is best to visit the caves as part of a pleasant walk. There are well-signposted CAI trails linking the villages of the valley with the Onferno Nature Reserve, such as the CAI 011 trail and other hiking routes that start from Montefiore Conca, passing through Gemmano and on to the caves.
The Onferno Caves offer guided tours lasting around 90 minutes, featuring particularly evocative underground routes set within a unique natural environment characterised by flora, fauna and karst caves.
In short, to combine a visit to the Onferno Caves with a trip through the Conca Valley: you can get there by car in just a few minutes by following the signs for Gemmano, or set off on a walking or cycling route through the countryside, passing through the villages, and finish with a visit to the caves themselves.
Hiking
Here is a recommended walking route from the Conca Valley to the Onferno Caves, ideal for those who want to combine nature with cultural discovery.
Recommended walking route
The route starts from Montefiore Conca, passing through the village and heading towards Gemmano along CAI path 011.
From Gemmano, follow the well-signposted paths leading to the Onferno Caves Nature Reserve, a route surrounded by greenery with moderate climbs.
The guided tour of the caves lasts around 90 minutes and offers visitors the chance to discover a unique underground world, featuring striking karst formations.
Return to Montefiore Conca via a circular route, passing through scenic spots offering views of the cultivated valley and historic villages.
Useful tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring some water.
Check the timetables for guided tours of the caves and book in advance during the high season.
The route is also suitable for families with children, thanks to its length and moderate difficulty.
Here is a detailed map and some useful information for the CAI 011 walking route from Montefiore Conca to the Onferno Caves via Gemmano:
The CAI 011 trail is a circular route of approximately 11.8 km, with an estimated walking time of 4 hours, classified as a moderate hike.
The route starts in Montefiore Conca and winds through the woods and along the ridges of the valley, passing through Gemmano and the Onferno Nature Reserve, where the caves are located.
Along the way, you can admire the flora and fauna typical of the area, with panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding hills.
Recommended kit: walking boots, water, comfortable clothing.
A map of the trail is available as an official PDF from the Municipality of Montefiore Conca and the Romagna Parks Authority.
Why the Malatesta Fortress in Montefiore Conca is a must-see
The Malatesta Fortress in Montefiore Conca is a must-see, as it is a true historical and artistic gem and a symbol of the Malatesta family’s power in the Conca Valley. Built in the 14th century as a mighty defensive fortress against the Duchy of Urbino, the fortress also became a stately Renaissance residence, hosting illustrious figures such as Louis of Anjou, King of Hungary, and popes such as Gregory XII.
Today, the Rocca stands majestically on a promontory 385 metres above sea level, offering breathtaking views that take in the Romagna coastline from Fano to Ravenna and the surrounding valley, with glimpses of cultivated countryside and hilltop villages. Inside, visitors can admire original frescoes by Jacopo Avanzi, the Emperor’s Hall, the Throne Room and archaeological finds unearthed during excavations, which bring to life what life was like in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Furthermore, the fortress is shrouded in fascinating legends, including that of the ghosts of two young Malatesta lovers, Costanza and Ormanno, which lend an air of mystery to the place. Montefiore Conca and its Malatesta Fortress are recognised as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages and are brought to life by cultural events such as ‘Rocca di Luna’, making a visit not just a journey back in time but a complete cultural experience.
In short, the Rocca is a must-see for its historical, artistic and scenic value, and for the unique atmosphere it exudes; it stands as a symbol of the long and significant history of the Malatesta family in Romagna.
What typical culinary stops can I include along the route?
Along the route from the Conca Valley to Tavollo, you can include a number of stops to sample local specialities that showcase the authentic flavours of Romagna and the areas bordering the Marche region.
Local specialities to try
Traditional Romagna-style piadina, often filled with cured meats such as coppa and salami, local cheeses and vegetables.
Pork and veal, typical of local produce, are often featured in hearty, flavourful dishes.
Cheeses from the valley, including some artisanal cheeses.
Local extra virgin olive oil and wine from the hills of Romagna, such as Sangiovese and Trebbiano, which are very common in the area.
Some notable local specialities include the Montescudo potato, the San Martino loaf and other traditional breads.
Recommended restaurants and places to visit in Montefiore Conca and the surrounding area
Locanda Il Grillo: a typical Romagna restaurant highly regarded for its traditional cuisine and good value for money.
Enoteca Montefiore: to sample local wines paired with dishes and platters of cold meats and cheeses.
Il Sentiero, Ristorante La Polena and Agriturismo La Cerqua: ideal places to sample local dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
A number of farm stays and farms along the valley offer tastings of local specialities and direct sales, making them ideal for a relaxing and authentic culinary break.
Traditional events and markets
During the summer and autumn, there are events and festivals celebrating local produce, such as the piadina festival or festivals dedicated to cured meats and wine.
In particular, the ‘Rocca di Luna’ festival takes place in Montefiore Conca in July, featuring ethnic markets and traditional little restaurants in the village.
These culinary stops round off the tourist itinerary by combining history, nature and flavour, offering an authentic experience of the Romagna hinterland between the Conca Valley and the Tavollo.
