Valconca: an ode to hills, villages and nature, just a stone’s throw from the sea

There are places that seem as though they were made to be portrayed through light. The Valconca, in the province of Rimini, is one such place: a valley that reveals itself bend after bend, with its medieval villages, i hilly landscapes and the genuine atmosphere of the Rural Romagna.
It is a region that reveals itself gradually, ideal for those who love observe, walk and take photographs. From the hills overlooking the Adriatic to the woods of the hinterland, every view invites you to pause, take a breath and let yourself be inspired.

A mosaic of nature and colours

Landscapes that change with the seasons

La Nature in the Valconca It is vibrant, ever-changing and exciting. The the River Conca, after which the valley is named, winds its way through rolling hills, cultivated fields and small woods until it reaches the sea.

In autumn, the colours come to life: the vineyards and the woods they take on shades of red and gold, creating a spectacular foliage which attracts photographers and travellers.
In spring, the meadows are in bloom and the paths are filled with cyclists and walkers. In summer, the light grows intense and transforms every view into a painting; whilst in winter The fog and mist lend the valley an intimate and mysterious atmosphere.

Those who enjoy slow tourism will find here hiking trails e cycle or e-bike routes, such as the The Conca Cycle Route or the footpaths linking the villages in the valley, amongst olive groves, vineyards and Malatesta fortresses.

The villages of the Valconca

History, art and breathtaking views

Every village in the Valconca tells a story of the Malatesta family and offers a unique vantage point from which to view the world.

• Montefiore Conca It is the symbolic heart of the valley. With its Malatesta Fortress which dominates the landscape all the way to the sea, is situated amongst the Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages and was awarded the Touring Club’s Orange Flag. From the Big Bench #310, a giant bench nestled amongst the hills, from where the view stretches across the entire valley as far as the Riviera.

• Mondaino captivates with her semicircular square, the medieval walls and the sweeping views of the Adriatic. A place that combines art, history and authenticity, and is the setting for historical re-enactments and traditional festivals.

• Montegridolfo, perfectly preserved, is a gem nestled between two valleys. Its cobbled streets, towers and the Malatesta castle offer picture-postcard views.

• Best regards, the “city of painted walls”, is an open-air museum: the façades of the houses tell the story of nineteenth-century inventions and dreams, making it one of the most creative and lively villages in the valley.

• San Giovanni in Marignano, also known as “The Malatesta Granary”, retains its medieval layout and an atmosphere that straddles history and craftsmanship. Its cellars and shops bring the historic centre to life all year round.

• Gemmano, perched on the hills, is the gateway to the Onferno Caves, a natural masterpiece protected as Designated Nature Reserve e UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Onferno Caves

A journey to the centre of the Earth

Nthe territory of Gemmano Here lies one of the most extraordinary places in the Rimini hinterland: the Onferno Caves, a karst system carved out of chalk by the slow action of water. The route, which is accessible with caving guides, passes through caves, stalactites, stalagmites and underground passages, home to rare species of bats and a unique biodiversity.
On the outside, the Onferno Nature Reserve offers scenic walks, woodlands of downy oak and hornbeam and wildlife viewing spots. It is one of the most popular spots amongst nature photography enthusiasts.

Hiking, cycle tourism and slow tourism

Experiences for those who love getting out and about in nature

The Valconca is the perfect destination for those who love outdoor tourism. There are numerous walking and cycling routes, all of which are well signposted.

Some of the most picturesque routes include:

• the Path of Love and the Sulphurous Waters Trail a Sassofeltrio, which offer unobstructed views of the valley and San Marino;

• the The Malatesta Trail, a route that combines spirituality and history, taking in fortresses, parish churches and ancient mule tracks;

• the Green Road Valconca, a cycle route linking Morciano di Romagna to the seaside, passing through the rural landscapes of the plain.

For the more adventurous, there’s no shortage of experiences such as trekking in the woods of Albereto o e-bike rides through the hills, with stops to sample local wines and traditional specialities.

Flavours of Romagna

Food, wine and traditions to be savoured at a leisurely pace

The Valconca is also a land of authentic flavours. The hills produce excellent wines — from the Sangiovese DOC at Pagadebit — and high-quality olive oils.
In taverns and farm stays, people are rediscovering the traditional Romagna country cuisine: handmade pasta, piadina, cheeses, cured meats and traditional desserts.
Among the specialities not to be missed are: the cappelletti in broth, the tagliatelle with meat sauce, the piadina with squacquerone and rocket, and the Colli di Rimini DOC wines, which tell of the deep bond between the land and those who cultivate it.

When to visit and how to get there

Practical tips for your trip to Valconca

The Valconca is beautiful in every season, but the best times to visit are spring and theautumn, when the colours and light make the landscape particularly photogenic.

• How to get there: The valley is easily reached from Rimini, following the SS16 to Cattolica and then the provincial roads that lead up towards Morciano di Romagna, the gateway to the valley.

• How to get around: The best way to explore it is by car, bicycle o e-bike, so you can stop whenever you like in the villages and at the scenic viewpoints.

• Where to sleep: Farm stays, B&Bs and rural guesthouses offer a warm, family-style welcome and relaxing views.

• Events not to be missed: the San Gregorio Fair in Morciano (March), the Palio del Daino in Mondaino (August) and the autumn festivals dedicated to local produce.

Valconca, the unhurried heart of Romagna

La Valconca It is a place that invites you to slow down, to experience the journey with curious eyes and an open heart. It is the Romagna of tranquillity and panoramic views, of villages frozen in time, of sunsets that set the sea ablaze and of hills that smell of earth and history.

An invitation to rediscovering true beauty, to let oneself be surprised by the details, to look at the world with wonder.
Because in Valconca, every step, every sprint, every encounter becomes a little story to remember.