Distance: 40,81 km
Difficulty: difficult
Overall gradient: 1.211 m
Uphill gradient: 609 m
Downhill gradient: 605 m
Asphalt stretches: 22 km
Dirt track stretches: 18 km

The itinerary begins near Cattolica in Montalbano Park, a natural balcony overlooking the coast that offers spectacular views of the entire Riviera. It starts with a downhill stretch towards the dam on the River Conca where it joins the cycle path along the river as far as the former mill in Pianventena. From the square, it follows the asphalt road to the crossroads with Via Vallette and after about 1 km passes beside the Tempio Antico Estate. It continues on Via Conca Nuova towards the old town centre of San Giovanni in M. whose history is strictly linked to the great productivity and fertility of these lands, earning it the name of the “Breadbasket of the Malatesta”. From here, the itinerary heads to Montelupo hill where it is possible to admire the vineyards and cellars of the Monsignore Estate. Turning back towards the coast the itinerary crosses wheat, sunflower and alfalfa fields. Next to Fanano Hill, it is possible to admire Gradara Castle, a fine example of 12th century military architecture and our next stop. The itinerary enters Gradara fortress through the main entrance on the south side and exits by a path on the north side, which leads to the valley floor alongside the A14 motorway. In Colombarone on the AR 16, head uphill along path no. 2 of Monte San Bartolo Natural Park. At the top, near the bar, turn onto a narrow path that begins with some cement steps, passes through fields of Spanish broom and opens onto spectacular panoramic views of the Riviera of Romagna with cliffs dropping sheer to the sea. Descend again amid Spanish broom and along some asphalt stretches to a narrow path in the woods that leads to Vallugola Bay, a sandy beach with a small harbour. Return to the PR that leads to Gabicce Monte and then to Cattolica, first along the AR 16 then following short stretches of cycle path along the Conca River back to Montalbano Park.


richiedi subito informazioni