Saint Vicinius Cycling Route Unveiled

 

The traditional Cammino di San Vicinio, a walking route of approximately 300 km, was established in 2009 during the celebrations marking the thousandth anniversary of Sarsina Cathedral. Unique in Italy for its distinctive circular layout, the route has now been complemented by a cycle route of the same name, allowing cyclists to explore the same places previously accessible on foot.

The cycling route covers approximately 325 km, with 8,000 metres of elevation gain. Fully signposted and designed to be ridden safely, it is suitable for mountain bikes and gravel bikes, following forest tracks, unpaved roads and quiet tarmac roads.

The San Vicinio Cycle Route can be completed over several days, depending on individual fitness and experience. Along the way, cyclists can stay in charming farm stays, B&Bs, holiday residences and guesthouses, enjoying the warm, personal hospitality traditionally offered to every welcome guest.

The Route Through Romagna and Tuscany

The route starts in Sarsina and reaches Bagno di Romagna, crossing the Casentino Forests National Park. After entering Tuscany, passing through the areas of Camaldoli and La Verna, it returns to Romagna through the municipality of Verghereto. From here, it continues towards the plains around Cesena, crossing the gentle hills of the Upper Rubicone Valley, before returning to Sarsina, the birthplace of the Roman playwright Plautus.

The charming, authentic villages along the route invite cyclists to discover the region’s outstanding culinary traditions and enjoy the peaceful beauty of unspoilt nature.

The Project by the Il Cammino di San Vicinio Association

To support the development of the cycle route as a driving force for tourism in the areas it crosses, the Il Cammino di San Vicinio Association has launched a series of initiatives:

• Training for cycling guides: in collaboration with its technical partner ASC Forlì-Cesena, the association has provided specialist training for 15 mountain bike guides, who will accompany visitors on safe, experience-based cycling tours.
• E-bike rental: an e-bike rental centre will soon open in the historic centre of Sarsina, the starting and finishing point of the cycle route, in collaboration with two local professionals specialising in the sector.
• Tourist packages: the first travel packages have been developed and promoted in partnership with tour operators specialising in slow tourism. These include experiences covering the entire cycle route as well as shorter local tours involving accommodation providers in the area.
• Bike-friendly network: discussions are underway with businesses offering cycling services along the route, with the aim of including them in a network of partner facilities and services.
• Communication: an extensive social media campaign is scheduled to launch shortly on the Il Cammino di San Vicinio Facebook page and the new Ciclovia San Vicinio Instagram page, in collaboration with the Forlì-based agency Essere Elite. The campaign will also feature a series of evocative videos showcasing the beauty of the region, produced by Achille Matassoni.

We firmly believe that this tourism experience will appeal to the many cycle tourists and outdoor enthusiasts looking for an authentic journey of discovery on a mountain bike or gravel bike. We hope it will also help foster a stronger awareness of the region’s tourism potential and encourage a shared commitment to its development.