Valmarecchia: an Itinerary to Discover the Magical Hinterland of Rimini

Valmarecchia, a valley that enchants with history, tradition, and authentic flavours.

Leaving the coast behind, a magical Romagna awaits inland, stretching from Rimini up into the hills towards Tuscany and Marche. This is Valmarecchia, a valley that captivates with its natural landscapes, medieval villages, castles, art, history, and fine cuisine.

Santarcangelo di Romagna: the Village of the “Good Life” in Rimini's Hinterland

The journey begins in Santarcangelo, Romagna's artistic capital and the birthplace of Sangiovese wine. This town, home to dialect poet Raffaello Baldini and screenwriter Tonino Guerra, hosts the International Festival of Street Theatre each year and hides a gallery of underground caves open for exploration.

History and tradition can be felt in its winding streets, lined with artisan workshops, traditional taverns, and remnants of the 15th-century Malatesta Fortress and Sferisterio.

Known as the village of the “good life”, Santarcangelo epitomizes genuine flavours and craftsmanship rooted in tradition, as well as the warm hospitality of Romagna. It’s worth staying here for at least one night to fully experience its charm.

In this spirit, we recommend Villa Ebe, a vintage-inspired B&B just outside the old town, set in a 1940s farmhouse that retains the essence of family summers. Its rooms, a fascinating mix of modern design and vintage touches, offer guests an authentic experience.

If you're seeking an immersion in nature and traditional flavours, Locanda Antiche Macine is the perfect retreat.

Nestled among Santarcangelo's green hills, this ancient 17th-century millhouse offers warm hospitality and a menu celebrating local products, from homemade bread to grilled meats.

With its lovely pool and rustic interiors, Antiche Macine is the ideal setting for events or moments of relaxation, where each dish reflects the passion for Romagna’s cuisine and quality, locally sourced ingredients.

The Rimini Hinterland: Montebello Castle and Verucchio

Leaving Santarcangelo, the journey through Valmarecchia continues towards Montebello and Verucchio.

Perched on the highest point of Montebello, the first stop is the 12th-century Guidi di Bagno fortress, known to many as the Castle of Azzurrina. Here, you’ll be intrigued by the legend of the ghost of Ugolinuccio Malatesta’s daughter, who is said to still haunt the ancient residence.

Meanwhile, in Verucchio, the center of Malatesta power, don’t miss the archaeological museum of Villanovan culture housed in the former Sant’Agostino convent, as well as the extraordinary view from the Rocca del Sasso, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley.

San Leo: Journey into the Fortress Town of Rimini's Hinterland

The Rimini hinterland itinerary concludes in San Leo, a medieval village perched on a cliff above Valmarecchia, offering a journey back in time amid art, mystery, legend, and breath-taking panoramas.

In the prison of its famous fortress, open to the public, the legendary Count Cagliostro was imprisoned for life on charges of heresy. Strolling through its streets, you’ll encounter noble palaces, ancient churches, and the legendary fountain from which Saint Francis drank on his journey, now symbolized by a fountain.

In the heart of the village, a stop at Osteria La Corte di Berengario II is a must, welcoming visitors with a charming atmosphere: ancient stones, exposed beams, and rustic furnishings evoke the past, while the menu offers local specialties such as porcini mushrooms, Montefeltro meat, and fossa cheese.

A land of dreamers and poets, warm and welcoming, with its landscapes and millennia-old history, the Rimini hinterland awaits to offer you unique experiences and a remarkable journey through culture, tradition, and authentic flavours. Don’t miss this itinerary!