Why Riccione Should Be Your Next Bike Holiday

Riccione, a coastal town in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, is emerging as a compelling alternative to the country’s more traditional cycling destinations like Tuscany and the Dolomites. Positioned just a short ride from the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by varied terrain, Riccione offers cyclists a unique blend of flat coastal roads and challenging climbs within close proximity. The town’s accessibility is enhanced by its proximity to Bologna Airport, which provides a convenient gateway for international visitors, particularly those from North America, who can also enjoy Bologna’s renowned culinary scene before heading south. The cycling terrain around Riccione is rich in history and diversity. Notably, the nearby Carpegna climb was a favourite training ground of Marco Pantani, the legendary cyclist who won both the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France in the same year. This demanding ascent, with steep gradients and multiple repeats, remains a pilgrimage for cyclists seeking to test themselves on the same roads as the Italian great. Additionally, rides to San Marino, the world’s oldest republic perched atop Monte Titano, offer a blend of cultural heritage and challenging gradients, while the medieval fortress town of Gradara and the Renaissance city of Urbino provide scenic and historic highlights that enrich the cycling experience. Riccione’s appeal is further enhanced by its culinary offerings, which are deeply intertwined with the cycling culture of the region. Emilia-Romagna is famed for its gastronomy, and riders can enjoy local specialities such as fresh piadina, squacquerone cheese, and Prosciutto di Carpegna, often paired with regional wines. The Hotel Dory, a pioneering bike hotel in Riccione, exemplifies this integration of food and cycling, offering guests exclusive access to locally produced delicacies including a house-aged balsamic vinegar, making it an ideal base for exploring the area’s rides and flavours. The region also hosts the Gran Fondo Nove Colli in nearby Cesenatico, the world’s oldest gran fondo event, which attracts riders keen to tackle its nine climbs and nearly 4,000 metres of elevation. This race underscores the challenging nature of the terrain and the deep cycling heritage of the area. With its combination of varied terrain, rich history, and exceptional food culture, Riccione is poised to become a must-visit destination for cyclists seeking a less crowded but equally rewarding Italian bike holiday.