Where to go on a motorbike in Bologna and the surrounding area

From Bologna, you can reach Apennine passes, lakes, picturesque villages and medieval fortresses by motorbike in under 2 hours.

Among the most interesting motorbike routes are the Raticosa Pass, the lakes of Suviana and Brasimone, Tolè, the Corno alle Scale mountain range, Dozza and the Santerno River valley.

Then there are the short trips, such as Monteveglio, which is perfect for an afternoon in the hills, and Pieve di Cento, which takes you into the Bologna plain, amongst porticoes, medieval gates and museums.

The distances given are based on a starting point in the centre of Bologna; they should therefore be regarded as a mere guide and are subject to variation.

The Raticosa Pass and the Futa Pass: the most famous motorbike route

The Raticosa Pass is the most iconic and popular route for those who associate the Bolognese Apennines with motorcycling. It lies at an altitude of 968 metres and has long been a meeting point for those arriving from both the Bolognese and Tuscan sides.

It is here that you’ll find the Chalet Raticosa, the ‘Mecca’ for all motorcyclists who stop off to refuel and socialise.

From the centre of Bologna, it’s about 60 km and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, without stops. One option is to follow the Futa route, the SS65, through Pianoro, Loiano and Monghidoro. After the valley floor, the road climbs with sweeping bends and scenic stretches.

A second route passes through Idice and Monterenzio, along the SP7 Valle dell’Idice. Here, the route takes in the Parco dei Gessi Bolognesi and the Calanchi dell’Abbadessa before climbing towards the Apennines. It is a more undulating route, with several villages and roads that frequently vary in width.

From Raticosa, you can continue for a further 12–15 km towards the Passo della Futa. The road winds through woods, meadows and mountain bends.

A stretch of countryside in the Parco dei Gessi and Calanchi dell’Abbadessa. AI edited

Practical information about the road route

• Type of ride: half-day, or full day including the Futa
• Best time of year: spring, summer and early autumn
• Road: tarmac, with bends, gradients and possibly damp sections in the woods
• Please note: before setting off, check the weather, roadworks and seasonal closures

➝ TIPS: recommended stops

Before reaching the Raticosa Pass, whilst staying on the SS65, stop at the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Boschi and, further up, at the Monte Calvario viewpoint in the municipality of Monghidoro. From here, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of the rolling hills.

In addition, in the municipality of Firenzuola (FI), outside the Bologna area, take a short break at the German Military Cemetery at Futa, a memorial site linked to the Second World War and the Gothic Line. 

Corno alle Scale, Vidiciatico and Cavone: a day in the Upper Apennines

To reach Corno alle Scale, follow the SS64 Porrettana to Silla (BO), then take the SP324 up towards Lizzano in Belvedere and Vidiciatico, before continuing on the SP71 to Cavone.

Set your sat-nav for Cavone, at the foot of the Corno alle Scale mountain range. From the centre of Bologna, it is about 82 km and a 1-hour 35-minute drive, assuming no traffic and no stops.

The initial stretch along the Reno Valley is mainly about making good progress. After Silla, the route changes: the gradient increases, as do the bends and the sections through woodland. The temperature can drop considerably compared to Bologna, even on the same day.

Stop off at Vidiciatico before the final stretch. The village centre still features the four arched entrances, the apse of the old church and the bell tower next to the little square.

A stretch of road towards Corno alle Scale in autumn

Practical information about the road route

• Type of outing: full day
• Ideal time of year: late spring, summer and early autumn
• Road: mountain road, with a continuous climb on the final stretch
• Caution: fog, rain and leaves can rapidly affect road grip
• Seasonal experience: in winter, when the peaks are snow-capped, the Corno alle Scale ski resort opens.

➝ TIPS: recommended stops

On the climb towards Cavone, you can take a detour to the Sanctuary of Madonna dell’Acero. The path to the Dardagna Waterfalls also starts from the sanctuary; this should be tackled on foot and with suitable footwear.

At Cavone you’ll find a small lake, a mountain refuge and access to the trails. The summit (cross) of Corno alle Scale can only be reached on foot after a climb with a considerable elevation gain.

Monteveglio and the Regional Park: a short trip near Bologna

Monteveglio is ideal for those who only have a few hours to spare and want to get out of the city without necessarily having to tackle a mountain pass. It is about 25 km from the centre of Bologna, a journey that takes 35–40 minutes depending on traffic.

You can reach it quickly from Casalecchio di Reno (BO) by taking the SS569 (Nuova Bazzanese) to the Zola Predosa/Bazzano exit, or by following the more leisurely local roads along the SP27 Valle del Samoggia, which climbs towards the ancient village. The roads through the scattered settlement of Valsamoggia wind through fields, vineyards and low hills. The bends are less tight than in the Upper Apennines, with several junctions and farm track access points.

Practical information about the road route

• Type of ride: 3–4 hours
• Best time of year: almost all year round, avoiding frost and fog
• Road: hilly, with local traffic
• Parking: look for a parking space before entering the old village

View of the historic village of Monteveglio (BO)

➝ TIPS: recommended stops

The main cultural stop is the Abbey of Santa Maria Assunta in Monteveglio, founded in the Middle Ages and situated within the fortified village of the same name. The entrance arch and the crenellated tower of the ancient fortress also remain.

If you have more time, you can combine your visit with a trip to the nearby village of Bazzano and the Rocca dei Bentivoglio, commissioned by Matilda of Canossa and made famous by the prominent aristocratic family, the “Bentivoglio”.

Dozza and the Imola hills: a painted village and a route through the vineyards

The painted village of Dozza is one of the most accessible and charming destinations for a half-day motorbike trip.

From the centre of Bologna, it’s about 37 km and takes 40–45 minutes if you take the quickest motorway route; otherwise, follow the SS9 Via Emilia to the hamlet of Toscanella, then turn off onto the SP56, which winds its way up through the vineyards to the walls of Dozza.

The village has a compact, elongated layout and is a delight to explore on foot. The walls of the houses are covered in colourful paintings and murals created as part of the Biennale del Muro Dipinto.

The motorbike route is short, so you can add a few detours between Imola and Dozza, following our guide to art, motorbikes and local flavours.

Practical information about the road route

• Type of trip: half-day
• Best time of year: almost all year round
• Road: urban and hilly
• Please note: car parks can get full at weekends and during events

➝ TIPS: recommended stops

The Rocca di Dozza overlooks the village and houses the museum of the same name. The cellars also home the Emilia-Romagna Regional Wine Cellar.

Leave your motorbike in the car parks outside the walls. The centre is best explored on foot and some streets may have restricted access.

Rocca di Dozza (BO)

How to choose a motorbike ride based on the weather

If you have 3 or 4 hours, choose Monteveglio. It’s close by and the village offers a comprehensive cultural experience without you having to spend the whole day in the saddle.

For a half-day trip, Tolè, Pieve di Cento and Dozza are all good options. Tolè has more bends; Pieve is the choice for flat roads; Dozza combines a short climb with a historic centre rich in art.

For a full day, choose Suviana and Brasimone, Cavone or the Santerno Valley. The Raticosa is in the middle: it can be a short ride or the first part of a loop towards the Futa.

Tolè (BO)

Practical tips before setting off on a motorbike from Bologna

1. Fuel:
   Before setting off from Bologna on your motorbike trip, you can check the nearest petrol station on this map to top up your tank and avoid any nasty surprises along the way.
2. Speed cameras:
   Plan your route before setting off and check the speed camera map so you don’t spoil your fun!
3. Weather:
   Check the weather forecast for both Bologna and your destination’s altitude. In general, pay attention to road conditions in the mountains, where, following bad weather, there may be leaves, damp patches or small landslides.
4. Best practice:
   In the villages, carry on on foot at a leisurely pace and enjoy the scenery, leaving your motorbike in the outdoor car parks.

Inspiration from a hilly landscape featuring a motorbike. Generated by AI.